*Kate's POV*

'Surprise, Katie! We've enrolled you in the summer sailing camp,' my father excitedly announces at the breakfast table, flipping my usual morning grogginess into a sudden panic.

I nearly choke on my cereal, staring at him in disbelief. 'Sailing camp?' I repeat incredulously, waiting for him to assure me that I had heard him wrong.

'It's more of a summer camp actually,' my father continues, oblivious to my distress.

I'm still struggling to process the initial surprise. 'But Dad, you know I'm not exactly the outdoorsy type,' I protest, trying to change his mind.

Instead, he laughs heartily, clapping me on the back. 'Nonsense, sweetheart! You'll love it out on the water, soaking up the sun and learning the ropes.'

'Your father's right, Kate. It's a fantastic opportunity to try something new,' my mother insists.

Desperate for a way out, I try a different approach. 'What about my job at the juice bar? I can't afford to get fired—'

'I'm sure Alex would cover for you for a few days. You covered for him last time, right?' Dad interjects.

'Yes, I think he will,' I mumble, defeated.

I shoot my mother a pleading look, silently begging her to intervene. But she merely shrugs, offering a sympathetic smile.

'Fine, I'll give it a shot,' I say with a resigned sigh.

'You'll thank us later, dear,' my father says. 'We don't want you to take the financial matters upon your shoulders. You're too young to worry about that. You should focus on enjoying life. You won't be seventeen forever, you know.'

I notice sincerity in their eyes. But sometimes I wish they understood me better.

When Rachel arrives for lunch, she finds me in a state of mild panic.

'Spill it, Kate. What's got you looking like you've just seen a ghost?' Rachel asks, plopping down on the couch next to me.

I take a deep breath. 'You won't believe it. My parents have enrolled me in a summer sailing camp.'

Rachel's eyes widen in surprise. 'Sailing camp? That's... unexpected. No offence, but you're not exactly the outdoorsy type.'

"State the obvious," I mutter, running a hand through my hair.

'Well, maybe it'll be fun. You never know until you try, right?' Rachel tries to sound optimistic. 'I'm sure I can convince my parents to let me and my brother go if you'd like.'

'You're a lifesaver, Rach,' I say, hugging her.

'Oh, I wouldn't miss it for the world. It'll be hilarious watching you try to helm a sailboat.'

'Thanks for the vote of confidence. You'll be right there with me,' I reply savagely.

Rachel leaves before lunch, and a short while later, the doorbell rings, interrupting our rare family meal.

'I'll get it,' I offer, heading towards the door.

To my surprise, it's Aiden standing on the doorstep, holding a plate of freshly baked cookies.

'My grandmother made these. She wanted me to hand you some,' he mutters awkwardly.

'Thank you,' I reply, feeling slightly uneasy as I take the plate from him. 'Um, would you like to come in? We're just about to have lunch.' I ask more out of habit than a genuine invitation.

He's about to pass when my mother appears behind me. 'Kate, is this your friend?' my mother asks, surprised.

'This is Aiden. He's Mrs Argos's grandson,' I explain quickly, gesturing towards him. 'He brought over some cookies from his grandma.'

'They look divine,' my mother exclaims, before turning back to Aiden. 'Would you like to join us for lunch?'

Aiden looks slightly uncomfortable at the invitation. 'I wouldn't want to intrude...'

'Nonsense, it's no trouble at all,' my mother insists, leading him to the table.

After a quick introduction, my father gestures towards an empty seat at the table, saying, 'The more, the merrier!'

Rachel looks embarrassed as Aiden takes the only empty seat next to me.

Why is it always me? But it was just getting started.

My mother suddenly turns her attention to Aiden, who is sitting across from her.

'You know, Aiden, Kate will be attending a sailing camp this summer,' she announces, casting a meaningful glance in my direction.

I freeze, my fork halfway to my mouth, as all eyes turn to me. Aiden's gaze meets mine briefly.

'Really?' he says, surprised. 'Actually, I'll be there too.'

I blink in surprise. 'You're attending the camp?' I ask, trying to keep my voice steady. I knew it. This guy's a stalker.

'Not exactly,' he replies. 'I'll be one of the camp leaders. It's part of a program I have a little experience in outdoor survival.'

'Of course, you do,' I grumble under my breath.

My parents beam, clearly pleased with this turn of events. 'That's wonderful, Aiden,' Dad says. 'Now you have two friends to join you, Kate. See, it isn't so bad.'

I manage a weak smile. "Yeah, great," I say, hoping my enthusiasm sounds genuine.

Mercifully, lunch comes to an end, and I excuse myself from the table as quickly as I can, retreating to my room. My phone pings with a text message from Rachel. I open it, expecting a usual witty remark.

'Hey Kate, I just found out I can't make it to the camp. My mom is forcing me to visit my aunt in Texas that week. I tried to convince her, but no luck. I'm really really sorry! You're alone on this one girl.'

I groan, feeling my stomach drop. Of course, things just had to get more complicated.

'Yeah, I'll manage. Have fun in Texas. We'll catch up when you're back.' I text back.

Little does she know that I'll be hardly alone. Fantastic! I can't imagine what other nasty surprises this summer has in store for me.

***

A/N

So sorry for the short chapter. I needed a quick chapter for a change of scene. A longer chapter will follow soon!

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What should happen at the Summer camp? Let me know in the comments!