• The day, a beautiful blend of clear blue sky, enough sunlight to make the day warm but not overbearingly hot, and a breeze that cooled hot skin? Check ✔️

• September but the smell of summer in the air: a mix of sunblock, chlorine, and fried food? Check ✔️

• A happy vibe infused the waterpark by the bright melodies of pop songs playing in the air? Check ✔️

• Shrieks of girls combined with the teasing laughter of boys adding a wild spirit to the day? Check ✔️

• A perfect day? Depended on who you asked? Check! ✔️

• Was Courtney wearing a one-piece and board shorts because it had been two weeks without cheer and two weeks with comfort food?

She would neither confirm nor deny that.

• A chart made with shifts for people to keep her company. Check! ✔️

• Ripped up that chart when it was clear how eagerly people wanted to get back to the waterslides? Double check ✔️✔️

• Attempted taking a dip in the lazy river? Check ✔️

• Rescued from a near disaster of the wild kids and inner-tube variety by Miguel throwing her over his shoulder and carrying her off? Sadly check ✔️

• Tried to melt away the trauma with ice cream dots? Duh.

• Rosa taking it upon herself to see that Micah felt comfortable and welcomed by all? Check ✔️

• The whole squad helping Rosa with her task and treating Micah like he was the main exhibit at the Cute Boys museum? Double check ✔️✔️

• Continuing to fight the desire to run all the way home - even on her bum ankle, climb into her bed, and wait for the perfect day to pass her by?

Check ✔️ Double check ✔️✔️ Triple check! ✔️✔️✔️

Courtney sighed and rested her head back against the lounge chair. A kind breeze walked by her and brushed away some of the sun's heat. It was a very attentive breeze, making sure she never got hot enough that she'd have an excuse to find sanctuary with an Uber home.

The music playing in the speakers also wasn't on a repeat playlist making it impossible for her to blame her short mood on the endless repetition. This waterpark was all too accommodating to someone who wanted to find a way to grouse about something.

"Why are you still sitting here," Courtney asked Miguel.

He didn't open his eyes or stir at all. But she knew he wasn't asleep. She kept making comments too consistently for him to have found escape through dreams.

"Because the alternative is being out there," Miguel said.

"But out there are waterslides and girls in swimsuits all too eager for an excuse for a flirty water fight."

"As you can see, you've clearly laid out my argument for remaining where I am."

"You are such an old man."

"I'm glad at least someone in my life can see this."

Courtney would feel bad for Miguel but she wanted to be out there running around and causing water fights and so she couldn't muster the emotions.

"How did your parents even find out about this?" Courtney asked.

With a world-weary sigh that made him sound even more like an old, heavy-burdened man, Miguel draped one arm over his eyes.

"My mom plays tennis with Lynn's mom."

"So you have to now ruin all your mother's friendships with the moms of our classmates."

Miguel pointed at her. "Got it in one go."

"Isn't that going to be difficult?"

"I've always liked a challenge."

"Yes, but wouldn't it be easier to, oh I don't know, learn how to have fun!"

Slowly, Miguel dropped his arm and turned the full intensity of his brown eyes on her.

"You want to know what my idea of fun is?"

"Filing taxes and planning interesting mid-life crisis ideas?"

Miguel stared at her in a way that very much told Courtney that he didn't find her at all amusing. Jokes on him, I find myself to be terribly funny. Terribly on the days when I'm not on my A-game.

"My idea of fun is a good book. Getting a project completed. Going out to a nice restaurant. Listening to great music. Watching a classic movie. One-on-one time with someone interesting."

"Then you should be having the time of your life right now, I'm beyond interesting."

"No, today you are sullen and fake."

Ouch! Dagger straight to the chest.

"I'm not fake," she said.

"You understand I know your real smile versus your I'm-trying-not-let-my-emotions-come-through smile, right?"

Courtney laid her head back and looked up at the stupidly clear sky. Gray clouds, a thunderstorm, a possibly horrendous lightning storm was that too much to ask for? Bleh! She was sullen.

Courtney closed her eyes and let out a slow breath. She was here for Lynn, to celebrate her birthday. This day was not about her.

"That's better," Miguel said. "At least you're accepting your current state."

"Can I move to a different state?"

"And leave the West Coast? Are you insane! What barbaric state do you plan to move to?"

"Okay, fine. You have a point. I'll remain in this state. I just..." Don't want to be me right now? Too dramatic. Want to feel like a normal human being that's not attached to a bionic ankle? Not even a little bit realistic. Want the day to be over? Selfish since it's Lynn's day.

"I just want to know why you won't go out with Kimber," Courtney said.

"That's the tangent you're choosing?"

"It's as good as any other tangent, it's a tangent. That inherently means it's tangenting away from me onto something that's not me."

It was Miguel's turn to look up and appear darkened by the sky's lack of darkness. He ran a hand through his hair.

"I like Kimber. But she doesn't want what I want."

"I'm pretty sure she wants you and if you're like any other human being you have to be a little self-centered so that means you want you as well and therefore you would be perfect together."

"I don't know if that made sense because it was twistingly logical or I just know you too well."

"Either way my point came across and that means the conclusion is the same: you should date Kimber."

As if called back to the lounge area because her ears were burning, Kimber along with Rosa, Micah, and Ashton returned. They all wore smiles, though Micah's was one of delighted surprise. Apparently, having cheerleaders entertaining him was still a startling experience.

"No," Miguel said, watching the group as they all grabbed water bottles. Surrounded by water but thirsty, seems ironic. "Kimber wants a high school boyfriend."

"And you want..."

"A future wife."

"Okay, wow you are the oldest high schooler I've ever met."

Miguel shrugged as if he'd come to terms with this truth years ago. Probably when he was a toddler. She could imagine him standing on some hill overlooking the town and deciding that childhood was not for him.

"It's true. After Andrea, I realized what went wrong was expectations. She wanted short-term, love that had a life expectancy of a high school romance. I wanted a best friend who would eventually be my wife." Frowning, he laced his hands and placed them on top of his head. "That's what comes of Jace's love life giving me unrealistic expectations for relationships in high school."

"He is a rare breed for marrying his high school sweetheart."

"Your parents are to blame too."

"True. I'm sorry she wasn't your future wife then. That's why you've never dated again?"

"Yeah, what's the point. I don't want a girlfriend I have to deal with and know that it probably won't last. Time to find someone later. I mean look at you and Aiden, everyone thought you would be the type of couple to last beyond high school. You looked so perfect together. But even that didn't last."

Ah, yes turn it back to me and my complicated love life that wasn't really a love life since love technically wasn't involved more like a strong attraction. Well played Miguel, my own tangent turned on me.

"No, it didn't," Courtney said softly.

"So I see no point getting involved with anyone then."

"Fair enough."

Further discussion on the topic was halted as Kimber, Rosa, Ashton, and Micah came over to them. Ah, the check-up committee. Yes, doc I'm surviving. Don't worry about me, I'm hoping to die from sullenness soon. Hopefully in the next hour because more than that and I might attempt something wild. Like leaving.

"It looks like we're the first ones back," Kimber said, plopping down onto the end of Miguel's lounge chair. Despite all his talk of not getting involved, he didn't move his legs away from her. "Lynn sent out word that food was arriving soon and we should come back."

Oh good, all the sulking and wearing the air of general moroseness was making me hungry. Wow, how did my attitude not convince Miguel that going on slides would be more pleasing? I want to leave myself behind right now.

"Has it been a good day?" Courtney asked.

Can't find a way out of your troubles, focus on someone else's.

Okay so running around a waterpark having fun doesn't fall under the category of troubles but gotta work with what I can.

"Yeah!" Rosa said. "It's been a perfect day so far. What do you think, Micah?"

Courtney looked at him and he seemed overwhelmed to be asked but managed a nod. Rosa laughed and tugged at his arm.

"That's all? A nod," she said. "Nothing more? Haven't we been good company?"

Micah flushed and smiled. Ah, blushing for someone else, never thought I'd see the day. It's okay, I have a bag I can collect the shattered pieces of my heart into.

"You have. I can't believe Lynn let me come," he admitted.

"You're Cory's friend that means your our friend as well."

A rise of voices filled the lounge area as more cheerleaders and football players returned. It seemed the carrier pigeon had done its job and the call to return to eat had been received.

Talk turned to what slides everyone had gone on and Courtney found her and Miguel on the outside. Though she didn't think he cared as much as her. After all, his lounge chair incarceration was self-imposed. Hers was broken ankle-imposed.

"Do you like Micah?" Miguel asked, leaning towards her.

"I do. He's nice and has become a good friend."

Miguel eyed her and shook his head. "You know what, after that pointedly careful ambiguous answer I'm retracting my question. I do not want to know the drama or complex emotions that could possibly surround that dynamic."

Wow, how smooth he navigates high school and relationships. Teach me your ways, master.

"Is everyone back?" Lynn shouted, standing on a chair and overlooking the mass of friends.

Heads turned and peered at each other, mentally tallying the people they were closest with were present which conveniently made sure everyone was.

"Okay!" Lynn said once she'd come to the same conclusion. "The caterers are coming. We'll do presents afterward so we can tell our parents that yes, we waited for thirty minutes after eating before going back into the water."

Everyone laughed since this was the rule of life for a Southern California kid. The crowd dispersed to lounge chairs and Lynn cut through the group to join the pack around Courtney. Rosa shifted over and Lynn took a spot near Courtney.

"How are you doing?" she asked.

"Getting my tan on," Courtney said. "And diving deep into Miguel's psyche."

"Sounds like fun. I figure after presents I can take another shift with you and I can help plunder Miguel's inner soul."

"Oh! The depths we shall discover together," Courtney said, feeling a real smile stretching across her face.

The arrival of caterers drew everyone's attention. Four efficient attendants moved to the long tables at the back of the lounge and divided up the dishes. Once they backed up, the crowd rushed forward, hours of doing nothing but running and having fun had worked up an appetite.

"Micah, come on," Rosa said, hopping up and grabbing his hand.

He left with her along with Ashton and Kimber.

"You should technically be first in line seeing how it's your party and all," Courtney said to Lynn.

She shrugged and waved it away. "My parents ordered enough food to feed an army, I have time."

"In that case," Courtney said. She bent over and dug through her bag, pulling out an envelope. "It won't be as flashy as everyone else's gifts so I figure I'll give it to you now."

With an amused smile, Lynn accepted the envelope and opened it, sliding out the narrow piece of paper inside. Courtney knotted her fingers. It was a good gift...wasn't it?

Lynn looked from the sketch of a dress to Courtney.

"It's your homecoming dress," Courtney said. "I'm making it for you."

"Are you serious?!"

When Courtney nodded, Lynn launched herself at her, tackling her with a hug.

"Thank you," she said, still crushing Courtney.

Courtney laughed, an impressive feat since she was being pinned down by a girl.

"You're welcome."

Lynn pulled back and stared at the drawing. "Okay, tell me all about it."

Courtney did, Lynn nodding along as she explained the different layers and how she was going for an ethereal type look. Lynn asked all the right questions, after all she'd walked alongside Courtney's attempts at sewing from the beginning.

When she finished, Lynn squeezed Courtney's hand. "Thank you."

At the soft and deep gratitude in Lynn's voice, Courtney relaxed in her chair. Worth it, the whole day was worth it for this.

"Wanna get some food?" Lynn asked.

Courtney eagerly accepted and Miguel helped her stand as Lynn held out her crutches. The tables of food were less crowded as they made their way over and Miguel wordlessly took it upon himself to play servant to Courtney. As they reached the end of the line, Micah appeared.

"Hey," he said, smiling at Courtney.

"Having fun?" she asked.

"Micah! Don't forget the guacamole," Rosa called out.

Micah looked back at where he'd seemed to have left a ring of girls waiting and waved in understanding.

"Ohhh he has a posse now," Courtney said, noting the smiles and cheery expressions on all the girls. It didn't seem to matter that he didn't have the build of the football players. But then again Courtney had always known it didn't matter.

With a half-laugh, Micah rubbed the back of his neck. "Yeah, all because of a haircut."

Courtney touched his arm. "No, a haircut helped them see your face but who you are is why they like you."

He ducked his head, his smile quieter this time. Another reason for the girls to like him, a great smile.

"Micah! Don't abandon us," Ashton called out and some of the girls pretended to faint as if in dire need of chips and guacamole.

Which Courtney understood that need. When did a person not need chips and guacamole?

"I should go," Micah said.

"Of course. Can't let your girls die."

He grabbed more chips and guacamole and backed away.

"I'll talk to you later, Cory," he said.

He walked away and was received with cheers on his return.

"Talk to you later, Idiot Adventurer," Courtney said softly.

Don't forget me.

And then of course I swoon because that's what dramatic heroines do, swoon. But gracefully. Because naturally with an inner comment of 'don't forget me', I must swoon now.

Excuse me while I vomit.

"You ready?" Miguel asked, holding two plates. "And when I ask that I actually mean I'm ready and I'm the one in charge of your food so you'll have to follow me or die."

"I'm too pretty to die just yet, I'll follow you."

Lynn was pulled away from the pair and into a large group while Miguel led Courtney to a more secluded spot. Courtney ate and watched Micah interact with the girls. He seemed at ease and she figured he wasn't talking in broken sentences.

"I'm really questioning your ambiguous answer in the light of you staring at Micah."

Courtney took a bite and allowed her time to chew and swallow. All with an air of indifference. Okay, she hoped it was an air of indifference and not one of nervous denial.

"I'm not staring, I'm observing. This is a completion of a project. I helped him remake his image to get a girl and now he has a group of them. I call that a success."

"Success? That makes sense why you look morose. I often finish a project and realize now that it's done I have to find a new project to fill the hole in my heart."

"Exactly."

Miguel eyed her. Which he eyed very well because it was penetrating and discerning.

"So he was only a project?"

No. Not only a project, he could never be only a project.

"No, he asked for help and in the process we became friends."

Miguel nodded and said nothing more. Not sure what there was to say anyways. It was all true, this was what Courtney had wanted. Remake Micah's image so that it drew attention to him. That's what was happening. Mission accomplished. Success! All is satisfaction. Everything is super duper great...

"Can I get everyone's attention!" Aiden called out, standing in the open spot in the center of the lounge area.

Oh thank goodness, a distraction. I mean...something interesting is going to happen, not that Courtney needed a distraction. A distraction from what? Ha. There was nothing. Aiden, you were saying?

Aiden pointed at Lynn and grinned. "It's time, Lynn."

She shook her head. "No. Not a chance."

Aiden held his arms out to the side. "We made a promise. Eight to eighteen. To break our promise would mean terrible terrible things."

Taking out his phone, Aiden pressed play and two young voices filled the air.

"We're Aiden and Lynn! And this is our dance."

Bop-y music played and Aiden rushed over to Lynn, pulling her up. She struggled but laughed the whole time.

"I hate you," she said, as Aiden got her into the center spot.

"A promise is a promise," he said.

Shaking her head, Lynn fell into place beside him, and together they started to perform a dance that was clearly created by two young energetic, and untalented eight-year-olds. Everyone got into it, shouting encouragement and cheering. Lynn's face was bright red and Aiden looked at her through the dance as if to make sure she stayed with him.

"You know," Miguel said, his ponderous tone a strange contrast to the lively scene before them. "Before you and Aiden got together I thought he and Lynn would date. They're not the type of best friends that are joined at the hip but whenever they are around each other it's like they have their own language."

"They do. I've heard it. I almost became fluent but it's definitely a dialect of their own."

Miguel gazed at her. "You thought it too then?"

"Who doesn't see a guy and a girl best friends and think that?"

But Lynn had never shared some hidden love for Aiden with Courtney. If she had, Courtney would never have dated Aiden. But still, watching them dance and laugh with each other, Courtney had to wonder.

"Who knows," Miguel said. "Maybe later on in life they will find each other and get together."

Courtney nodded, watching the duo dancing in sync. "Who knows."

**********************************************************************

Bouncing barnacles!

(Seems contrary to the normal state of a barnacle but maybe the barnacles are just as enraged)

Micah! What are you doing? Ignoring Cory for other girls! Boy, I love you but that was a stupid move!

🤦🏽‍♀️ please someone tell me that this isn't a hole in our Corah ship? Or say anything at all, I need words, any words will do! 💬💭🗯

*takes a breath* okay! I've putting that aside because I emotionally can't handle more holes in our ship right now. Happy thoughts, I need happy thoughts!

Got it! Can I geek out...or nerd out for a second? 🤓

Ha! Like you can even stop me! I have to the power, there is nothing you can do to stop me!! Mawhaha... well, besides not read...

Whatever, I'm going to geek out. So! This is my 13th book. I thought I had hit the limit of experiencing new ways to write but with this book I hit a new and unexpected way to write: first person perspective in third person form.

Excuse while I flip to totally writer nerd right now. I don't like writing first person because it feels like a lie (writing 'I' when I didn't do that action is weird to me). Also I never want it to feel like I'm somehow living out a fantasy in my books.

Finding this strange balance between third person and first person is crazy! I don't have to write Courtney got a flood of messages, I write them out.

As a reader we experience what Courtney does, intimately.

• Dialogue is written out but no names attached because she's not hearing the person but the words.

• Over and over again she repeats greetings.

• She's bombarded by people approaching her, we don't get description just constant dialogue to feel how she feels, overwhelmed.

• More than in any book her thoughts are spelled out. The description of the book isn't just reflecting her personality, she's interacting with it.

For the first time I've come to see what it means to write first person but in a way that I feel I can write.

*takes a breath* okay nerd moment over. Sorry, but I had to take a moment to show my geeky side! Cause I'm having a blast and I hope it feels that way when reading it!

Any who if you have a heart then vote, comment, follow!

If you have no heart then here's mine ❤️

Be honest, you've had this thoughts before too.