The local bonfire to kick off summer break wasn’t much different from the ones back home. Well, okay, it was a little different. In my town, I’d never actually been to one. I’d heard plenty about these dumb parties where alcohol flows like water and everyone’s trying to push some sketchy substance on you. That’s just not my scene. Sticking to tradition, a huge bonfire roared on the beach, surrounded by a crowd of young people. That’s about it.
Oh, and of course, there were the classic red plastic cups littering the entire beach by morning.
Following Alex’s advice, I wore shorts and a tank top. Only after we got to the beach did he mention that all the newbies get tossed into the ocean. Apparently, it’s some kind of initiation into their crew. He said he’d hate to see a dress or skirt end up over my head while they dragged me to the water.
“Can we skip this part, Alex?” I groaned. “I’m not exactly a newbie, just temporary.” I laughed.
We approached a group of people gathered around a smaller fire.
“Hey, everyone, meet Crystal, our cousin. Go easy on her—she’s stuck with us for the next three months!” Alex introduced me. Then he started naming everyone one by one, but I just smiled politely and nodded. No way I’d remember all those names. When he got to “Mike,” though, my eyes snapped to the guy. He gave me a mock salute and took a sip from his red cup.
“And this is Andrew!” Alex finally finished.
A young guy named Andrew walked over to me and ran his finger along the chain around my neck. He leaned in close to inspect the two pendants: one with the initial of my name, the other a gold cross studded with tiny stones.
“Pretty, but super girly!” His breath hit me, and I wrinkled my nose. He rolled up his sleeve to show off a tattoo of a massive rose. “Check this out! Now that’s cool!”
Seriously? And who’s the ‘girly’ one here?
Before I could respond, Kim yanked me by the arm and plopped me down next to Mike. He pointedly turned away from me.
“Hey, I know you!” a bubbly blonde chirped. “You’re that hot drummer’s girlfriend from Pensacola. I follow their band online.”
Unbelievable. Even here, Dan’s fangirls won’t leave me alone. Within a minute, she’s showing everyone a photo of Dan scooping me up in his arms while we’re laughing together.
“Ashley, who cares?” Kim interjected, waving her hands dramatically. “Sorry, Chris, but she’s the only one here obsessed with lame rock music. So what if she’s dating the drummer from ‘Sherwood’? Big deal.”
Thanks for sticking up for me, I guess, but I’m starting to see why Kim doesn’t have many girl friends. Cross her, and she’ll bite your head off.
“It’s not just rock!” Ashley shot back. “It’s alternative rock!”
Kim rolled her eyes. Meanwhile, my phone started “drumming”—literally, since my ringtone is one of Dan’s drum riffs.
“Hey, babe, how’s it going?” his voice came through as I picked up.
Mike glanced at me indifferently before taking another swig from his red cup.
“Yo, Mike, I saved something for you! It’s in the car. You in?” Andrew appeared out of nowhere. When did he even leave?
“Nah, thanks, man,” Mike replied.
“I’m in!” Alex piped up.
“Where are you at?” Dan asked, sounding a little suspicious. I pressed the phone to my chest and told Kim I’d be back in a sec, then headed toward the ocean.
“I’m at a party for the start of summer break,” I finally answered my boyfriend.
“Oh, so this is your ‘torture’? Not bad. I wouldn’t mind that kind of punishment myself.”
“Cut it out! I’m just here with Kim and Alex. Weren’t you planning to hit up the bonfire in Pensacola tonight?”
“Yeah, I’m at Kate’s right now. She says hi,” he said, and I heard some muffled squeak in the background.
“You’re at her place? I thought she wasn’t going anywhere!” Silence hung heavy for a moment. Then Dan let out a short sigh and continued.
“She asked me to drop off some meds.”
Yeah, earlier today on the phone, my friend had complained about feeling too sick to go out. Seriously? She couldn’t find another ‘doctor’ to help her?
“Alright, babe, text me when you’re tucked in. I gotta go—they’re waiting for me.”
“Okay!” I hung up. A weird feeling started swelling inside me, pressing on my chest.
“She’s done!” a voice called from behind.
I turned around. Mike was walking toward me. I froze. Was he about to make good on all his threats right now?
A small crowd started gathering behind him. Something was off…
“Hand over the phone,” he said, holding out his hand but looking away.
Like I was under a spell, I gave it to him. He took the phone and tossed it to Kim, who caught it with ease. Then Mike started peeling off his shirt. Is he going for a swim? Then why’d he take my phone?
“What’s going on?” I heard shouts and giggles behind Mike.
“Your choice—willingly or by force?”
“What are you talking about?!”
“By force it is, then!” He let out a frustrated huff and lunged at me. In a split second, I was over his shoulder. Oh my God, he’s so tall! I’m terrified of heights!
“Hey!” I started squirming. “Put me down! What are you doing?” I tried to wriggle free from his grip. But if he let go now, I’d hit the ground hard from this height. How tall is this guy?
Mike gave me a light smack on the butt and muttered, “I don’t wanna go home soaked either, but what can you do? You got me as your initiator. Don’t think this is payback for your attitude or that middle finger you flashed at me. You’ll pay for those later. Just wait.”
“You’re the one who cut us off and flipped us off first!” I shot back, trying to justify myself. I could hear the sound of waves beneath me. Mike had waded into the water up to his waist before hurling me into the ocean.
BOOM! Then silence… No noise… no voices… just an eerie quiet and darkness. I didn’t dare open my eyes. I just stayed underwater until my lungs screamed for air, and I broke the surface. A wave crashed over me right away, but I managed to stay afloat.
On the shore, triumphant cheers erupted. Only Alex stood there, arms crossed, looking annoyed. Thanks to him for making me wear shorts!
“You’re such an idiot!” I splashed at Mike. I regretted it instantly because he looked seriously pissed.
“Damn it…” His eyes dropped to a large white bandage covering something on his left ribs. “I didn’t wanna get this wet! Alright, kid, you’ve pushed me too far!”
I tried to swim away, but it was too late. He grabbed my leg and pulled me toward him, pressing me against his wet body. Without thinking, I wrapped my legs around his waist and clung to his shoulders. It was a good move because Mike dunked us both underwater again.
When I realized I couldn’t hold my breath any longer, I started struggling, but he held me tight. Only after a few more seconds did we surface. Another wave hit us, but Mike stood firm.
We froze in that position.
Close.
Too close.
I could feel his breath on my lips. There was no hint of alcohol. Had he not been drinking? Instead, I caught a whiff of something sweet. Pepsi, maybe?
“Hey! What are you two stuck on out there?” Alex shouted.
When we got back to the beach, Kim handed me a towel.
“Brought this just for you!” she beamed.
“Thanks, you’re a lifesaver!” I snorted. “I’m heading home. I don’t wanna stay in wet clothes.”
“Want me to walk you?” Alex asked.
“Nah, I’m good. I remember the way.”
“Here’s your phone,” he said, handing it over. “I saved my number in it. Text me when you get there.”
“Will do!” I smiled, melting at his concern. Say what you will, but it’s nice having an older brother—even if he’s only a little older.
As I approached the street where I’m staying temporarily, I couldn’t shake the feeling that someone was following me. Like, practically on my heels.
Instead of speeding up to get home faster, I slowed my pace. Mike caught up to me.
“Don’t get any ideas. I’m not stalking you,” he said, as if reading my mind. “I just don’t wanna be wet any more than you do.”
We walked the rest of the way in complete silence. Near Mike’s house, a man was sitting on the steps.
“Look at that, right on time! Maybe we’ll cut your punishment short for good behavior,” the man said. He stood up, then immediately turned gray with anger. “Why the hell are you all wet?” he demanded sternly.
“Sorry, sir!” I felt the need to jump in. “It’s my fault. I went into the water and misjudged my strength. Mike saved me!”
Mike shot me a surprised look. I could see silent gratitude in his eyes. Looks like I just helped him dodge a fight with this guy, whoever he is.
“I’m your new neighbor,” I added, wrapping up the conversation. “Good night!” I turned and headed toward my aunt’s house.
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