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Dedication: Dreamcatcher__13 for re-posting a quote on her Instagram! Thank you so much for reading and enjoying the story! <3

Recap:

After a few moments, I tilt my head back to look at me. He gingerly kisses my forehead.

"You have no idea what that means to me," he whispers.

In this moment, as I stare into his clear eyes, I feel myself falling for him.

Exactly like the last time.

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"Keep going!" the perky voice talk-shouts at me. "I know you can do it!"

"If she says that one more time," I warn with a grunt, as I run on the spot.

Mum lets out a breathless laugh, running beside me. We follow her directions and begin to run in circles around each other, our arms in the air, probably looking a little crazy if anyone can see us through the windows.

"Let's slow it down, ya'll," the lady calls out, returning to her former spot, the other four girls behind her doing the same. They all had bodies to die for and perfectly matching active wear, making mine and mum's outfits look a little lame.

The scene fades out for a moment and I stop, dragging the back of my hand across my forehead. Mum recently purchased several Zumba DVDs for fitness. We basically just copy what the ladies on the screen are doing and it's much more tiring than I expected.

The screen fades back in. They're are all on their back.

I groan, dropping to the floor, watching them do a series of acrobatic things with their legs.

We had just begun, when the front door opened.

"Well..." Finn says awkwardly, taking in the sight of mum and I. "This is weird."

"What is?" Alec asks, shouldering around him. His mouth falls open. "Oh."

Mum's face darkens to a beetroot colour. She scrambles to her feet as Finn and Alec begin snickering to each other.

"Boys! I didn't expect you home so soon." she splutters, looking incredibly embarrassed.

"We were hungry," Finn shrugs, before loping off to the kitchen.

Mum hurries to the bathroom, to freshen up. I raise my eyes to meet Alec's, only to see he has his back to me. He follows Finn and I sigh, laying back down on my back, still breathless from the work out.

Jai wanders over to me and collapses on the lounge.

"Isobella Mozzarella," he greets me in a friendly tone.

I roll my eyes. "Wow, you haven't called me that in ages."

Jai, Finn and my dad often used to call me 'Isobella Mozzarella', when I was younger and over-the-top obsessed with Mozzarella pizza. The nickname stuck with me for years.

"I know," he grins, before getting himself comfortable on the lounge. "How're you goin'?"

"Not too bad," I reply with a huff. "Yourself?"

"Real convincing, Is." he jokes. "I'm good. Great. Excellent. Fantastic, actually."

I snort. "Oh really?"

"I'm actually just good, but it made you smile, didn't it?" he beams and I can't help but smile back in appreciation.

"Hey, when does Kiarra get back?"

Kiarra, my other best friend, has been travelling around Europe with her family. An automatic grin spreads across my face at the thought of her.

"Soon. A week," I answer excitedly.

"It's been weird not having the third member of your trio around."

"Tell me about it!" I agree.

"We should have a welcome home party for her, or something?" he suggests with a shrug.

"That's a good idea. I'm picking her up from the airport. I was going to do a sign and stuff like that, but a party sounds much more fun. Where would we have it?"

"We could do it at my house, maybe," Jai offers thoughtfully. "Depends if my parents go away next weekend or not."

"Will you get in trouble?"

"Probably not. My brother used to have parties all the time and never got caught."

"When will you know if they're going away?" I ask, breathlessly reeling to sitting position as excitement begins to build in my body.

"In a few days. I'll let you know as soon as I do."

"Okay! I'll help you organise and set up."

"Cool," he grins, getting to his feet.

He offers me his hand, pulling me to standing position. I follow him into the kitchen, where Finn is putting a pizza in the oven. Alec is leaning on the counter, scrolling through his phone.

"How was the beach?" I question, unable to pull my eyes from Alec, waiting to see if he will acknowledge me or not.

"The water was really cold," Finn tells me as he adjusts the dials on the oven. "But the surf was huge."

"That's good," I reply, confirming my theory that Alec is ignoring me.

My hair sticks to my forehead unattractively. I flick it back and attempt to smooth it over, knowing that I am slick with sweat and my cheeks are pink from exertion.

"What are you doing tonight?" Finn asks me and Alec snaps his head up, almost as if he's about to protest what Finn is saying.

"Not much, you?"

"I'm going out to have a few drinks with the football team down at the beach tonight. You and Samara want to come?"

I glance to Alec, who's nostrils are flaring. He glares at me and I'm so taken back that I physically step away from him.

"I think I'm going to have a quiet night in." I mumble.

"Since when have you become so boring?" Finn asks in annoyance.

Jai clears his throat awkwardly as he walks to the fridge. Alec returns his eyes to his phone and I look down, chewing at my lip.

Without answering, I turn my back to my brother and leave the kitchen. I try to calm myself down. I slip into the upstairs bathroom and lock the door. I lean against it and sigh.

Alec and I need to sort out our issues, otherwise things are only going to get worse.

***

"Why are you wearing that to the movies?" I question, taking in Samara's revealing outfit with a suspicious look in my eye.

"Because the movies were a decoy. We're really going to that beach party."

I groan, face-palming myself. "No. We're going to the movies."

"Stop being a moody bitch. You need to face Alec and sort out your problems," she states matter-of-factly, brushing her dark, red hair back.

"I think only The Boys are going." I tell her.

"Not anymore. Word got out and it's a full-on party now."

"Great," I mutter. "You have fun, then."

I turn, planning to make a run for it, when her fingers tightly grip my wrist and pull me inside her room.

"Get rid of those jeans," she commands.

"No."

"Yes," she insists.

Samara turns and begins to rummage through her drawer. She pulls out a pair of shockingly tiny shorts. She throws them at me, hitting me square in the face.

"I am not wearing these," I say flatly, staring at the denim shorts in distaste. "You'll be able to see my butt cheeks."

"Exactly."

"That's disgusting," I huff, throwing them at her head.

She ducks, causing them to sling-shot over her head and knock over one of her perfume bottles.

"Nice one, idiot."

"Bitch." I mutter.

"Thank you," she beams, taking it as a compliment. She throws the shorts back in and pulls out her black, denim skirt. "Here, wear this."

"Much better," I tell her, catching the skirt this time.

I exchange my comfy jeans for the so-tight-it's-hard-to-breathe skirt. Samara and I should be the same size, but since she buys the size smaller than she really is, all her clothes cling far too tightly.

She strolls over to me and plucks my hair band straight from my pony tail.

"Hey!" I snap, pulling away from her. "It took me ten minutes to get it like that."

"Looks better down," she shrugs.

I breathe deeply out of my nose, trying not to get frustrated. She continues to harass me about my appearance and because of this, I raid her mini-fridge. I begin to drink, feeling the need to have alcohol in my system, to be around Samara tonight.

As I haven't eaten since much earlier in the day, a few drinks in, my head is feeling light. After stashing a few cans in her bag, we begin our short trek to the beach.

The night air is cool, but warmer than I expected. Light goose bumps brush my skin. I rub my hands up and down my arms, trying to keep myself warm. The wind whirls my dark hair around my face and I frown in annoyance, wishing it was still in the up-do that I had planned to wear.

I pull out my phone and text Miles, telling him to come down if he feels up to it.

"Texting Miles or Alec?" Samara probes.

"Miles. Alec and I are over."

"Since when?" she asks in surprise.

"Well, we still need to have a conversation, but it's over. I can't string him along anymore and he doesn't know what he wants, anyway."

"And because you're falling for Miles again." she points out.

"Can't really deny it," I agree. "By the way, Jai wants to throw a welcome back party for Kiarra."

"He does?" she asks with raised eyebrows. "Okay, I'm down for that. Where?"

"At his house, next weekend."

"Sounds good."

As we near the beach, the music grows louder. Now that I've begun drinking, I'm excited for the party. We exchange a grin, before kicking off our shoes. We dart across the sand and head to the huge bonfire that's been set up.

"Look who it is," Finn drawls, clearly intoxicated. "The boring twin."

"Talking about yourself again?" I tease with a grin.

He rolls his eyes, throwing his arm around Becca. She gives me a polite smile, which I return.

There's more people here than I thought there would be. It seems we're late, as everyone appears quite drunk already. I pull Samara's hand and lead her towards the fire. I lean towards it and rub my hands together, seeking its fiery warmth.

Something catches Samara's eye and she quickly grabs my hand.

"I heard there's food somewhere, let's go find it," she blurts.

"What?"

"Come on!" she presses, pulling me.

I wrench my hand from her, seeing through her act. I turn. Alec is across from us, brushing back a tendril of hair, from a girl in my year. He tucks the piece of hair behind her ear, before leaning in and pressing his lips to hers. My eyes widen in shock. I can't tear my eyes away as he continues to kiss her.

"Let's go," Samara insists and this time, I let her drag me away.

I'm glad, in a way, as I am falling for Miles, but also a little hurt that he moved on so quickly. It only confirms that he didn't really like me that much. He clearly was only hanging around me, because he was bored.

"You okay?"

"Yeah," I nod. "It's for the best. I like Miles."

"Honey," Samara smiles, patting my shoulder. "It's always been Miles, who are you trying to fool?"

I breathe a laugh and shake my head. "I was lying to myself, thinking I wouldn't fall for him again."

"I know." she rolls her eyes. "Is he coming tonight?"

I check my phone and see that he replied a little while ago. I grin and nod.

"Cool. I can go have some fun then and won't get stuck baby sitting you," she jokes even though I know she is half-serious.

"Which footballer is your victim tonight?" I query.

"I've been talking to Benji a lot, so probably him again."

"Cute," I smile. "Is there actually food here? I'm starving."

"I just made that up, but there might be."

After finishing our drinks and placing them in one of the big, plastic containers that are being used as bins, we begin searching for food.

"Is!" a voice calls out and I turn, seeing Miles walk towards me.

My heart plummets into my stomach, when I see Emily, his not-so-nice roommate, walking beside him. I grit my teeth together instantly, surprised at the flare of jealous that is burning in my chest.

"Hey," Miles says when he's closer. "Emily, this is Samara. Samara, Emily."

"Hey," Emily greets her coolly and Samara narrows her eyes.

"How's the party?" Miles asks, clueless to the glowering-match Emily and myself are now participating in.

"Good, until now." Samara sassily replies. "Emily, care for a drink?"

"Most certainly," she replies.

They both leave us and I'm not sure whether to scream with annoyance or thank Samara, for taking her away.

"Hi," Miles smiles, reaching for my hand.

"What the hell?" I snap, pulling back from him. "You brought her?"

He blinks in surprise. "It's a public party, she wanted to come."

"So much for 'not seeing them much'," I snarl, folding my arms across my chest, referring to when Miles said he hardly has anything to do with his housemates.

He breaks out into a grin. "Wow, you're jealous."

"No, I'm not."

"Yeah, you are," his grin widens.

"I can't believe you brought her here." I cry out angrily, not bothering to defend myself any longer. "Why would you do that?"

"I really didn't think it was going to be a big deal." he says slowly. "Are you actually mad?"

"Yes!"

He looks surprised. "Sorry... I didn't really think it through."

"This is a lie, isn't it?" I ask him, my voice growing quiet. "You just wanted to get in Finn's good books again. You have no interest being with me."

"What the hell?" he exclaims. "Why are you acting like this? I'm sorry that she wanted to come. I really didn't see the big deal. I came here for you, she can keep herself amused."

I wipe at my eyes and let out a breath, trying to calm myself down.

"Is," he says softly, reaching out for me. "Why are you so stressed?"

"I'm scared of you," I whisper, wiping at my eyes.

"Scared of me?" he questions. "Why?"

"Because you've hurt me before and I'm terrified you're going to do it again," I sniffle, blinking back tears.

His face softens as he stares at me. "Come here."

He opens his arms and I let him embrace me. I snuggle my head into his chest and breathe in, his familiar scent making me feel better.

"I'm not going to hurt you again, okay?" he says, rubbing my back soothingly.

The loud music blares through the night air, coming from someone's 4WD Cruiser that has been parked on the beach. I take a few moments to listen to the song, while I try to normalise my breathing.

I let myself enjoy his arms a little longer, before I step back and give him a smile.

"Sorry for acting crazy."

"It's okay, I should have realised that wasn't a cool thing for me to do."

I fold my hand in his. We begin to head back to the party. I find a group of people are sitting on the sand, near the fire, playing a game.

"Want to join?" I ask him.

"Sure."

As we near the group, eyes swivel our way, taking in our joined hands. I can see their interest peaking as we sit down together. Finn purses his lips, but doesn't say anything. Alec looks disgusted and Jai gives me thumbs up. My stomach clenches at Alec's expression.

I notice that Emily is seated beside Samara, actually looking like she fits in. I think she's older than us, but she doesn't seem it, when sitting in the circle.

"What are we playing?" I ask, letting myself sink into the sand.

"Never Have I Ever," Jai answers.

"Should have known."

"Never have I ever... Skinny dipped." Jai says and most people in the group raise their drinks.

Even Miles. I narrow my eyes as he does. I keep my cup firmly planted in my lap and make a face when Finn does, exchanging a look with Becca.

"Never have I ever... Had phone sex," another girl says, as the game continues.

Again, my drink stays in my lap. I let out a breath when Miles' does, too. I didn't think having him participate in a game would affect me as much as it is. Finn and Becca, again, take a sip and I gag, causing a number of people to laugh.

"You're gross," I shudder, glaring at Finn.

He smirks, downing the rest of his drink, before reaching for another.

"Never have I ever..." Alec began, staring at Miles, looking amused. "Cheated on someone."

Several eyes twisted towards us. Miles looks uncomfortable and unsure whether he should drink or not. We weren't officially dating at the time, therefore, he technically did not cheat on me.

Miles clearly came to the same conclusion as he didn't raise his cup.

"Bullshit." Alec snaps, glaring at him. "If you're not going to be honest Miles, get the fuck out of the game."

There's an intake of breath and Finn looks confused, staring at his best friend.

"I'm not the one here who isn't being honest," Miles bites back with a pointed look.

Alec clenches his jaw, looking severely pissed off. I nervously skull the remainder of my drink, feeling extremely uncomfortable. Pretty much everyone, beside the selected few that know, are extremely confused.

"Moving on," Jai intervenes and I shoot him a thankful smile.

"Never have I ever... had sex on the beach," a girl in my year says.

I purposely look away from Miles, too terrified to see his answer. I raise my eyebrows at the amount of people who drink to that. My hands grip tighter on my can as I start to see image after image of Miles, with other girls, in my mind.

Am I fooling myself that we are going to work out? Surely, we have too much history to just start things fresh?

"Never have I ever... kissed another girl," another random says.

Samara and I exchange a sheepish look, before taking a drink. I'm thankful, as it distracts me from my thoughts. Bentley, who only just joined the group, makes a gross 'mmm' sound and nods his head in approval.

Finn's nostrils flare and his cup crumples in his hand. Becca gently lays a hand on his shoulder, before replacing his drink. I raise my eyebrows. She seems really good for him.

"Let's not repeat that, shall we?" Miles murmurs to me, quirking a dark eyebrow upward.

I feel my cheeks warm slightly as I nod. "Agreed."

"Never have I ever..." Bentley obnoxiously starts, even though it isn't his turn. "Slept with someone and then claim I never did it."

When his eyes land on mine, I suck in a breath. Why is he making it out that I did that?

"Oh shit," I hear someone say as they glance between us.

"What the hell?" both Alec and Miles chorus at the same time, making my cheeks colour.

"Bentley, don't apply that happened between us, when it didn't. That's just sad," I tell him with a frown, causing a few people to chuckle.

A vein in Finn's neck is protruding from his skin. I see Becca put her hand in his.

"Yeah, because nothing happened," he agrees sarcastically, making me ball my fists together.

"Why are you being sarcastic when it's true?" I question in confusion.

I meet eyes with Alec, who looks beyond pissed. He believes what Bentley is saying.

"Bentley, you wouldn't have made such a big deal of Isobel 'not putting out', if she really did," Jai points out flatly and even though he openly shared the insult Bentley said to me, I am glad for his input.

"Whatever helps you sleep at night, little girl," he rolls his eyes and I glare at him, trying to figure out what game he is playing at.

"Unless you want me to knock your teeth into the back of your throat, you better shut your fucking mouth." Finn's voice is deadly. Silence falls over the group as they wait for Bentley's next move.

Finn's face looks venomous. Bentley performs an exaggerated zip over his lips, but we can all tell he wouldn't challenge Finn.

"Again, let's move on," Jai insists.

I look over to Samara, who shrugs at me, looking as clueless as me.

It is Samara's turn.

"Never have I ever... been in love," she sighs wistfully, even though she has repeatedly told me that she doesn't want to fall in love, any time soon.

Without thinking, I raise my can to my lips. I take a long drink and almost choke, when Miles does the same. His intense, blue orbs burn into mine as I silently ask him, if he's referring to me. After draining almost his entire drink, he nods once, before dropping the can onto the sand before him.

"Christ," I hear Finn mutter, clearly noticing Miles drink, too.

When I look back to the group, I am met with wide eyes. Apparently, no one else decided to take a sip, making it beyond obvious that we did.

"Never have I ever..." Emily drawls, a menacing smirk on her lips. "Convinced someone I've changed when I haven't."

I close my eyes, wanting nothing more than to leap over and strangle that smug smirk off her lips. I decide not to react, because that's what she wants. She is trying to get under my skin, by not-so-subtly, hinting that her and Miles have fooled around. I believe Miles when he says nothing happened.

Why did he bring her to the party? My mind whispers to me, my heart drumming inside my ears.

Taking in a deep breath, I re-open my eyes, to see that the game has continued.

"Never have I ever... lied to my best friend." Finn says and I raise my eyebrows.

I half-expect him to look to Alec, but his eyes are on Miles. Miles take a sip, keeping a blank expression on his face. I see that Alec does as well, but Finn's attention isn't on him.

"Never have I ever... smoked or taken any illegal drugs." Becca pipes up.

I smile at her. Pretty much everyone, besides me and Becca, takes a drink. Even Jai, which surprises me.

"This game is getting boring now and I'm cold," Bentley snaps, even though he joined late.

However, once he gets up, most of the group begin to separate, all magnetically being drawn to the fire. I remain where I am. Miles sighs and turns to me.

"That was an interesting game."

"Yeah," I bluntly reply, feeling a little glum.

"There's always going to be people that want to ruin our happiness," he tells me, reaching for my hand. "We need to trust each other and communicate, otherwise, this isn't going to work."

I nod, chewing at my lip. "Yeah. I know."

"Emily is full of shit, you know that right?" he asks me.

"I know. I believe you."

"Good," he smiles. "Need another drink?"

"Actually," I say, picking at my nail polish. "I want to go."

"Okay, sure. I'll take you home."

"No," I say softly, meeting his eyes. "I don't want to go home."

He raises his eyebrows. "Where, then?"

I let out a breath as I tighten my grip in his.

"I want to go to yours."

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Thoughts? :)