Sia and I were having breakfast in our room, the soft morning light spilling through the window as we sat at the small table of our room. The room still smelled faintly of fresh linens and maple syrup.
Will a pancake really be enough to make you full? I teased, raising a brow as I watched her happily munching.
Says the one who's eating plain eggs, Sia shot back with a giggle, then cut off a small piece of pancake and held it up to my mouth. Here try some. It's really good.
I leaned forward and took a bite. Hmm... okay, these are really good, I admitted, and she beamed like she'd just won something.
Told you, she said, her smile sweet and proud.
Then, a little quieter, she added, I'll be wearing a bikini at the pool later.
I looked up, and she was blushing so hard it made me smile. Really? I think it'll suit you... even though I haven't seen you in one.
Thanks, she replied, still shy.
I leaned back slightly and laughed, lots of guys are definitely going to fall for you even harder.
Sia raised an eyebrow, her lips curving into a teasing smirk. They can look all they want, but they can't have what's already yours, she said, winking at me.
A little while later, we then arrived at the resort's pool. It was buzzing with energy—students everywhere, and a few strangers scattered among them, all soaking up the sun and laughter.
Sia's POV
Anna had gone ahead while I was still in our room, agonizing over which bikini to wear. After settling on one, I made my way down, and the moment I stepped into the open, two things immediately caught my eye.
First, the water so clear, inviting, and impossibly blue under the late morning sun. And second, Anna, standing by the pool in her perky denim shorts and a soft pink double-lined shirt, glowing as naturally as the light around her.
It was supposed to be just two things that caught my eye—but there was a third. Matthew Salvatore and Eduardo, both standing near the edge of the pool, their eyes quietly following Annabelle, who was laughing and splashing around and just enjoying herself.
I didn't let it bother me. I headed straight to the pool, the cool water a sharp contrast to the heat of the sun. Step by step, I made my way toward the center where Anna was surrounded by a few students.
Sia! she called out, her voice lighting up the air.
You look amazing in that bikini, Sia, Jean said, grinning as I passed by.
Thank you, I replied with a polite smile, but my eyes were already on Anna—who, it turns out, was already looking at me. Or at my body? I wasn't sure. But whatever it was, the way her gaze lingered made my heart flutter.
You look really beautiful, she whispered as I reached her side.
So are you Anna, i said with a bright smile.
You know how to swim? Anna asked.
I do actually. Then she lifted one hand toward me, graceful and playful. Will you join me for a swim then, my girl?
How could I ever say no to that?
I took her hand, soft and warm in mine, and together we waded into the deeper part of the pool where the noise of the others faded into the background. We swam in slow circles, for half an hour, laughed in bursts, and slipped into quiet moments only meant for us.
Eventually, the spell broke when my friends called out to me, waving for me to join them at the other side of the pool.
I'll be back, I said, brushing her fingers before letting go.
And even as I swam away, I felt her eyes still on me.
Anna's POV
As soon as Sia drifted off with her friends, my eyes caught Kelly at the far end of the pool, tucked away in a quieter corner, laughing softly with some guy I didn't recognize. Curiosity nudged me forward, and I swam in her direction. The moment the guy noticed me approaching, he gave a polite nod and slipped away.
Who's he. Your boyfriend or something? I asked with a light laugh, treading water near her.
None of your business, right? she shot back playfully, her eyes dancing with mischief.
I thought I was already rejected? Kelly added after a beat, her tone shifting into something more teasing.
I let out a laugh, thrown off by her jokes. For sure I was, otherwise you wouldn't be dating Sia, she said after i laughed.
Her words landed. Before I could even think of how to respond, I glanced down—her pool outfit hugging her figure in a way that made it hard not to notice. I cleared my throat and smiled instead, keeping things easy.
And you got yourself a guy this fast, where's the lost kel? None. We're still friends right? I teased.
Of course we are, Kelly said, her voice soft as she met my gaze.
Still sexy, though, I added with a light smirk. A compliment for a friend like you.
I'll take that, she replied, flashing me a smile that held a hint of old familiarity.
Then, without missing a beat, she tilted her head. Right, so… how did Eduardo react when he found out you were dating Sia?
I shrugged casually, then shot the question back at her. How about you? What did you feel when you found out?
She hesitated for a second, her smile faltering just slightly. That was… shocking, she admitted. Well, that kiss—I might've acted like I was crazy for doing it, but I meant every bit of it. And maybe you didn't believe me then, but I wasn't just playing around.
I stayed quiet, letting her continue.
I guess I thought pretending it didn't happen would clear a path for us, like maybe something would change if I waited, she said, laughing a little, but her tone was laced with something deeper. But then you dated a senior—Sia, no less. That shook me.
She paused again, then looked at me with a softness in her eyes.
But… no hard feelings. I'm fine being just friends.
Thank you, Kelly. I know our friendship isn't just a phase—it's something meant to last, I said gently, my voice sincere.
She smiled at that, a warm, knowing kind of smile. How about a drink later in my room?she offered, her tone casual. I brought some beer from home before we left. Or… is this gonna be a second rejection?
I laughed, shaking my head. No, absolutely not. We're leaving tomorrow afternoon anyway it's not a bad idea to hang out for a bit. Beer, huh? Even though we're still minors? I raised an eyebrow, teasing.
Kelly laughed too, nudging me lightly with her shoulder. Shhh, rebel things. Just one last night before reality hits.
You're right—back to school, I could never forget that, I said with a soft sigh, the weight of reality settling just behind my smile. So tonight?
Yes, kelly nodded. I'll be waiting on you.
What room are you in?
304, she replied without hesitation.
I smirked. Alright then, your boy must be waiting since I interrupted you two. I'll see you later, Kelly.
She chuckled. He's not my boy, and maybe I was waiting on you.
I shook my head with a quiet laugh and turned away, swimming off, the cool water washing over the conversation that lingered somewhere between the past and what still might come.
I was just enjoying my swim, letting the water muffle the world above, my head submerged when—bam—I bumped into something solid. I quickly stood up, wincing, my hand reaching up to cradle my head.
When my eyes adjusted, I realized what—or rather who—I had crashed into.
Matthew.
More precisely, Matthew's abs.
Seriously? I muttered, still rubbing the sore spot. That hurt.
You never watch where you're going, that's why, he said coolly, water droplets trailing down his chest. You swim like a fish. A blind one.
I shot him a forced smile. It was my bad. I'm sorry, happy now?
But he didn't let it go.
You've been talking to everyone in this pool, he said, stepping a little closer, but not even once did you come to me. Just so you know—you're the one who convinced me to come here, Anna. And I did. Isn't it a little cold to abandon the person you invited?
What are you doing? I asked, my voice barely above a whisper, feeling my cheeks burn as I quickly looked away from Matthew. The heat in my face intensified, and I couldn't bring myself to meet his gaze.
I know you're into girls, he said, his tone low and calm, the manly edge in his voice making me shiver slightly. But guys still look at you... and honestly, you look like a whole new person with that shorts on.
What do you mean? I turned to face him, a faint blush creeping up my cheeks.
Matthew let out a quiet breath, his eyes scanning my face. Look, he said, "guys have been looking at you since the moment you stepped into this pool. It's not just Sia turning heads. So if you're ever jealous about her getting attention—well, you get plenty too. Makes you two even.
I blinked, caught off guard. Was that supposed to make me feel better… or worse? His voice wasn't teasing—it was sincere, even a little protective.