The following week at school feels like it drags on forever.That’s probably because Lucas and I aren’t able to train due to the cold weather that’s raging on, and the fact that all of the students at Shadow High have been busy with finals to mark the end of the winter semester.As dreadful as this week has been in all my classes, I’ve been looking forward to the vacation at the beach house which is next week.James has been excited too, and every time I see him he’s gushing about how he can’t wait to spend all day on the beach.Normally, I didn’t go outside too often because the hot weather didn’t agree with me but hearing him talk about it so much made me want to go.Even Lucas seemed excited, which was funny considering he wasn’t happy to be going with just Victoria at first.But as much as Lucas may not have wanted to go, I felt like he deserved some time away from his father and the business. I could tell that things had been weighing on him lately, especially after the argument
Tomorrow is the day we leave, meaning today, Lucas, James, and I are doing some last minute shopping.In our group chat yesterday, James was complaining that he didn't have anything to wear.James: Guys, this is so embarrassing.Lucas: How is it possible that you don't own a pair of swim trunks?James: Lucas, when do I ever go swimming? Do I look like a swimmer to you?Shana: He's got a point, he definitely doesn't look like a swimmer.James: I know I brought it up, but.. now that I'm thinking about it-- it's a little insulting.Lucas: What's insulting?James: Shana said I definitely don't look like a swimmer. Key-word, definitely.Shana: You look like you'd rather be in the kitchen, eating all the contents inside of the refrigerator instead of doing laps in a pool.James: Well, I guess I can't argue with there. I would definitely rather do that. Ugh, now you made me hungry again!The three of us were currently walking around the mall, trying to help James find the "perfect" thing to
The journey to the beach house was a mixture of excitement and nerves, swirling like a whirlwind in my chest.James, Lucas, and I decided to travel together in the car while Victoria told us she would meet us there with her friend.The car was alive with chatter, laughter, and the occasional debate about conspiracy theories, thanks to James -- he kept us entertained the entire time.The scenery outside shifted from city skyscrapers to quaint, rural towns, until finally, the breathtaking coastline greeted us.The oceanside was so powerful, the scent of sun and sand greeted my nostrils.James drove the car up a long unfished driveway, leading up to a bright blue beach house.As we got closer and closer to the beach house, my eyes widened in awe.It was a two-story beauty, painted in soothing shades of white and blue that perfectly mirrored the sea.And as I jumped out of the car, stretching my tired and aching limbs, the sound of crashing waves gave a melodic soundtrack to our arrival.
Our makeshift beach camp was a sight for all to behold—beach towels, umbrellas, and an array of snacks and drinks sprawled out in a perfect semi-circle.I was ready to soak in the sun and close my eyes while listening to the waves, but the moment Victoria's voice piped up, my anticipation clashed with my insecurities."Lucas, could you be a dear and help me by putting some sunscreen on my back?" Victoria's voice dripped with sugary sweetness.I sat up from the towel I had just laid down on, using my hand as a visor to cover the sun from my gaze.My eyes involuntarily darted to Lucas, who agreed to Victoria's request with a polite smile.My stomach churned with a strange mix of envy and annoyance.Ugh, I didn't want to watch this.I quickly averted my eyes, pretending to be fascinated by the seagulls flying above me instead.Jealousy was not a trait I was proud of, and I wasn't about to show it.But I was a little hard to ignore when the two of them were standing right next to me.Cou
"Alright, don't take this the wrong way," Victoria began, her tone curiously measured, "but I'm a little surprised that you've been friends with James and Lucas since childhood."Emily chimed in, a knowing smile curving her lips. "Yeah, with most of my childhood friends—well—besides Victoria, of course, I've lost touch with all of them."I chuckled, shifting my gaze between the two of them."Well, it's actually a funny story," I said, reminiscing about the crazy twists and turns that had brought Lucas and me back together.We'd been chatting for a while now, and I realized that time had slipped away.The boys had been playing with the ball, lost in their world of competitiveness, while we were deep into a more comfortable web of conversation.It was interesting—what they had said earlier about the difference in talking with a group of girls versus boys was proving to be quite true.It was so much more fun with girls.No offense to James and Lucas, of course.There are only so many ti
The store was only a short walk down the beach, and the sun was slowly starting to set.As it painted the horizon with hues of dark orange and pink, our laughter echoed as we strolled along the sandy path to a nearby grocery store."You almost hit him in the eye!" Emily giggled as we talked about James's face from moments ago. "He looked terrified.""Ugh, only for a second!" Victoria whined. "Stupid Alpha males and their quick reflexes.""Hey, I think you just got James on a good day," I commented. "Usually, his reflections are subpar.""Oh trust me," Victoria said with an evil smile forming on her face. "I plan to get my revenge.""Please don't make that face," Emily whispered, hiding behind me. "It scares me when you're angry.""I'm not angry, just determined." Victoria swung her hair over her shoulder as she strutted in front of us.Emily turned to me, shaking her head before following after her. I smiled as I tagged along.When we finally reached the grocery store, I realized that
The next day, we decided to go to the beach and hopefully forget all about the day before.I still felt so horrible about what had happened to Victoria, and I could tell she was just trying to forget all about it, so I didn't bring it up.Thankfully, the beach was the perfect distraction.It stretched out before us like an endless canvas, the sound of waves providing calmness to our day. The sun was out, but it wasn't too hot outside. It was as if we were blessed with the perfect weather today.Everything seemed to feel that way until the tension slowly crept into our midst.Lucas's phone buzzed, shattering the calm like a rock thrown into a still pond.When he glanced down at his phone, his face shifted from unbothered to concerned. He frowned as he picked up the phone, "Hello?"As he listened to the voice on the other end, his frown only deepened. "Yes, sir. I'm sorry."Immediately, I realized it was Kendrick. No wonder his face had turned so sour.A cloud seemed to form over his fe
James's idea for everyone to drink ended up being one of the best ideas he'd ever had.By the time the sun was beginning to decline into the horizon, we were all feeling comfortably content.Everything was funny and stories floated out of our mouths carelessly.It was safe to assume that everyone was buzzed, especially James who became even more talkative and bubbly -- if that's even possible."Should we head back?" Lucas asked, pointing out how the sky was starting to turn golden orange. "I'm starving.""Hey!" Lucas jumped up, slinging an arm over Lucas's shoulder. "That's my line!"Our laughter from the beach still echoed in the air as we packed up our things and walked back to the beach house.I couldn't wait to get all the sand off my body, shower, and put on clean clothes. There really was no better feeling than spending all day in the sun and cleaning yourself afterward.I was already imagining the amazing sleep I would get tonight.Lucas unlocked the back door as we filtered in