Calla
I stand on the beach letting my toes sink into the sand for the last time. I know Caydence is waiting for me, and that we have to go but I just need this moment for myself first. I close my eyes and let the breeze wash over me. Breathe in the salt air. Then I take a step back and head towards our apartment before Caydence sends out a search party for me.
When I open the door, I hear her rooting around in my room.
"I was coming." I state.
"I know." She says not turning around.
She zips my suitcase and stands back. Here work complete. I hear the door open as Collin enters.
"Ready ladies?" He asks taking our suitcases for us.
"Let's get this over with." I mutter following them out to the uber waiting. I jump in the front seat and watch the beach disappear. The ride to the airport a short one.
Fifteen months ago, after I graduated high school, I left. I came all the way to Hawaii to get my shit together. And now, I'm going back. My parents begged and pleaded until I relented. It's one summer.
We board the plane and I lean my head back. The flight will take twelve hours. It's not a fun one and the jet lag is terrible. We'll get in at four in the morning, sleep most of the day away, recuperate. Then the next day we'll meet our parents. The towns doing some giant block party to kick off the summer and all of our parents are volunteering there. Fun.
Once we hit land again, we head to the apartment Collin rented for the three of us on the outskirts of town. We take our bags to our rooms and crash hard.
When I wake it's to the sound of laughter. I glance at the clock. Nine at night. The best sleep I've had in a long time. I throw my hair up into a bun and stick my head out. Max Bellows grins at me.
"Hey." I say walking over to him. He hugs me tightly.
"Hey yourself, you look wonderful Calla."
"Thank you. This is a nice surprise." I sit down and Caydence hands me a slice of pizza.
"I brought dinner and cards." Max explains. He deals the cards, and we play well into the night. At one in the morning, he heads home, and we clean up before heading back to bed.
I sit on the bed wondering if I'll be able to sleep. Being so close to where everything bad happened to me. Just as I get up to get my pills, Caydence comes in with them in her hand and a glass of water.
"Thanks." I smile.
"Get some rest."
She leaves me to it. I lie down and finally text my parents that we have indeed arrived and that I will see them in the afternoon tomorrow.
