3 MONTHS LATER

James Wolfe Secondary School, Vancouver

Fourth period Spanish on a Tuesday makes me want to gouge my eyes out. I'm starting to understand why Mrs Roderick was punched in the face by those actors last Christmas. She's talking about – about something or another, I think it's to do with conjugating verbs into the future tense but my mind is drifting off. 

It's the last week of school and then it's summer vacation. The whole school is buzzing at the prospect of two whole months off. This summer's already looking pretty good. Callum, my older brother, is coming back from military school in early July and then we're going to Jamaica for two weeks to visit our grandparents. It'll be great to spend some time with my brother. Since he's been at military school, I've only seen him a couple of times a year. Summer vacation means no more six a.m. wake up calls, no more Spanish with Mrs Roderick, just no more school for two months. Praise the lord.

I don't really wanna think about how fast junior year went or about senior year (and ew, college applications and exams and just no). You think you're going to spend an eternity at school but something happens to remind you that it's going to end someday.

"Psst!" Oliver hisses, yanking me out of my thoughts, "Psst! Peryn!"

I turn around in my seat to look back at Oliver Kaminski. He likes to sit at the back in every lesson so he can catch up on the sleep he lost from band practice the night before and play games on his cellphone. When he's not sleeping or on his phone, Oliver likes to mess with Mrs. Roderick by correcting her Spanish or asking inane questions with the most serious expression. It's entertaining and it does kill time but it's also the reason I'm failing this class. It would be alarming but my GPA's holding up pretty well. And anyways, there's always senior year. I'll have to ask Callie (who's surprisingly good at Spanish) or Santiago Garcia to tutor me. Jack says that I need to average a B in Spanish if I want a good GPA score.

I raise an eyebrow at Oliver. I whisper, "Yeah, what?"

Oliver brushes his dark hair back and leans forward in his seat. "So, what did Ruby say?"

I fight the urge to laugh out loud. Callie's right. He's so in love with her.

"She says she'll come," I tell him.

His hazel eyes light up as he grins brightly at me. "Seriously?"

I smile, "Yeah, so you better not screw it up."

Friday is the last day of school and Oliver's parents are out of town so he's throwing an end of year party. He's already convinced some of the seniors to bring kegs. Words gotten round and everybody's anticipating it to be the biggest party of the year. They don't know that Oliver's only throwing it so he can finally make a move on my cousin, Ruby Blakewood. Callie has been counting down the days until his party for two weeks now. Honestly, I think she just likes any reason to dance on tables. 

"Yes!" he hisses, "Thanks Per."

"You're still gonna play right?" I ask.

I told Ruby that Oliver's the lead singer in a band (weirdly named Fat Monkey Heart) and she's really looking forward to watching him perform at the party.

"Oh yeah," he grins, "but do you think –"

"Oliver! Peryn!" Mrs. Roderick snaps at us. "Pay attention!"

I jump slightly in my seat and turn to the front. She's glaring at the both of us, and I can tell by the look in her eye that she's looking forward to not seeing us at all over summer. I just hope we don't have her next year for Spanish.

"Sorry, miss," Oliver offers a flashy grin that I know will only infuriate her. "It won't happen again."

Her eyes narrow even further and I think she's going to issue us a detention but she just sighs and goes back to the board. The last twenty minutes of the lesson go by painstakingly slow and when the bell finally rings, I let out an audible sigh. Everyone shoots out of their seats and practically races out of the room.

"We might only have one more lesson left before summer break but I want everyone to have finished reading El Sur by Jorge Luis Borges!" she shouts as we all shoot out of our seats and head for the door. "Have your notes ready because we'll be discussing it tomorrow!"

I suppress a groan. It's a short story but the thing is written in Spanish. Why did she have to add Spanish literature to this class? As if it isn't hard enough. I can barely string a sentence together let alone read an entire story. I take comfort in the fact there's one more period left then it's home time.

"Enjoy gym," Oliver snickers as we leave the class.

"Enjoy detention," I say.

Yesterday, in second period Chemistry, Oliver somehow managed to set Mr. Sokoloff's toupee on fire during a lab experiment. He claims he saw a bug in his hair and that he was only trying to get it off for him. So, Oliver now has detention every day afterschool for the next week. If he shuts his mouth and stays out of trouble until the last day, he won't have to go to summer school. Oliver huffs and he heads down the opposite end of the corridor. I watch him go for a moment, wishing that I could be in Study Hall with him and Jack instead of P.E with the likes of Jude Sinclair and Reinette Thayer.

Life after the whole camping disaster is still the same but better somehow. As I predicted Mom totally freaked out when she found out what had happened. I left out the parts about being chased by wolves and nearly sacrificed to some moon spirit so she didn't die of a heart attack. I just played the wounded daughter card and I avoided two hours' worth of lecturing from my parents. 

Callie and Jack were grounded for two weeks by their moms. Callie's only recently got her car back since Rosalie confiscated it for almost three months as a punishment for being so careless. Oliver got off scott free with his parents, he played the wounded son card and his mom has been treating him like a lost prince ever since. 

After nearly twenty years of marriage, Mom and Dad renewed their wedding vows last month. It was a beautiful but small ceremony near English Bay Beach. The planning was stressful and Mom had me tearing my hair out from all the nagging but it was worth it in the end. It was worth seeing her smile and the look on Dad's face when she was walking down the aisle. They flew my brother over from his military school in New Hampshire for the weekend for it and even though Mom knew he was coming, she still squealed like Christmas had come early and almost crushed him in a hug. It totally beat Drew Barrymore's wedding by a milestone.

I turn and make my way to P.E. I walk into the girls' locker room, it's filled with the sound of chatter and everyone is already getting undressed. Ruby has just disappeared into the toilets to get changed since she's never liked getting undressed in public. Callie, on the other hand, is standing in the middle of the locker room in just her bra and panties. Ammara looks distressed as Callie wiggles her ass in front of her face.

"Callie," I say as I drop my bag on the long bench between the walls of lockers, "What are you doing?"

She stops dancing and says, "I'm trying to show Ammara that I'm a better twerker than Miley Cyrus."

"She's not," Ammara says.

I pick up Callie's P.E top and chuck it at her, "Get dressed, this isn't a strip club."

"I would be such a good stripper," she says, almost wistfully as she pulls the white polo on.

I open up my bag and take out my kit.

"Totally," Ammara nods, "Hey, y'know, Reinette Thayer told me the strip club in Burnaby is hiring, you should try it out!"

I laugh as I take off my clothes and start pulling on the school's standard P.E uniform, which is just a white top and black shorts.

"Hey, say what you want about strippers but some of them make a shitload of money," Callie says.

Ruby gets out of the toilet and I feel a twinge of envy at the sight of her long hair. It falls down to her elbows and sways as she walks over to the wide mirror in the back. Even though my hair nearly reaches my shoulders since it was cut by Flo and Crud three months ago, it's not long as it used to be and it probably won't be for another year or two. Ruby bunches up her black hair into a messy ponytail and rests her hands on her hips.

"Is Callie talking about being a stripper again?" she asks.

Ammara chuckles, "Yep."

"So," I ask as I sit down next to Ammara on the bench and start pulling on my sneakers. "What's everyone's plan for the summer?"

"Per and I got jobs at the Public Library for the summer," Callie says, looking way too smug. "The pay's descent and the hours aren't too long. We start in two weeks, it's gonna be so fun, me and Per checking out all the cute college boys –"

"You will be, I won't," I tell her, "I have a boyfriend."

"Doesn't mean you can't check them out Per," she says, "Like, I'm taking a break from guys but I can still appreciate them from afar."

I don't even know how Callie managed to get us jobs at the Public Library as part-time assistants but I'm not about to look a gift horse in the mouth. God knows I need the money. I don't want the beat-up mustang Dad used to own when he was in college, I wanna save up for a decent car. Something like Callie's, new, modest but easy on the eyes. Of course, that it's if I pass my driving test. Which is coming up in mid-August and I'm dreading it but Jack keeps reassuring me that I'm going to be fine.

I glance at Ammara, "What about you? What are you doing this summer?"

She shrugs, "Nothing much, probably just go to work at my uncle's pharmacy or go see my cousins in Colorado like we do every summer."

I know Oliver's going to be cooped up in his garage doing nothing but band practice for the next two months. And, Jack, well he says he's going to be preparing for senior year by studying and looking over the course material but I know for a fact he's just going to end up playing video games and arguing with his friends over the latest issue of Young Avengers. No one's summer sounds particularly glam this year but I don't think anyone cares.

"What are you doing this summer, Rubes?" Callie asks, tucking loose strands of blonde hair behind her ear.
"Sleep," Ruby says with a sigh, "Sleep for two months straight. This school is killing me. Before this, I had Geography with Mr. Kanagawa and it was terrible. The guy couldn't teach theology to a priest."

"And making out with Oliver Kaminski," Ammara adds with a knowing smirk.

If it wasn't for Ruby's brown skin, a shade darker than me and Ammara, her face would be bright red. I laugh as she tries to sputter a response but I can tell that the idea of making out with Oliver is really enticing.

"You need to make your move at his party on Friday," Callie says, "I swear you two aren't together by the beginning of twelfth grade I'm going to punch someone."

There's a hint of a smile on her lips. "You guys sure he likes me?"

"Ruby, the guy has been crushing on you for two years," I say, "Trust me, we're sure."

The smile Ruby gives us is so blinding, I can see why Oliver is so infatuated with her.

"Don't worry," Ammara say, "we'll make sure you look really hot and he won't be able to resist."

Callie and I nod in agreement. Once I've finished tying up the shoelaces of my white converses, I half-heartedly leave the locker room with the girls. We go down a brief corridor and step out onto the sports pitch. It's hot and the sunshine is pounding as we join the rest of the class. Jack and Oliver are lucky, their last period on a Tuesday is Study Hall. So whilst we're sweating our asses off in P.E, they get to sit in an air conditioned room and relax. I know Oliver certainly doesn't do any work, Jack tells me he likes to throw wads of paper at Mr. Bardet when he's not looking.

"Alright class, let's play some baseball!" Mr. Osmond shouts, his voice echoes through the field and birds scatter from their trees.

"Oh God," Ruby groans. Ruby Blakewood objects to any form of exercise, if she was brave enough she'd probably skip P.E with Oliver. She still thinks me, Callie and Ammara are crazy for joining the cheerleading squad.

"Listen up!" Mr. Osmond says, instantaneously silencing every single student, "Sinclair and Rosenberg are the team captains! So, they're going to be picking their teams!"

"Ew," Callie says as Jude Sinclair flashes everyone a grin. It's safe to say Callie Marshall has lost all and any interest she ever had in Jude Sinclair. I think the camping trip finally made her realise just how much of a douchebag he is and I couldn't be happier for her.

Jude points to the redhead near the bleachers. "Reinette."

She smiles and walks over to him, a shit-eating grin on her face. It's Ethan Rosenberg's turn and no one is really surprised when he picks his boyfriend first. Santiago comes to stand next to him, he smiles and bumps their shoulders together. Jude picks Tyler Wright next, who is actually a good choice since he's the best player on the varsity baseball team. I high five Callie and Ruby when they end up with me on Ethan's team.

Ammara isn't so lucky. I can tell by the way Jude's blue eyes linger on her that he's going to pick her. "Ammara," he says.

Ammara's eyes widen and for a moment, I think she's going to run away but the look on Mr. Osmond's face stops her. She groans and stalks over to him. Our team gets to bat first. I spot Ammara standing by the third base, looking rather unimpressed with her arms folded over her stomach.

I'm pretty lame at baseball, so it's no surprise that I miss the ball and barely even make it to the second base before I'm out. Santiago laughs at me, "That was so bad, Peryn, oh my God."

I roll my eyes, and slump down onto the soft grass. The cool shade cast by the oak tree is a welcome haven from the sun. "Whatever, at least, now I get to chill."

Ethan runs past the last base and our team cheers for him. Callie grabs the bat from him and hops onto the home plate with an excited squeal. Jude smirks at her, "Hey, babe."

"Bite me," she says with an intense glare in her blue eyes.

Jude just laughs and throws the ball. Callie swings too early and misses the ball but the bat slips from her hands and spins straight ahead. Right into Jude's crotch. He squeaks and everybody gasps. You can see the colour drain from his face as his knees buckle and he falls to the floor. One second, we're all frozen, and the next the whole class has crowded around him. Jude writhes on the floor, cupping his groin as he lets out a stream of curses, a high majority aimed at Callie. I cover my mouth to stop myself from cackling. I'm shaking with laughter as I watch Jude roll around on the floor. Callie doesn't care, she's bent over and laughing as loudly as she can.

"Callie, it's not funny," Ammara says but she's grinning.

"Step away!" Mr. Osmond shouts as he pushes his way through the class. "Jude! Jude, can you hear me? Jude, are you OK?"

He doesn't answer; he just keeps groaning.

"Take that as a no then," Ruby mumbles.

"Callie!" Mr. Osmond calls.

"Yeah?" She says.

"Since you're the one who hurt him, you can be the one to take him to the nurse's office."

Callie's laughter dies, "No. It was an accident, I didn't mean to hit him!"

Santiago and Ethan help lift him. Callie sighs. They step aside so she can wrap an arm around his waist.

"Oh God, my crotch is on fire," he whispers as he slings his arm over her shoulder.

Callie chuckles, "Yeah, well, that's what you get for being an asshole."

I watch as Callie and Jude head over to the main building.

Mr. Osmond blows the whistle, "We have time for a few more rounds, let's go!"

Ethan walks past us and hands the bat over to Ruby, "It's your turn Blakewood."

"No," Ruby groans, "No, please."

I look at her and smile. "Oh, cheer up, Rubes," I say, "it could be worse, we could be stalked by a crazy bear or sacrificed to the great moon spirit above."

Ruby and Ammara shoot me confused looks.

"What?" Ammara says.

I laugh again and shake my head, "Nothing."

*

I say goodbye to Ruby and Ammara. They both have rehearsals for the school play the drama club is organising so they won't be going home for another two hours. Ammara really regrets letting Ruby sign her up for the play but it's too late to back out now. The play is on Thursday and she's got one of the main roles. Jack's waiting for me in the courtyard when I finish P.E. He's sitting on one of the circular tables, earphones in as he flicks through a thick textbook. I skip down the steps of the main building and walk over to him. He looks up just as I'm about to tap his shoulder. The sunlight catches his eyes, bringing out the flecks of golds in his irises. He pulls out his earphones and grins.

"What you reading?" I ask, gesturing to the open textbook in his hands.

"AP Computer Science," he says, "Miss Booth's set us so much work for the summer, not to mention she wants me to enter in the national science competition."

"National science competition?" I say, "well, obviously, you should...You have all these great ideas for computer programs and even though I don't understand any of them, I know they're brilliant. Just think about how good it would look on your college application if you entered."

"I might not win."

"You're the smartest person I know," I say matter-of-factly, "You're amazing...of course you'll win."

A small smile graces his lips as he looks at me, his gaze is piercing. "Peryn."

My heartbeat picks up. I let out a soft chuckle, "What?"

He shuts the textbook and slides off the table. I stare at him, my eyebrows knitted together in confusion as he steps closer. He slides a hand behind my neck and tugs me forward for a kiss. My eyes flutter shut and I wrap my arms around his neck. Jack's smiling into the kiss and I can't help but let out a breathy laugh and tug him closer. Kissing Jack always makes me feel light and heady like I'm going to float off into space any second. I half-expect Oliver to be making gagging noises when we break apart but then I remember he's in detention for setting a teacher's toupee on fire and I laugh.

Jack gives me a dazed smile. He takes a step back so he can shove the textbook in his rucksack and shrugs it on his back.
"Where's Callie?" he asks.

"She hit Jude in the crotch with a bat and Mr. Osmond made her take him to the nurse's office," I say, "She won't be out for another hour, apparently Jude's making a big fuss about it."

He laughs, "Seriously?"

"It was so good, I wish I'd taken picture to show you, he looked like he was gonna cry," I grin, "So, do you wanna take the bus or walk?"

Callie was supposed to drive us but she's stuck in the nurse's office with Jude.

"It's a nice day," he says, glancing up at the clear azure sky and then back at me. He takes a hold of my hand and locks our fingers together. "Let's walk."

Jack finally convinced me to start watching Game of Thrones, so we're going back to his place to watch a couple of episodes. If I like it, Jack says we can marathon the first two seasons on the weekend, which sounds pretty intense but I'm not objecting to spending the weekend in his bedroom. Jack's place isn't too far, it's only thirty minutes on foot and plus, it really is a nice day. When Oliver finishes his detention, he's gonna come over and watch Game of Thrones with us. He's already seen it but he says it's too sick of a show not to re-watch, especially with a newbie like me. I have a feeling Callie's going to join as well but if it's as gruesome as Oliver says it, she won't last twenty minutes.

Jack and I leave the court yard hand in hand and walk past the parking lot, where Ethan Rosenberg and Santiago Garcia are not so subtly making out against Ethan's car. It makes me smile.

"Get a room!" I shout.

They jump apart, probably afraid it's a teacher or Luke Kinder and his asshole friends but when their eyes land on me and Jack a few cars away, they seem to relax. Santiago cards a hand through his already mussed up dark hair and laughs.

"Oh, we're about to!" Ethan shouts back. He presses a brief kiss to Santiago's lips and walks around the car to the driver's seat.

"See you guys tomorrow," Santiago says. He throws us a grin and hops into the car with Ethan. Ethan backs his car out of the parking space and drives off into the main road out of sight. We walk through the car park and out of the school grounds. The thought of coming back to James Wolfe tomorrow is a little depressing but knowing we only have three days left until summer vacation is keeping me going.

Jack squeezes my hand and says, "Hey, you wanna stop by that new ice cream shop on West Broadway?"

"Hell yeah," I grin at him, "If I ever say no to that question, I want you to punch me."

"Ah, I don't know about the punching but I can manage a really lame push?"

I laugh as we cross the street, "Deal."

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a/n: And that's it! Aw, I'm gonna miss these guys, especially Oliver and Callie (they're so weird I love them). Thank you to everyone for giving this story a chance and sticking through random updates, and I'm sure Peryn, Jack, Callie and Oliver would thank you for staying with them through their weirdest camping trip of their lives. I might write some CFM one shots later, you'll find them in Fragments (my collection of one shots for my stories) so keep an eye out. So, I hope you all had an awesome summer and thank you again for reading.  

   - Rose xoxo