The early California sunlight is blinding me as I open my eyes after a successful night of sleep. I wonder what this sunshine state has in store for me today?

Allow me to introduce myself. I’m 16-year-old Spencer Carlin and I just moved from the state of Ohio because of my mom’s place of work.  I have a wonderful family consisting of a mother and father, and two older brothers. Clay, my adopted brother, has always been so amazing to me and we’ve always been really close. As for Glen, my brother “the ass”, we constantly fight and bicker over the tiniest things. But deep down we still love each other, through the thick and the thin. My dad, Arthur Carlin, is a social worker and he works in Orange County. I’ve always been daddy’s little girl, and he has always supported me for the decisions I make. And Paula, my mother is a nurse who works in downtown Los Angeles. Yes, she may be a good mother to provide us with food, clothing, and a place to sleep; but… she’s not one too understand nor accept.

As I sit up in bed rubbing my eyes and yawning, I hear a knock at my door.

“Spencer, get up, we’re spending today at the beach.” My father says in a very happy tone.

I smile because I love the beach. I love the sun shining down on the ocean, the sand in between my feet. But in general, I love southern California. Los Angeles, Orange County, Hollywood; you name it, I love it.

“Hey Dad” I yell. “Can I invite Marissa? Her crazy, psychopathic mother is leaving to Europe today with her gross step dad.”

“Hey! Be respectful to the man. Caleb Nichol only owns the city I work in. And yes honey, that’s fine. Tell her we’ll pick her up in about an hour or two.”

“Alright, thanks dad, you’re the best!”

Marissa Cooper has been my best friend ever since I had moved down here. I met her through my father at his work. Since he works with troubled teens, my dad told me her whole crazy back round history, and all she needed was a new friend. Marissa has always been a good friend. She understands me and has supported my decision on my sexual orientation.