preview

Oceanside Relaxation Academy: A Short Story

Decent Essays

Shopping malls, fast food restaurants, and at least ten different Starbucks, in a fifteen-mile radius, surround Oceanside Relaxation Academy. The Academy is located seventeen minutes from the Baldwin Hill Academy, which is in West Hollywood. The car jerks to a stop as Danielle pulls into the Academy’s parking lot and finds a parking spot. “Mani-pedi?” She looks at me and grins. “Sure.” I shrug my shoulders, it beats crying alone in my dorm. The inside of Oceanside Relaxation Academy is calming, peaceful and inviting. A fake waterfall is plastered to the wall adding to the soothing lull. The walls are a pale-yellow with low-lit hanging lights, and big gray beanbag chairs are scattered throughout the lobby. Danielle walks up to the front desk and makes a reservation. …show more content…

“It’s alright.” She says slowly, drawing out her words, then sees the curious look on my face and quickly adds, “The staff is really helpful and informative.” Before I can respond, the receptionist calls out, “Viola Thunderbottom?” I scan the lobby, looking for the poor soul who has such an unfortunate name, and nobody gets up. The room is completely silent as the receptionist calls out the name again. The silence that follows is excoriating, I can feel as if I'm stuck on the "It's a Small World" ride at Disney. And, then Danielle burst out laughing. “Come on. That’s us.” I snort. “You did not just write Viola Thunderbottom!” The receptionist gives us the death glare, before directing us to the manicures and pedicures station. As soon as we’re out of view we both start giggling uncontrollably. We sit down at the manicure table and wait for the nail technicians. “Where are you from?” I ask organizing the nail polish bottles by colors, and pushing them into a straight line. Danielle stares at my organizing as she answers, “I’m from San Diego, it’s not too far.” “I bet it’s nice being so close to

Get Access