an ingenuous look come across his face. He quickly disappears diving underwater. I look around to find him, but I can’t see him anywhere. I don’t trust him. I know he’s up to something.
My legs try to handle the cold water as I prepare to run back out. But before I can take one step a splash sprinkles on my back. I whip around just in time to see Austin’s arms coming in my direction. In one swift move he scoops me up.
“Austin! No!” I manage to scream before he throws me in the water bringing a cold shock to my hot skin. I come back up to see him, Farrah, and Josh laughing their heads off. “You’re an ass!” I take my hand and splash water towards him, which only makes him come after me again. I try to escape but he’s too fast for me. Once again he picks me up and tosses me into the water like I’m some beach toy.
I come back up and try to keep a firm face as I glare at him. His goofy smile disappears. I try my best to keep my guard up but the part of me that’s actually having fun can’t hold my composure any longer and I begin to laugh, which makes him laugh again.
We all play in the water for another hour. Many times Farrah falls prey to Josh’s arm. She’s on cloud nine right now. I’m so happy for her.
I on the other hand swim around, trying my best to ignore Austin, but he makes it so hard. He keeps swimming along side me and twirling me around the water. I’m actually enjoying being here with him.
A shot of fear runs through my body as I realize I’m starting to trust him again. I can’t do this. The only person that’s going to end up getting hurt in this situation is me. I can’t allow this to happen. I walk out of the ocean trying to keep any happy emotions sheltered. I can’t drop my guard like I did last night.
They all follow me out. “That water felt amazing,” Farrah giggles, cozying up closer to Josh.
“Yeah, I haven’t had this much fun at the beach in a long time,” Josh says, enjoying his view of Farrah’s pink sparkly bikini, or should I say her chest stuffed in the bikini top.
“I thought that was you,” a squeaky sound shrieks behind me. I turn around to see who everyone is looking at. Leah is standing right behind my towel. Really, do these people have Low-Jacks on each other?
Her blond hair glistens in the sun giving her an angelic air while her eyes give me an evil look. Her sister and two friends stand right next to her giving me the same look. I wonder if I’m going to get threatened again.
“What are you doing here?” Austin asks, leaning back on his elbows.
“Enjoying the last days of our summer vay-k.” She lays her oversize beach towel right next to Austin’s. “You guys don’t mind if we join you?”
“Not at all,” I say with a sardonic smile. I put my sunglasses on and lie back hoping I can make them disappear.
“So I missed you last night, Austin,” Leah says. “Why didn’t you come to Ariel’s?” Wait, he didn’t go? But I saw him get in the truck. Maybe they all changed their minds. “Josh said you had to help your mom with something.”
“Yeah. I’ll be there the next time,” he responds. I’m confused. Why didn’t he go?
“So, Jade?” Oh God, why does she have to talk to me now. “What are you going to be doing now that you’re not cheerleading?”
“You’re not cheerleading anymore?” Austin asks shocked.
“Everything I couldn’t do when I was too busy cheering like an idiot,” I answer sitting up to face her.
“Well it’s all for the best. You really weren’t any good at it.” Her sister and friends begin to laugh. Farrah’s mouth drops open, while Josh tries his best not to join in the laughter.
This is bullshit. I don’t need to sit here and have to listen to these people who have no real importance in my life. “It’s been fun, but I gotta go.” I get up and start to get dress.
“Wait, do we really have to go?” Farrah asks, motioning her eyes towards Josh.
“I have to go to work,