The last day of school is the greatest thing in the world. It’s the only reason I’m here at this party. That and my friend who invited me I’ve had a crush on for as long as I can remember. There are so many people here that I’m not familiar with, even though it’s just a small party. There’s pizza and all types of food and drinks, but I can’t seem to pull myself to mingle until I spot him crowded around some of his friends. A smile lighting up my face before I go over and say hi. Silver eyes light up at the sight of me and he waves me over. My feet carry me gently across the burgundy carpet to stand beside him. He hugs me tightly before standing back to look at me.

“How long have you been here?”

“Not too long. Just been looking around for the most part. Last time I was here was Christmas break.”

“Oh yeah, I kinda forgot about that. Your mom knows you’re staying the night right?”

“Of course you idiot. And you’re sure it’s okay to use your brother’s room?”

“Yeah, Jasper won’t be back until tomorrow afternoon. Make yourself at home.”

I smile and eventually manage to mingle among the others who’ve graduated with us as well. So many different girls who are dressed rather skimpily and partially intoxicated. I don’t blame them it’s an experience of a lifetime for them. They finally get to live their life to the fullest, almost anyway. Even I grab a couple of drinks but manage to keep to myself, watching people play games, joke, and even watch some of the shows that come on. It’s already late and slowly the majority of everyone starts to leave. There are only five of us left. Charlie, his friends Anthony, Jamie, and Carson are all sitting on the floor, staring blankly at the mess that’s been made.

“Jas is going to kill you when he gets home.”

“Shut up, Jamie. Let’s just clean up so he doesn’t come home pissed as fuck tomorrow.”

With laughter, we all get up and start gathering the trash and debris up from the floor. Clean up the dirty dishes, place the furniture back where it belongs, vacuum, sweep, and mop up the place before heading off to bed.

“Kenzie, do you need anything?”

“No, Charlie, I’m fine. Good night boys.”

With mumbled good nights the boys head into Charlie’s bright green painted room. Meanwhile, I slip into Jasper’s navy blue-walled room, switching on the light to change. Surprisingly his room is clean and undecorated. Jasper is going to school to major in art. Some of his paintings are hidden in his closet. Occasionally he sells them for a small profit to help friends or for charity events. I close the door gently behind me, head to the closet and peek inside. Sure enough, the paintings are still there, covered up with tarp. I close the closet back, strip out of my day clothes and into a nightshirt from my bag. With a small smile, I put out the light, climb under the cream-colored blankets, and close my eyes. Tomorrow, I’ll be going to the beach carnival with Charlie, his brother, and the boys. It’ll be the last time some of us are even around each other.

Someone is shaking me gently and calling my name. I shake them off, drifting further into my sleep. A chuckle permeates my dreams and I’m shaken again. Startling awake, I nearly hit the person. Shocked to find Jasper hovering over me, his jet black curls dripping with water, and a smile. He smells like the sea, salty and fresh. I can guarantee I look a mess, but he doesn’t even so much as seem to care.

“Charlie said you wouldn’t be in until this afternoon.”

“He’s an idiot. I told him early morning. Mom and dad will be back this afternoon while we’re out. Now, get up, I’m going to make breakfast.”

“Alright, give me a minute.”

“Sure thing. Don’t take too long or the guys will eat everything.”

He slips out with a laugh and I sigh, happy that I can get up without exposing myself to him. Although the moment I sit up and look around, I notice I’m not entirely covered, and my underwear can be clearly seen. A furious flush takes over my face as I climb from the bed and look through my bag for a pair of denim shorts and a purple tee. Slipping into the outfit, I pull a pair of socks out and rush downstairs to the dining table where the others are groggily seated around the table. Charlie’s head is practically smushed against his pancakes. I smile to myself and take my seat at the table. As I do, Jasper sets a plate in front of me. He gently ruffles my hair and sets about cleaning up the kitchen. Jamie glances over secretively at me and then grabbing an apple, chucks it at Charlie.

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“OW!”

“Don’t sleep at the table Charles or I’ll do it again. Have some manners. Do you guys have everything ready for the carnival later? I’m not turning around to come back to grab anything. So make sure you have it already.”

“Yeah, yeah, I know.”

Jasper rolls his eyes and finishes up the dishes. Carson is the first to finish eating and rushes up to make sure he has everything. Slowly all of them finish up and move to make sure they have everything as well. From where I’m sitting I can hear them scurrying around and it makes me a bit happy. I don’t normally spend time with Jamie, Anthony, or Carson. It’s rare and so when I do get to spend time with them I do my best enjoy it.

“Kenz, you have everything right?”

“Yep. About earlier…”

“Don’t worry about it. I’m not a weirdo or something. You of all should know this.”

“I-I know that! Can you just not mention it to anyone?”

“Of course not silly. Have you told him yet?”

“No, I don’t even know where to begin. Besides, who told you?”

“I’m not dense like him. I notice things. I can tell him if you want me to.”

“N-no! You’re not even supposed to know!”

“Alright, cool it. I’ll keep my mouth shut. Do something with your hair, we’ll be leaving soon.”

I dart from the room before he can ruffle it again, making it even harder to manage. As I get back up to his room I hear the doorbell ring. Curiously, I grab my brush and head to the top of the steps where I can see Jasper standing in the doorway, his broad shoulders lax.

“You must be Jasper, Charlie’s brother. Is Charlie home?”

“Yeah, give me a minute. I’ll go get him.”

He gently shuts the door back before turning to the stairs, spotting me being very nosy. Shaking his head he just moves to the bottom of the steps.

“Charlie! Jasper wants you!”

He bounds from his room stumbling over his own nimble legs, before faking cool and pushing his dark hair back.

“Yeah?”

“There’s a girl at the door for you? Make it quick I wanna leave soon.”

“OH! I kinda forgot. I invited an extra person. I hope that’s okay.”

“You could’ve told me sooner. Get down here.”

“I’m coming. Anthony can you grab my bag!”

“Whatever dork!” 

With a raised eyebrow I watch him rush to the door. His whole demeanor changes. More bubbly than normal. Shrugging I grab my bag from Jasper’s room and then head down myself. Followed not long after by Anthony, Carson, and Jamie. Charlie lets in whoever is at the door and I instantly recognize her as Hailey Harthson. She’s pretty, much prettier than me with a childlike face, pouty lips, dark brown curls, creamy white skin, and amber eyes.

“So, I hope you guys don’t mind but I invited Hailey to tag along.”

“I mean it would’ve been nice if you asked us beforehand, but whatever.”

“I agree with Jamie, Charlie. At least we would’ve been prepared.”

“Sorry. Won’t happen again.”

“It better not. I’m the one who has to drive and I didn’t even know.”

It’s rare for Jasper to be upset by anything and so we can see the guilt that etches onto Charlie’s face. Jasper does a thorough check of everything and makes sure we packed everything before ushering us out to the car. Excitement fills all of us as we head out. As we do so I pull a small piece of paper from my pocket along with a pen and quickly jot something on it before sticking the tiny note into Charlie’s pocket. A blush creeps up onto my face as I rush to hide between Anthony and Carson. Not a moment later the note is being slipped back into my hand. An answer to a question that I had wanted for so long.