Chapter 1
I turned sideways analyzing how the white bathing suit looked on my body.
“Venus can we fucking leave.” I internally groaned. I was over my sister and her nasty attitude. I glanced at myself in the mirror one last time before sliding on the blue and white romper that was draped across my bed. I didn’t want to be late to the first bonfire of the summer but I also didn’t want Halley thinking that she could bark commands at me like some sort of drill sergeant, so I sat at my vanity deciding I might as well take advantage of my predicament and beat my face.
I smiled smugly facing the open, traffic free, road ahead knowing that Halley was sulking in the seat beside me. Throughout the drive I noticed her open her mouth and close it multiple times conflicted between speaking and giving me the silent treatment.
“You might as well speak your mind.” I muttered pulling into a parking spot close enough to the action.
“Listen once we step foot on the sand I don’t know you and you don’t know me copy?” I rolled my eyes at her dramatics.
“Right because no one knows that we’re sisters it isn’t like we grew up with these people or anything.” In this tiny coastal town of ours everyone knew everyone so pretending like we didn’t know each other would be an impossibility.
“Just keep your distance. Thanks.” With that she climbed out of my car and slammed the door with such a force that the whole frame shook. I usually never paid Halley’s rotten moods any mind but there were certain times where she provoked me including this one. I grabbed my phone and keys, and hopped out the car after her.
“If you are going to be slamming doors fine your own ride next time.” I felt my blood boiling but didn’t allow it to take over. It was the first day of summer vacation and I wasn’t going to let Halley the raging witch ruin it for me.
“How about next time you stop being worthless and fat !” I opened my mouth then closed it again unable to find the words to say.
I wasn’t fat by any means and I knew that but, I was still a bit curvier than Halley which often caused bouts of insecurity to flare up within me which Halley knew and played to her advantage. I moved past her without uttering a word. Halley and I often fought over the most trivial things but never had it gotten so bad and never has she stooped so low.
“Venus shit I’m-” I blocked out the sound of her insincere apology speed walking away from her trying to put as much distance between us as possible. It seemed as if all the party goers had witnessed our altercation because they all stood there mouth gaped open. I pushed my way through the crowd towards Kelly who I had thankfully localized.
“Are you okay.” She muttered into my hair while holding me close to her chest. I heaved my shoulders up as if I had the whole world standing on top of them.
“It’s whatever it’s not like everyone else hasn’t thought it, she just had the balls to say it to my face.” Kelly’s eyes grew wide her nose flaring a little bit.
“Sis what? Have you seen yourself, and all that you have achieved. Just because your sister is jealous of all that you’ve accomplished that she hasn’t, doesn’t mean that her hate filled words are remotely even close to the truth. You are an honor student, you play softball and volleyball and are great at them might I add, you started the schools dance team and led them to nationals, you are a cheerleader, and on top of all that you are drop dead gorgeous with a killer body. Don’t let anyone, and I mean ANYONE ever make you forget that.” I didn’t say anything because for the first time in my life I was left speechless twice in one night.
I held her tight in my arms grateful that although I didn’t have a blood sister who cared for me I was gifted a soul sister who made up for it. The little sister I had always wanted.
“I have news that I know will cheer you up.” I let go intrigued.
“Do tell.” She smirked raising a suggestive eyebrow. But I wasn’t expecting the words that came out her mouth.
“Rebecca and Trevor are no longer.” Confused by her wording I pressed for more context.
“Rebecca came to the house last night and broke up with Trevor. Your prince charming is now single.” The news should have made me happy but instead it filled me with sadness at the thought of a heartbroken Trevor.
“Well, that certainly isn’t the reaction I was expecting from someone whos been in love with my brother since forever.” I felt the heat crawl up my neck at the mention of my slight infatuation with Trevor.
“First of all I am not in love with your brother. Second it’s just that she made your brother super happy despite her being the wicked witch of the west. I’d rather Trevor be happy with her than single and heartbroken.” Kelly nodded in understanding.
“You’re a good person Venus Nova do you know that?” I flipped my hair over my shoulder dramatically.
“I try. Now can we stop mopping around in the middle of a party like a bunch of weirdos and go have fun?”
“And she’s back.” Kelly sighed in relief linking her arm with mine. Despite the party being hosted and attended by a bunch of minors there was a huge table piled with liquor of all sorts which I led Kelly and I to.
“Aren’t you driving?” Kelly questioned as she watched me pour rum and coke into a red solo cup.
“Nope tonight I am getting white girl wasted and either crashing at Amaris’s place or in my car if it comes down to it.” She let out a rumbling laugh her eyes crinkling at the ends.
“If you get alcohol poisoning I am not coming to the rescue, you are on your own.” I held my chest in mock hurt.
“What a great friend you are. Amazing! Ten ten recommend.” Again Kelly’s signature laugh rippled through her chest which in turn caused me to laugh as well.
After our laughing fest simmered down Kelly led me to the bonfire at the center of the party, where beach chairs were scattered about Halley and Trevor occupying two of them. A hint of jealousy bubbled up in my chest as I watched the interaction between them. Although I would never verbally admit it, everyone knew of my ever present crush on Trevor including Halley. Now I don’t know if it was just to spite my sister like I knew she was spiting me or if it was out of purely innocent intention but I approached them Kelly in tow.
“Sorry to interrupt.” I voiced looking directly at Trevor not daring to glance at the female sitting next to him.
“I heard about you and Rebecca, sorry ... That seems like such a stupid phrase to use considering people use it when someone has passed away and Rebecca obviously hasn’t and even if she had passed away it would still be useless, but I don’t know what else to say.” I tapered off mentally slapping myself for the nervous babble.
“I just wanted to say I understand what you’re going through and if you ever wanted to talk I’ve been told I’m a good listener despite my talkative tendencies.” I stated trying to redeem myself and was rewarded with a deep, toe curling, chuckle that made my heart flutter.
“If I can put my two cents in I say take the offer this is the first time I’ve seen you crack a genuine smile since you’ve talked to Rebecca.” At that moment I was more grateful for Kelly than ever before.
“Not trying to be super forward or anything but how about we go for a run...” I noticed my mistake as soon as it slipped out my mouth we obviously couldn’t go on a run although runs were what usually solved everything for me, or at least that’s what it seemed like.
“I mean a walk on the beach. I’m so use to going on runs when I’m trying to clear my mind that sometimes I forget that runs aren’t appropriate for every situation like a party for instance.” Kelly pinched the inside of my skin to stop my nervous word vomit. But I didn’t mind it because it had made Trevor chuckle once again filling me with an immense amount of joy.
“I don’t run but I’ll take you up on that walk on the beach offer.” He looked to left of him where I had all but forgotten that Halley was sitting.
“You don’t mind do you?” Suddenly my hope of alone time with Trevor was gone. Halley would do everything in her power to spite me so I was just kissing my opportunity goodbye. That was until she opened her mouth and surprised me.
“Sure, who am I to say no?”
