Notes:

Additional Cast:

Nicholas Hoult as George Booras

David Charvet as Cole Parker

Alyssa Milano as Melanie Parker

Jojo Kushner as Kate Parker

Nick Zano as Alex Summers

Halsey as Callie Domingo

Jordan Rodrigues as Jake Torres

Claire Holt as River Abrahams

Chloe Moretz as Jen Parrish

Rhiannon Fish as Vivianne Woodson

Adelaine Kane as Natalie Coleman

Emily Bett Rickards as Emma Taylor

Nathan's POV

"Oh man, it feels like ages since the last time!" George slumps on the big leather couch in the living room.

"You're getting rusty, buddy." I tease him and walk over the fridge.

"I couldn't beat your ass when I was playing basketball on a daily basis, I had absolutely zero chances now." He tells me as he stretches his arm.

"Yeah, you're a fancy physics master now." I toss him a water bottle.

"I will be in the near future." He catches it in the air. "If I ever graduate. My classes are killing me. Every single one of them! How you doin'?"

"Good. I guess." I shrug and drink half of the water bottle I am holding.

"College is different, Nathan. You can actually say you're enjoying your classes and passing your exams with high scores."

"Who told you that?" I ask as I join him to the living room.

"You just did." He tells me with pride.

"George, you're a dick." I toss a pillow at him before I sit on the big sofa by the window.

"Hey, go easy on me!" He rubs his neck. "We just spent two hours playing basketball in your backyard, my body is totally burned out. I did kind of miss it though. I've missed you too."

"Is this the part when I am supposed to stand up and hug you or something?" I ask in a sarcastic tone.

"You're ruining the moment!" He exclaims and raises his hands up in the air. "But that's so typical Nathan behavior so I'll give you a free pass."

I kind of missed him too. George has been my best friend since like... I can't remember when exactly. His dad is a friend of mine's and a doctor to the clinic so we practically grew up together. George and I were on the basketball team together and technically run the whole high school more or less. We're quite alike he and I. Everything had been easy for us in our teen years, including the girls department. Especially with the girls department, they seemed to love us. We did have much fun together and it sucks that he decided to go to NYC. If he had gotten into SCU, we would run that place together too. So yeah, I definitely miss him but there's no way in hell I'm ever telling him that.

"Whatever." I eyeroll. "How come you returned today? I thought you were coming home on Sunday like me."

"I was having way too much fun to leave." He lifts his eyebrows up playfully.

"Someone got laid." I smirk at him.

"Multiple times, buddy. Multiple times!" He brags. "What about you?"

"Yeah, you could say that I had fun too." I chortle. Spring break was beyond any of my expectations. Especially the last night.

"How many?" George sits up and asks with curiosity.

"I don't know, I wasn't counting." He gives me an intense glare waiting for a more specific answer. "More than five less than ten? I don't know." I shrug. Like I give a damn about the girls I hooked up with. There's only one that sticks out honestly and that's Vanessa.

"That's my man!" He stands up and gives me a high five.

"What about you?" I bring back the conversation on him because I know he has some more bragging to do.

"Four." I raise an eyebrow at him. "But...," He points a finger at me and continues, "the fourth, man... Wow, the fourth is the reason why I stayed there two extra days and returned today instead." This sounds odd.

"So what was so special about the fourth chick?"

"First, don't call her chick."

"Oh man, no! Don't tell me you're whipped already?" I ask in disbelief.

"Of course not." George says in a tone that shows he totally is. "Second, it's Amanda."

"The chick you met at your fraternity's Christmas party?" He has mentioned her once or twice.

"Third, I already told you not to call her chick." I open my mouth to mock him but he chimes in. "Will you stop being an asshole and let me talk?"

"Okay, okay." I raise my hands up in defence and put my feet on the new living room's table. My mom gets one of those like every six months. This one is made of wood and painted in black, to go along with the rest of the furniture I guess. On the top there is this thick glass that makes me sure she's going to yell at me when she gets back home. Like I care.

"So yeah, Amanda is the one I met on the ΓΑΠ's Christmas party. She's friends with Bree, my roommate's girlfriend."

"I forget you have a roommate. You know, since I happen to have this big cozy room to myself at the ΚΕΓ house." I tease him and drink the rest of the water.

"Will you shut up?" George tells me with a fake smile. "Anyway, when we came back from the Christmas holiday, we kind of started to hang out all together. I liked her as I've told you, so I was flirting with her and she was flirting with me, but whenever it was just the two of us, she was kind of distant and not giving me the green light to make the move. So I sort of crossed it out of my mind and kept banging other chicks."

"Sounds logical." I comment and rest my hands behind my head.

"Right. And then spring break came and we had all booked rooms at the same hotel. We would go out together sometimes along with the rest of the gang but nothing happened until she knocked on my door on the third night and well,you know... Everything happened in one night." He says with a cocky smile.

"Good for you, man." I remark nodding my head. "She couldn't slip away from you as it seems. I suppose she was that good you gave her all your attention for the rest of your trip and even better than that, considering you also expanded it?"

"She was that good you can suppose I am seriously considering to give her my full attention for awhile." He states.

"Cut the bullshit." I chuckle.

"Nathan, I think I'm almost certain about it." He sighs.

"Exactly. You just said think and almost in the same sentence which doesn't make you certain." Is this some kind of prank? George is just like me. He doesn't give his full attention to one chick.

"Well, I'm sure about it." He insists. "Kind of."

"Are you trying to tell me you're about to settle down?" I don't bother hiding my shock.

"Of course not!" He answers.

"For God's sake, George! You almost had me fooled!" That was a good act.

"I am telling you that I am thinking about getting into a relationship with Amanda." He looks at me anticipating my reaction. He seems pretty serious about it but it doesn't make sense.

"You? In a relationship? You have never been in one." I make a grimace while trying to comprehend all of this.

"I know. Neither have you so you're not the ideal person to talk to about it, but you're my best friend." He shrugs. "As they say there's a first time for everything."

"And this first time is going to be with Amanda?" I ask frowning.

"Yes. I believe she's worth the try." His eyes lit up and he smiles like an idiot. He is more than screwed.

"Who are you and what have you done to my friend George Booras?" I raise an eyebrow at him.

"Shut up, Nathan!" Now it's his turn to toss the pillow at me. "It's strange, man, I know! It's strange for me too but I feel like this is it. The end of my wild bachelor life."

"Should I start searching for a tux? I am going to be the best man after all, right?" I tease him.

"You're a dick." He says laughing. "What do you think?"

"I think you've lost your mind but one of us has to do this first, so go ahead." I give him a smirk.

"That's what I'm going to do." He is beaming like a little child on Christmas for God's sake. "Wait. I'll be the first but does it mean you're considering to find a lady for yourself as well?" He raises his eyebrows at me.

"Me?" I burst into laughter. "Nah, I don't think that's my style."

"You haven't found the person who will make you change your style yet." He tells me like he has become an expert on this kind of stuff already. "Or have you?"

"No, I haven't. How are you supposed to know anyway?" I eyeroll.

"I can't describe it but you just know." He shrugs.

"Very enlightening." I shrug mocking him.

"You just do." He remarks.

"George, you're so damn screwed." I shake my head not being able to believe this.

"You know, it's just different. It's..." he pauses for a second, "weird I guess. Totally weird, yes. Like you find yourself staring at her all the time... And you can't stand any other guy around her. I almost got into a fight with a douchebag who was dancing with her. And you know, when we had sex, I just didn't care about any of the other chicks who were hitting on me. I was only interested in her."

"Maybe because she was good in bed?" I try to find an excuse since I don't really like the direction where this whole thing is going. This has begun to sound way too familiar.

"It wasn't that. I mean she was but there were countless girls in their bikinis out there and the moment I kissed Amanda it was like I got blind and I couldn't see anybody else. My body was set on fire, I was thinking only about her, I... You know what, it's useless, you don't get it."

"I kind of do actually." I admit while still debating over it in my head.

"You do?" George asks me in an irritated tone.

"Yeah... I think so. I mean..." I stop and take a big breath. "I have experienced something like that myself. Sort of."

Every time I am with Vanessa, it's like my whole body is ignited and there's nobody else but her and me. It sounds similar.

"Wait, what?" George stares at me with eyes wide open.

"Don't look at me like I am some kind of freak!" I raise my voice.

"This is how you've been looking at me for the last minutes. Now speak." He crosses his arms and pierces me with his eyes.

"I've got nothing to say really!" I exclaim. "It's not like I'm incapable of feelings or something!"

"Dude, what is going on?" A brief laugh escapes from his lips.

"You're laughing? I'm not gonna tell you anything." I stand up and walk towards the kitchen. It was like George was the string and I was the patient sitting on the big fat sofa. Or like he was the scientist and I was the fucking lab rat. He was observing me like that, I swear!

"I am sorry, okay? Now spill the beans."

"Spill the beans? Really? Not even Kate says that." I look at him narrowing my eyebrows.

"Don't change the subject." He eyerolls. "Come on, fill me in. When, where, who, how."

"It's nothing really. I mean it is but it is nothing." That sounded stupid. I open the corner cupboard to find something to eat. I am not hungry but I gotta do something to avoid looking at George.

"Okay, it definitely is something." I hear him dragging the stool and I picture him sitting on it, ready to mock me. "Could you be a little more cooperative?"

"There's this girl."

"Woah, she's not a chick." He sounds surprised. "What's her name?"

"There's no way in hell I'm telling you her name. You're not gonna stop pulling my leg!" I keep on searching for a snack in the next cupboard.

"Okay." He puffs. "There's this girl and?"

"And... I don't know. She's different, you know? It's kind of different with her. When I'm with her." I try to explain.

"Different how?"

"Different like... It's weird. It's good weird though, um... I guess. It also feels weird talking about it." I admit.

"Why is it weird talking about it?"

"Because it is!" I yell and close the cupboard loudly.

"Are you going to break the whole house down?" I can tell he's trying too hard not to laugh right now. If he laughs, he practically signs his death sentence. "So let's see the facts. A) there's this girl and B) it's weird being around her. Have you banged her?"

"Are you a fucking idiot? Of course not!" I turn around pissed and walk over the counter.

"That's interesting." George lifts his eyebrows up and smirks. "So what? You're friends?"

"We kind of were until we made out the other day." I have no clue where that leaves us.

"You just made out?" He lifts his eyebrows even higher.

"Are you deaf? I just said it." I eyeroll.

"Yeah but you like her and you don't just make out with the girls you like. You usually have sex with them." He sounds like a fucking psychologist and I want to punch him in the face.

"You're getting on my nerves." I exhale heavily.

"I'm just trying to help you, man!" He fires back at me. "How far did it go?"

"That's none of your damn business!" I run my hand through my hair. "Don't you laugh, don't you fucking laugh, George!"

"You are not making it easy for me but I'll try my best." He tic tacs his fingers on the stool. It's annoying as hell. "Let's sum it up. There's this girl with whom you are friends with and you like her and it's weird and you made out on spring break." I give him a nod. "And now?"

"And now what?" I ask frowning.

"Where does it go from here?"

"I don't know... Nowhere?" I answer at his question confused.

"It wasn't such a special make out then, huh?"

"Are you fucking kidding me? She made me lose my damn mind without even actually touching me!" I remark in a loud tone. It was more than special. I've been replaying every second in my mind these past days. How amazing my name sounded as Vanessa moaned, how good her soft skin felt under my touch, how she fucking moved her hips against me driving me completely insane.

"That's also interesting." George winks at me and I sit on the stool across him. "You'll just fuck her when you see her again then, right?"

"I will what? Don't talk like that! What's wrong with you, George?" I give a little punch on his arm. "Of course I am not. I want to but I don't think she does."

"She didn't enjoy your makeout?" He air quotes his last words.

"You bet she did." I say with cockiness as I recall her groans. I could say that she almost enjoyed it more than I did.

"Nathan, you're confusing me, man." He places his hands on the counter.

"She enjoyed it and I enjoyed it and I want to... you know," I nod my head for him to get it, "but she didn't say a single word to me after what happened. The moment her friend caught us, she left me and didn't talk to me at all after that."

"And that bothered you?" Does someone pay him to ask me this kind of stupid questions?

"What do you think, genius? Of course it did." I eyeroll.

"But why?"

"You know what? Forget about Amanda. You and Pinky could make the perfect couple!" I stand up and go back to the living room.

"Who's Pinky?" George turns around still sitting on the stool.

"The other half you're missing. She was testing my nerves the way you are right now." I turn the tv on.

"That's because you're so whipped, Nathan." He states casually.

"Me? Whipped? Was that a fucking joke? Take it back!" I shout at him. "I am not whipped! I'll never be whipped!"

"Stop acting like a 5 year-old and listen to me." He gestures to me to sit down. "From the very little info you were willing to share, I think that she can be your first attempt to get serious. Why don't you go for it? We will suck at our first relationship together." He says smirking.

"Are you out of your damn mind? Me into a relationship?" I burst into laughter. "That's not gonna happen."

"Now. It's not gonna happen now." He emphasizes. "It's not the right time as you are not ready as I can see."

"And you are?" I raise my eyebrows at him still laughing.

"Yeah yeah, laugh at me like you're not more whipped than me." He tells me with a fake smile.

"I told you I'm not and I'll never be!" I point a finger at him.

"Whatever helps you sleep at night." George starts chortling. I am about to make him stop for good when I hear the front door open.

"Anybody home?" My dad yells.

"In the living room!" I yell back at him to let him know where we are and after some seconds he joins us.

"What are you up to, boys?" He crosses his arms and leans his back on the wall. He's still wearing his white damn doctor uniform and for the clinic's director he wears it a lot. I haven't really seen him since I got back home. On Sunday I was exhausted due to my lack of sleep and the flight. Yesterday he was all day long at the clinic and I didn't even hear him coming. Today he just got here and everybody else is out so I guess I have to kick George out as well, so me and my dad can have "the talk". I am far from ready or willing to do it but I can't keep on postponing it. There's never going to be a good time. I watch him as George keeps babbling about his spring break experience. He laughs and listens carefully every damn detail. George is like a son to him really. Damn it, he looks so clueless and happy, why do I have to ruin his life?

"Do you want me to put the food in the microwave?" I propose as I stand up. I never do that but I guess I can make an exception.

"No, I ate at the clinic and I have to go back for some appointments. But thanks, Nathan." He smiles at me. Don't thank me yet, dad. "I'll go get a quick shower. It was nice seeing you, George."

"You too, Cole." George greets him with a nod as my dad climbs the stairs.

"So, are we going to continue this heart to heart conversation of ours or am I kicking your ass on PS?"

"You wish. Let's go to the play room."

I wanted to talk to my dad but I have to admit I feel a bit relieved that he has to go. As it seems today is not the day for my family to be torn apart. I guess I have to wait to find out if tomorrow will be.

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

I'm screwed. I am really screwed. Today is the day. The day I'm telling my dad. He had some appointments in the morning but he's taking the rest of the day off, just to spend time with me. How damn great. Despite of destroying his life as he knows it, I am going to do the same to his day off. How fucking great. If I believed into this universe bullshit about everything happening for a reason, I would feel like the time has come but I don't. I have no idea how to say such a thing and I don't want to. But I guess I have to?

Fuck. I should probably call Vanessa. She would know what I should say. Or what to tell me to give me the guts to do this. I don't know how this girl does it but she does and there's no doubt about it. Plus, she's the only person who knows. I push the dial button and take a big breath. I know it kinda sucks right now but it will get better. Once I hear her voice. Third ring, fourth ring. She's gonna pick it up, right? Or am I a complete idiot for calling her? I know that there's not a label to put on us at the moment but I need to talk to her. It keeps ringing, leading me eventually to the voicemail. Fuck. Maybe she didn't hear it? Or did she let it ring intentionally? She wouldn't do that, would she? I don't think so. So what? I called her. It doesn't mean anything. It could have been by accident, she wouldn't know. But I wanted to talk to her damn it.

"Nathan, I'm home!" I hear my dad yelling from downstairs. Perfect fucking timing.

"Coming!" I yell back at him and put my sneakers on. The old man wants us to do some classic father-son bonding over basketball. I get down the stairs and see no sign of him in the living room.

"Dad?" I call for him as I step into the kitchen to grab a water bottle.

"I'll be there in a minute! I'm searching for some tracksuits, your mom told me she has put them somewhere in the guest room." His voice comes from the end of the hallway.

"Then it's not there." I say sarcastically. My mom is the worst when it comes to housekeeping. As it seems though she is much worse at other things. Like her marriage for example.

"Found them." My dad joins me in the kitchen with a grin on his face. He is wearing his damn blue shorts, which he has since forever and wears everytime we play at the backyard. It brings so many memories, truly good ones. "Let's go." He steps outside from the kitchen door, nodding for me to follow him.

"Um, are you sure? We could just talk, I guess." This is a terrible intro. I am so screwed.

"What? You're worried I can't handle it? Nathan, let me remind you I do go to the park with Kate every Sunday, chasing her around while she's chasing Kristoff." Who's Kristoff? "Her puppy." My dad adds like he just read my mind.

"Okay, if you think you can keep up." I pick up the ball from the exact same spot George left it yesterday. I told that douchebag to put it back in the basement.

"Don't forget who teached you how to play, young man." He points a finger at me.

"That's true." I remark as I pass him the ball.

I still remember the day he turned our backyard into my personal basketball court. I must have been 4 or 5. I had seen some older kids playing while passing by the high school and I went crazy. Like Kate does everytime she desperately wants a new Barbie doll. I had played once or twice at kindergarten and I guess I liked it but it wasn't until I saw those older kids jumping in the air that I was really eager to learn how to play. My dad brought someone to place the basket next day and he took the whole day off to teach me. My mom made some sandwiches and we all had a picnic in the middle of my brand new basketball court. I'd swear there is a dusty videotape of that day with me on my dad's shoulders trying to reach the basket. Why can't we go back to that?

"Are you going to catch the ball or what?" My dad's voice brings me back to reality.

"Yeah, sure." I slowly walk and reach it. He must have passed it to me when I was paying no attention as I was taking a trip down the memory line. I take a step back and shoot.

"That reminded me of your winning shoot on your first game." I'm not the only one feeling nostalgic as it seems. "It wasn't supposed to go in. You were out of balance when you shot, but you were confident. You were damn confident! I could see it in your eyes. Never lose that confidence, son. It defines who you are."

I wish I had some of that confidence now, dad. I have to tell you something. Mom is cheating on you. I have to say it but my throat feels dry.

"Your turn." I nod for him to catch the ball and approach the little bench on the side to take my water bottle.

"Seems to me like I still have it." He smirks after he scores. "You're upset about the championship?"

"No, it was a lost cause after Christmas break. The team had lost its tempo. You saw it yourself."

What you didn't see was that your wife was putting horns on you in the meanwhile.

"You shouldn't be. There's always next season and you did great." He passes me the ball. "I am proud of you."

No, not the proud word.

"Why are you?" I pass the ball back at him.

"Because it is a fact. You were great. Don't ever question yourself." He shoots again but this time he fails. "I would be surprised if I had three in a row." He chuckles as he runs to catch the ball.

"You're proud of me because of basketball?" I ask feeling scared to hear the answer.

"Yes, that's one of the things I am proud of you. But the least significant I would say." He takes another shoot and it goes in.

"What are the other reasons?" I take the ball and start dribbling around.

"Woah, you're really asking this." He raises his eyebrows up at me. "Well, you have my looks." He winks and tries to take the ball from me. "You're smart even if you do your best to play it dump." He roughs up while still attempting to steal the ball. "You're sure of yourself, you speak your mind and you're honest." It's like he just stabbed a knife in my chest. "You have a good heart and you're there for the people you care about." I pass by him and shoot. "And besides of being a good shooter, you're a good kid, Nathan."

"I'm nothing like it, dad." I shake my head and toss him the ball.

"What's up? Did some girl turn you down or something?" He asks me in a playful tone.

"What? No... It's about me. And you. Me as your son." I am really going to do this. "I suck as a son."

"You don't. I am proud of you." He simply states again and takes a shoot.

"Stop saying that!" I exclaim in a louder tone than I intended to.

"What's going on, Nathan?" He approaches me and rests his hand on my shoulder.

"It's something really bad, dad." I sigh.

"Whatever it is, it won't change the way I feel about you. You're my son. I love you and I am proud of you." I open my mouth to protest but he chimes in. "Always."

My head feels like it's in a vice. I should have just said it. Mom is having an affair. I wouldn't be hearing him praising me now. He gives me an encouraging nod. Okay, this is it.

"Is anybody here?" A fucking stranger just ruined the moment. I was almost ready, damn it! "Oh, dr Parker! Hello!" I turn around and see a short man in his forties with a ginger beard and a green hat waving at us. I think he is the florist from downtown. "I rang the bell but no one answered. " Maybe there was a reason.

"Todd, how are you doing?" My dad goes for a handshake.

"Good, I guess I came at the wrong time." He chuckles. Be sure about it, Todd. It's indeed a wrong time. "I brought the flowers for your wife and I don't see her home so I'll come by later again. We don't want to ruin the surprise, right?" He says to my dad lifting his eyebrows up.

My dad seems pretty clueless but he nods politely hoping he doesn't.

"You don't have to come again, I'll take the delivery." My dad tells Todd.

"Okay, I'll meet you up front." Todd leaves from the backyard as we step inside the house. I have a feeling this isn't going to end well.

"Hello again." Todd chortles when my dad opens the front door. "You should put them somewhere special since your wife isn't here." Todd hands my dad a huge bouquet of orchids. "Sign here please." My dad frowns but puts the fucking signature. "Thank you, Dr Parker. I hope she likes them." Todd smirks and finally gets lost.

"That's weird." My dad makes a confused grimace after closing the door. "It's your mom's favourite."

I know it fucking is and now I am 100% sure this isn't going to end well.

"Gimme those, I'll put them in a vase and then we can-"

"Wait, there's a card." He takes it in his hands and hands me the damn flowers.

"Honey, you got me flowers?" The front door opens again and my mom rushes into the house excited. "Oh my God, they are perfect!" She looks at the damn bouquet with eyes wide open. "You know how much I love orchids!"

A moment of silence passes before my dad speaks.

"I know, that's true. The question is who else knows?" His voice is extremely calm.

"Can I sniff them?" Kate jumps up and down next to me. "Please Nathan!"

"What do you mean, love?" My mom hugs my dad from behind.

"I mean I didn't fucking send you these damn flowers since I wasn't the one you spent an unforgettable night with!" He shouts and untags her hands from him.

"Cole, what... What are you talking about?" She momentarily loses her chill but now she's playing her part pretty well.

"You know exactly what he's fucking talking about!" I exclaim and toss the bouquet on the floor.

"Who is he?" My dad pierces my mom with his eyes and crosses his arms.

"Who is who?" She shrugs still pretending to be clueless.

"You're good... You're really good, Mel..." a brief laugh escapes his lips. It is a scary sound though, that scary it makes me cringe. "For how long?"

"Cole..." She pleads with teary eyes.

"Answer me, damn it!" He runs his fingers through his hair while his whole face has turned red from anger.

"Kate, let's go." I push my sister's back slightly to make her move.

"It's not what you think!" My mom yells crying. I suppose the show has just started.

"No, it's far worse than that for sure." I can clearly hear the pain behind my dad's words. Why it had to be him out of all people? I grab the keys from the table by the front door and drag Kate out with me.

"Let me explain!" I hear my mom's voice cracking and then something breaking.

"What is going on, Nathan?" Kate asks me raising her eyebrows puzzled.

"Nothing." I shrug and walk over my car. "Come on, jump in."I open the passenger's door for her.

"Mommy says I am too young to sit on the front." She says and fixes her tootoo. My mom just picked her up from her ballet class.

"We'll pretend you're old enough. Besides, we'll just go till the corner to buy an ice cream. Now, if you don't want to or you're willing to walk instead..."

"No, I'll sit on the front." She shrugs and gets inside the car. She is too quiet in our one minute ride and that never happens with Kate. She must be processing what just happened.

"Come on, little monster." I give her a nod to follow me as I step out of the car. The store is almost empty. "What do you want?" I ask pointing at the different ice cream flavours in front of us.

"You know, the usual..." She crosses her arms and then sits at the nearest table.

Damn it. In this whole mess, there's only one thing I haven't thought about and that's Kate. Maybe I should have taken her out of there sooner. I don't know what she got out of this but with no doubt witnessing a cheating fight shouldn't be included at her daily routine as a 8 year-old. I've been relieved by my biggest burden, meaning telling my dad about my mother's infidelity. I didn't even tell him actually, he put the pieces together on his own. Maybe I should have talked to him already? What will happen now? I'll go back to college in a couple days but I have no idea what I am going to leave behind. Will Kate be able to handle it? I take the two ice cream bowls and sit next to her.

"Here, kiddo." I give her the wrong one just to check her reaction.

"When I told you the usual I didn't mean this shitty thing." She eyerolls.

"Watch your language." I pat her nose and try to keep a straight face.

"And why should I do that? Daddy said the f word. And daddy never says that." She looks at me all serious. That's true, dad never swears but it's the least he can do considering he just found his wife was fucking with another man.

"Gotcha, this is yours." I shake her shoulder and leave on the table in front of her the bowl with her ice cream.

"I'm your only sister, it's a good thing you remember my ice cream preference." She sighs and starts eating the thing. I asked for extra syrup and all the shit you can actually put on as toppings. Kate seems to like it. I bet Vanessa would eat that too.

We stay there in silence. I can't imagine what must be happening right now at home. My mom better come clean. She has been laughing behind my dad's back for a God knows how long. This is so wrong. My dad is the last person on earth who deserves something like this. He seemed to handle it pretty well. I mean he just yelled and broke a vase probably. If I was him, I don't know how I would react.

"Nathan, why is daddy mad at mommy?" Kate asks me with her big brown eyes staring into mine.

"He is not." I shrug and look away.

"Hello! I was there." She waves her little hand in front of my face.

"Eat your damn ice cream."

"I ate it already. My belly is full. You put so many toppings." She puffs and holds her stomach.

"You liked it?" I ask pointing at her empty bowl with my spoon.

"It was good. Now, are you going to tell me what they were talking about?" She raises her eyebrows at me.

"I told you, I don't know. Don't worry about it." She is too damn persistent.

"You're lying. Mom seemed to not know but you yelled at her that she knew exactly what dad was fucking talking about." She narrows her eyebrows still not convinced.

"You're not allowed to say that." I point a finger at her.

"You said we'll pretend I'm old enough so treat me like it." This kid is too smart for her age.

"Kate, you're unbelievable." I lift my eyebrows up impressed but she gives me another eyeroll which makes me sure she will go on with this. "Okay, something happened between the two of them but it is their problem to solve. You have nothing to worry about."

"Did mommy do something bad?" She asks not breaking our eye contact.

"They'll figure it out, Kate. Should we go for another round?" I nod towards the ice cream front behind us to change the subject.

"Are they going to get a divorce?" She asks pouting.

A divorce, huh? I guess that is a big possibility. Trust is like glass. Once broken, it will never be the same again. I look at my sister who really anticipates my answer. What in hell am I supposed to tell her?

"They are just having a fight, Kate. Couples fight all the time." I say and wave my hand in the air.

"Not mommy and daddy. Not like this." She shakes her head and then stays silent for some minutes. "If that happens, does it mean you'll no longer be my brother? That we won't be a family anymore?" Her bottom lip starts trembling as the first tears make their appearance.

"Hey, don't be a fool. Stop crying." I wipe the tears off her cute little face.

"Nathan, I am afraid." She is sobbing hard right now.

"Come over here, little monster." I grab her by her tiny waist and make her sit on my lap.

"Be careful, you'll ruin my tootoo." She remarks between her cries.

"Now that's my Kate." I pinch her cheek. "Why don't you calm down, little sis?"

"I won't be your sister for long." She hides her face in her hands and keeps crying.

Ross, the elderly man who has the ice cream store since I was a little kid glances at us with a sad look on his face but I give him a nod to reassure him I got this under control.

"I thought you were smart." I hug Kate in my arms and caress her back. "You are stuck with me, little monster. I am your brother and I intend to be your brother for now and forever. We are a family, no matter what. Everything is going to be fine." I whisper into her ear as she puts her little hands around my neck holding me tight. "Everything is going to be fine." I repeat as I try to convince myself too.

Robin's POV

"Morning kiddo." I groan at him, chewing my pancakes.

"Who was at the door?" The moment I sat on the kitchen table, the doorbell rang. I, of course, made no move to get up and answer it, so Alex, sitting in the living room, laughing at my unwillingness, opened the door.

"Well, you tell me. Look what the cat dragged in." He smirks and I look up from my plate.

One by one Riv, Jake, Cal, Jen and Viv step into the kitchen.

"Holly, Scissorhands. Da fuk dudes, what are you doing here? I thought you would stay in L.A!" Those bastards, tricked me again. The were in L.A for spring break, and told me they wouldn't come back home.

"Well, we couldn't leave you alone!" Jen turns to me and sits on my lap, giving me a smooch on my cheek.

"Hey, bitch, we missed you." Callie comes next to, gives me a kiss on the other cheek and sits on Jen's lap. Oh no, not again!

"Guys, get off." I try to say but Viv, appears next to me and hugs my neck, so her hair is on my mouth.

"How was your break?" And just like bitch#1 and bitch#2, she sits on Cal's lap, and I get more stuck on my chair. My legs start to numb.

"I can't feel my legs, get off me!" Argggggg!

"Hey, show some gratitude! We are here for you." Riv smacks my head and sits, no jumps, onto Viv''s lap. Fuck, my thighs hurt, why is this happening to me?

"If you don't get up, imma throw up on you." I burp as a warning, near Cal's ear.

"Ew, gross." Riv is the first to get off me, fearing her Channel clothes will be ruined.

They get off, one by one and I get up as well, massaging my thighs, when Jake comes for a hug.

"They wanted it to be a surprise, they didn't let me tell you."

"That's why you are my favourite." I kiss his cheek.

I see River stand next to my uncle while the others sit on the table, eyeing my plate.

"Alex, we have missed you too, are there more pancakes or do I have to be more flirty so that you can make us more?" River jokes and batters her eyelashes to my uncle.

"River, leave my uncle alone, you manipulating Capitalist! Find another middle-aged man, to manifest your daddy issues on." I eye her grimacing.

"My daddy issues are non-existent, miss Freud. Calm your tits, I need pancakes with the minimal cost." She barks back, still looking at Alex.

"Of course I have more. Have a seat, kids." He points at the table and walks to the kitchen counter. "Oh, and traitor kid, who I have been raising, since forever, you don't deserve more pancakes. You called me old... again!." He points his finger at me and my mouth opens wide.

"Hey, that's not fair!" I look at River, 'cause it's her fault and give her the middle finger, which makes the whole group laugh.

"Don't worry, Ro, we can share." Viv pats my shoulder sympathetically.

I do end up sharing her pancakes... but Jen shared her pancakes with her too, which earned her a kiss on the cheek. Jen kissed Viv on the cheek as well, which of course made me exchange looks with Riv and Cal, who nodded their heads knowingly.

Me, Riv and Cal, skyped a few weeks after New Year's, and talked about Jen and Viv. Apparently the girls think what I think about these two. Callie told us she had skyped with Viv a few days back, and seemed sad, and under the weather.

We don't meddle in their business so we can't exactly say something here. Last thing I was informed of, was that Jen was dateless on Valentine's day and spent it with Viv in the most friendly way. We don't know about the Nadia status yet.

After breakfast we decided to make some sandwiches and go to the park for a picnic. I texted my pretty girl to come join us, but she told me she was swamped with homework and she is at the library. She needs to make up for the days she lost during spring break. Needless to say, I haven't seen her much since Sunday.

We find a spot near the fountain, and lay a tablecloth, and we sit down in a circle, after putting, plates, cola, and the food we made in the middle.

"Sooooo... what's new?" Cal asks first.

"Sophie and I are out and proud." I say casually, like it's no big deal.

"What? When did that happen?" Jen looks shocked and the others are looking at me waiting to hear the story.

"Well, we went on a club and a crazed chick hit on me, so Sophie came and kissed me right in the middle of the club." I say proudly. It shocked me when she did it but I am so much happy.

"Holy shit, I like her even better. That chick has backbone!" Riv comments.

"So you guys are officially dating for the rest of the world, right? I mean you tell people now?" Jake questions.

"Um... yeah, I mean, I don't know for sure how to proceed now. I guess so." We haven't discussed it with Soph, yet, since I haven't seen her much.

"So like, are you updating your FB status?" Viv asks and Jen groans. "What? You know that FB commitment is serious." She shrugs.

"No one does nowdays, Viv." Jen insists.

"Of course they do. I have updated my status and so has Quin." Jake points out.

"Sam has done that too, and it's Sam we are talking about." River remarks.

I consider it for a moment and then making a decision, I text my pretty girl.

To babe: hey babe, sorry to bother you. Quick question: would you mind me changing my status to In relationship?

I look up at the guys. "I asked Soph, I guess I could change it."

"So whipped." Jen shakes her head feigning disappointment.

"You are the one to talk 'Viv whipped'." Riv jokes, but there's truth in there.

"Ohh.. but who can resist Viv, look at her." Jen, to my surprise, retorts, in all seriousness. Viv's cheeks redden.

The others stay quiet exchanging looks, when my phone vibrates.

From babe: um...I guess, I mean...yeah, but my relatives follow me on FB.....

To babe: no babe I won't mention your name.

From babe: ok then <3

"Ok, folks I got the all clear!" I state and open my Fb app.

*Robin Summers is now in a relationship.*

I gladly inform you, that I found my other half. For more info concerning my ownership, please contact my owner S.L.

I am so funny!

"Ok, dudes, I have been updated."

Within seconds, notifications fill my screen. Of course the first comment would be from Sam

Sam Harris commented on your post : *Chandler Bing mood* whoop-ah!

Nicky Cooper commented on your post: <3 <3<3 Ohhhhhhhhhhhhhh

Kira Killian commented on your post: S. I trust you with her B)

Eliza T-Cotter commented on your post: lol, you are lame <3

Vanessa Adams commented on your post: Couple of the year! <3

Jen Parrish commented on your post: dudeeeeeeee....woof- woof.

River Abrahams commented on your post: I don't know you. You are a disgrace.

Alice Reynolds commented on your post: I am waiting for the twin T-shirts. :P

Joseph Nelson commented on your post: I am looking for your leash.

Jake Torres commented on your post: welcome to the club.

Vivianne Woodson commented on your post: sweeties, you guys rock <3

Nathan Parker commented on your post: You're so whipped Ro. Take care of her, she's a catch. ;)

Callie Domingos commented on your post : you should be ashamed of yourself.

"You guys know I am literally, right next to you right?" I puff annoyed. They always ruin my posts.

"You are the personification of whipped. Shame on you." Jen points her finger at me.

"Whatever, tell me about your spring break!" I demand, wanting to change the subject.

What I learnt about their spring break is the following: River got laid, Jake was the father of the group, Jen was drunk half the time, Callie lost her phone at a party, but found it the next day on the club, which shocked us all, and Viv got hit on by a hottie, but turned him down. Police was called in one of the houses, Jen tried pot, and laughed the whole time, imagining that the room was filled with dragons, River got into a fight with girl about a guy, Jake lost 20 dollars on the beach, and Callie found 20 dollars on the beach (Jake insists it's his money).

All and all they had an amazing time.

"I envy you guys, I have never been to L.A." I pout. "I wish we could have been on spring break together."

Suddenly River opens her hands on air. "Dudes, we can go camping!"

"OMG, Riv! Yes!" Jake chimes in excited.

"Oh, yes let's go, it's been a while." Cal adds.

"I demand it!" Jen raises her fist on air.

"I agree." Viv nods. Then they all turn to look at me.

I smirk and grimace playfully. "The annual camping trip is accepted. I am in." We all start making a ruckus and people around us look at us annoyed.

"Hey tell your owner to join us!" I eyeroll at Riv's words.

"Hey tell Sam too. The more the merrier." Jake suggests.

"Hold on." I take my phone and ignoring my 34 notifications, I text Sam.

To samthegreat: bitch, you, me, nicks and the stray gang, camping. What say thee?

From samthegreat: count me in, Nicks says yes too.

To samthegreat: tell Nicks hey.

From samthegreat: hey love <3

From samthegreat: is your dictator, joining us?

To samthegreat: hey, watch it! I haven't asked yet.

From samthegreat: she's gonna say no, her ass is republican, used to 5 star hotels.

To samthegreat: Riv is also rep. Zip it sam.

From samthegreat: riv is a cool rep. Your rep is Elsa 2.0

To samthegreat: I am uninviting you. Bitch.

From samthegreat: fine fine, I will tolerate her, calm your tits.

I eye roll and then text babe.

To babe: babyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy, guess what?

From babe: the aliens are coming?

To babe: I wish, but no. we are going camping.

From babe: WE??????

To babe: of course WE. you have to say yessssssssssss, my friends want to meet you, pleaseeeeeeeee

From babe: they can meet me during a dinner????

To babe: that's no fun. Come on :( :( I promise to give you 10 orgasms if you say yes.

From babe: ROOO :-o

To babe: ............................

From babe: .......fineeeeee.

"Yes!" I yell startling everyone. "My baby is coming with us."

"Yeah!" they all yell too.

To samthegreat: my princess said yes. Ha!

From samthegreat: she did? Wtf? How?

To samthegreat: I promised sexual favours ;)

From samthegreat: I am going to drink bleach, excuse me.

I laugh at her reaction and then turn to the others.

"Ok, peoples, let's go home and watch something." Ten minutes later, we have everything in bags, we get to our cars and go home.

It's not until later that I get a text from a person I wished I hadn't.

From Natalie: I saw your post. I really need to talk to you, please Ro.I know I shouldn't be doing this, I just want you to know that I am happy for you, if she makes you happy I won't bother you again. I just need to know there's no hope for us.

Initially I didn't plan on answering but after thinking about it, I realised that maybe what Nat needs is to finally put a closure on this is to hear the words.. I mean 'see' the words.

To Natalie: Nat, she is making me really happy. There's no us anymore, please stop trying and move on, I want you to be happy too, so please let me be. I forgive you.

I never thought I would say these words to her, not after everything that happened. But, now that I have someone to love me, I can finally say that I am free from Nat.. I have someone to love me, so I want Nat to have someone as well. We have been through so much together, of course I want her happy. She needs to move on.

From Natalie: You will always hold a place in my heart Ro, I am sorry, I regret everything. I wish I could change the past. I still love you and think of you...maybe in the future we could try to be us again?

To Natalie: Nat, there will never be an us. I have moved on..please do the same. The only thing I can give you is my friendship. I care about you, we were friends once...maybe we could be someday again.

From Natalie: I understand....maybe someday you will look at me the way you used to. Have a good night.

To Natalie: Take care Nat. Goodnight.

And just like that, I left my past behind, feeling free.

Vanessa's POV

My head is a mess. My heart is a mess. In short, I am a complete mess.

I prefer distracting myself with everything I can. Like at the start of the week, I volunteered to help at my mom's vet since Ms Andie who is responsible for the appointments and the paperwork at the front desk was out of town for a couple days. Dr Silver, the first head of the vet, had no problem with that, considering he loves having me around and knows me since I was a little girl. Well, someone could say that's what I still am. A little girl who does not think before she acts. I was never like that. I always knew what I was doing and I used to have the absolute control over my actions. That's not the case anymore though. I was doing almost okay until Tuesday but then Ms Andie came back and I was not needed anymore.

Yesterday I offered to help my dad at the garage. He didn't give me any errands to do but he was really happy to have company. We talked a lot and laughed a lot and it really kept my mind away from certain thoughts and a certain someone. And a certain thing that has happened between me and that certain someone. So today I woke up really early and made a magnificent breakfast for the whole family, using the online recipe for omelettes Ashton sent me the other day. He's been trying to keep me on track with my cooking skills. My parents were both impressed and I was sure I will get past Thursday with zero problems as well until my dad announced to me he will be super busy today and that we can spend sometime together later, which actually means tomorrow or even the day after that. He is really dedicated to his job, especially when emergencies come up, like now that he has to fix a car that has been seriously 70% destroyed. I don't get why the owner wants it fixed. Can it be fixed? When you mess up with something, you can never get back to the way it used to be before, can you? I don't think you can. And if you can, how do you do it? That's something I'd desperately like to know.

My mom has left for her work as well so I am technically left at the house all by myself. I hate it because that's not true. I am not by myself. I have these million voices in my head driving me insane. I should find something to do. I will tidy my closet. I will get all the clothes out and then put them back in. It should take me quite sometime. I get upstairs and go to my room. Before I start doing anything, I send Ashton a picture of the breakfast I made. The omelettes seem to be almost the same as the ones included in the recipe article he sent me. If Ashton keeps sending me this kind of easy recipes, I will keep my hands and brain occupied which is a good thing. The more he sends, the less time I will have to think about that certain someone I have been trying to avoid.

My mom has placed some clothes on my bed. Geez with this woman. I have told her I am on ironing duty today but of course she had to do it late last night, probably when I was watching a movie with Emma, and then sneak into my room to leave them this morning. Me and my mom are so alike sometimes. We never leave a thing unfinished. I take the pile of clothes from the bed in my hands, just to find my pajama elephant t-shirt on top of it. This is really ironic. And irritating. And unbelievable. What were the odds? Now I am back at thinking about the one person I don't want to think about. And what has happened between this one person and me. I am back at thinking about Nathan. There! I said his name. I hope the million voices in my head are satisfied now.

I don't want to think about him but I can't help it. I am fooling myself believing I can do otherwise. And the saddest part is that I can't blame anybody else but me. I am the one who has made this huge mess. I am the one who didn't think what the consequences would be. I am the one who didn't stop everything before it happened and I am the one who has no clue on what to do now.

Did I say this is a catastrophe? It is an undoubtable one. I begin to empty my closet while replaying the scene of the big night in my mind once again. Why didn't I stay in bed? It was too late and we were about to fly off in a couple hours. That was mistake number one. Then mistake number two: why did I get downstairs? I wasn't even thirsty for real. Mistake number three: why didn't I get back upstairs after I drank the water? I'll tell you why. Because I am that observant to the point I had to see that the french door was open and of course I had to go out as well and see Nathan's clothes tossed on the floor. And even then what did I do? I stayed and engaged conversation and let him drag me into the pool. Well, that wasn't my intention, but I could have gotten out instead of staying in. And then... Well, then... It was like everything happened so fast but at the same like time has frozen. Does it make any sense? I can remember clearly every touch, every kiss, every second, every millisecond really. Every word he said to me and how he was calling my name. Every word I said to him which was actually only his name. Me out of all people was silent for a fair amount of time. How long were we like that? I do remember every detail but I don't know how long our, um... intimate moment lasted. I do know I wanted it to last longer and I do find myself wishing Alice could have appeared a bit later. What would have happened then? He would have kept on leaving kisses all over my body, sucking gently my flesh, dragging me closer and closer to him, touching me... Oh my God, stop it ,Vanessa!

I need to stop thinking about it and the what ifs. Whatever happened between me and Nathan is a reality that I have to accept and deal with. How am I supposed to face him, to look him in the eyes, to talk to him after that? I can't even imagine being in the same room with him! I am so embarrassed. I let it happen and now I am just one of his many conquests. The moment it happened, I lost any sort of respect he might have had for me. I turned from Vanessa Adams the special friend to Vanessa Adams the pool 6 am make out session! Does this make me a slut? I feel kinda slutty. For completely losing my self control and for allowing him to do whatever he wanted to me and for liking it. And for honestly liking it.

Alice insists I am not a slut. She has been such a big support to me these past days. I've been calling her every night before I go to sleep. That's when the guilt feels heavier. We always talk more than an hour. I tell her over and over again how awful I feel about the incident and about enjoying it and ask what is the normal thing to do now. I would have lost it if I hadn't told Alice. I mean if she hadn't caught us. I should have talked to her sooner. She would have kept me out of trouble. Alice had seen everything coming way before I had the slightest clue. She knew Nathan only wanted to bed me and I got furious at her when she said that. She was right all along about him. I should have taken her friendly advice seriously. Maybe now nothing would have happened and I could go on with my nice boring comfortable dramaless life.

Somehow though, I know I wouldn't have it any other way, which proves I have completely gone nuts. I wanted to be close to Nathan no matter what the consequences and in the end I got so close that I got burnt. Inwardly, maybe I wanted to get burnt? I can't say. Maybe I did. When it comes to Nathan, I can't think straight. Since the day he kissed me back in November, he brought my world upside down. I vowed to myself that I will never think about it again and I decided to act cool like the kiss never happened. Nathan didn't remember a thing after all. Sometimes I succeeded in my task and sometimes I epicly failed. How can you ignore something like that? The moment his lips met mine, I knew nothing would be the same anymore. There were signs screaming this all over the place. I could hear the butterflies dancing in my stomach, I could see fireworks everywhere, I could feel my heart ready to jump out of my chest.

Nathan actually called me yesterday. Thankfully, I had left my phone at home while I was at my dad's garage and I didn't answer. I don't know if I would have answered, if I should have answered. Maybe it was by accident? There is a possibility. Some people call me by accident sometimes since I am at the top of their contact list due to my last name. Does Nathan have me as Adams Vanessa on his phone? With my last name first? That is kind of distant, isn't it? But at the same time it could be practical. He might know other Vanessas too, so our last name is the thing defining each one of us. I have him as Nathan. Well, I don't know any other Nathan but even if I did my Nathan would still be Nathan. Did I just say my Nathan? I need help. I need to see this for what it is. He will never be my Nathan and I have to accept it. He needs to accept that whatever happened was a one time thing and that I haven't joined his fan club. He should never try something like that again and I should never let him. I need to make it clear. Maybe we can go back to the way we were or at least give it a try but there is no chance we're going on like this or even taking it further! I will make sure of that because I am now aware of the fact that I am the one who is supposed to protect my own heart at all costs. I can't let Nathan break it. I won't let him break it.

I bet he can easily do that. What if he doesn't want to though? There is a chance for that too, isn't there? Even if it is considered to be the slightest chance of them all, it does exist. He could see me differently from the other girls. He used to refer to me as his special friend which yes, it could also be considered as a friend with benefits kind of friend but let's assume he didn't mean it that way. Maybe that's why he called me? To tell me that? And to clear things up? Am I stupid to think of this as a possible scenario? But if that's the reason he called, why didn't he call again? If he really wanted to talk to me, he would have called one more time. That means he didn't really want to talk to me. Or he did and then he regretted it. Or he just called me by accident like I said before. What if he called me to make fun of me? Like "Hey special friend, it took me sometime but I finally got you." He could have called just to brag and feel proud of his accomplishment. Thank God, I didn't answer! Could it be about his family? He had told me he wanted to talk to his dad after our trip to Miami. Did something go wrong? It can't be it. He would have called again, he knows that he can talk to me about it. I am just overanalyzing it as usual, trying to find an upper meaning to everything. He just called once. Who cares why? I wasn't prepared to confront him and by him I only mean his voice. I have no idea how I am going to do that in person when spring break is over.

"Boo!" Someone screams into my ear and shakes my shoulders tightly.

"Oh my God! You scared the hell out of me, Emma Taylor!" I scold her after falling off the bed.

"A Taylor always knows how to make an entrance." She tells me with pride. "Remember that time in kindergarten when I didn't think of knocking at the door before entering the toilet and I saw little Jimmy Olsen naked covered in shit? Eww! That image still haunts my dreams." Emma sits on the wooden floor next to me with her back resting on the bed. Her pink hair is in a messy bun and she's wearing a loose green t-shirt with jean shorts.

"How did you get in?" I ask as I try to get back at breathing normally.

"Nessa, your mom opened the door, it's already time for lunch and yes, she made our favourite lasagna!" She raises her fist in the air cheerfully. "We have been waiting for this all week long . Your mom had clearly said Thursday means lasagna day! Have you forgotten about it?" She asks me frowning while I look at her puzzled.

"Oh yeah, Thursday, right." I nod my head remembering it.

"You seem a bit off. Your room is in a far worse state than mine. It's like a bomb blew up in here." She remarks pointing at the piles of clothes on the floor, on the desk, on the bed. There are clothes everywhere. "Didn't you tidy your closet like two days ago?"

"Yeah, I did but I have organized my clothes per colour. I didn't find it practical enough so I thought to organize them again while keeping in mind which I wear on a daily basis, at home, for chores, for parties, for events, for-"

"You're such a weirdo." Emma cuts me off and eyerolls. "You have to leave your room as it is and come down with me. I told your mom we are going to set the table. And don't try to make me change my mind! It will take you ages to put this mess back in your closet!" She points a finger at me.

"Okay, let's go." I sigh and get up from the floor first.

"Seriously? Aren't you going to protest? I have prepared some quips to talk you out of it. You never leave your room like this." Emma looks at me suspiciously. "Is my little Nessa in love?"

"What? No!" I exclaim and shake my head in case she didn't get it.

"Did Ashton text you while you were tidying?" She raises an eyebrow at me. "He totally distracted you."

"Em, for the millionth time, nothing is going on between me and Ashton." I eyeroll and gesture to her to stand up.

"So make it happen, girl!" She throws a shirt at me before getting up on her feet. "Nessa, he is perfect for you. I have talked to Alice about it and we both agree on that. Plus, you have seen him naked? Why am I the last to know something like this?" She gives a slight punch on my arm and then hugs me from behind.

"I didn't see him naked. He just wasn't wearing a shirt. Plus, when did you and Alice talk about it? We barely saw Alice during spring break and you were with me most of the time."

I know Emma means well and she loves me with all her heart and it goes the same way for me too, but I can't tell her about Nathan. I feel really embarrassed about it and I haven't even processed the whole thing myself yet. She just punched me because I didn't tell her I saw Ashton shirtless, can you imagine her reaction when she finds out what happened between me and Nathan?

"We gossiped over you while you were in the shower." She lifts her eyebrows playfully at me. "Just start thinking about it. Like for real, Nessa. We all know that you tend to overanalyze everything so I can only hope by the time you do that, Ashton will still be available." She teases me.

I give her an are-you-serious look and get ready to give her a proper answer when I hear my mom's voice.

"Girls! The food is ready!"

"This is not over." Emma tells me raising an eyebrow at me threatenly. "Now come on, I am hungry!"

She drags me out of my room right away and we go to the kitchen downstairs where my mom's famous lasagna is waiting for us.

Sophie's POV

I knock on Ro's door holding my backpack tightly. This is such a bad idea, but it's too late now to back down. Ro was excited when her friends who came back home yesterday, pitched the idea of all us all going camping for 3 days before spring break is over. I was shocked when Ro invited me, I thought she would want to spent her time alone with her friends. I mean, I would be alone for 3 days, given that everyone is back home, but I don't know what to think about this trip. I wish it was over till now, because nature and I don't go well together. The moment I am about to knock again, my fists hit on thin air.

"Oh my god! Hello! Come on in! Hey Ro, Sophie is here!" On the door, there's a girl with dark brown hair and brown eyes. Viviane. She is wearing jean shorts and a band t-shirt, along with red Vans. I smile at her extending my arm for a handshake, but it falls short. Her arms envelop me in a hug.

"Oh hello, Viviane, nice to meet you face to face." I say when her arms leave me. She flushes her smile at me and we both get into the house. There are about 7 duffle bags on a corner so I leave my bag there too, and my backpack and then we trail to the living room. The moment I am in clear view, wild voices feel the room as I try to take everything in.

A blond girl approaches me first. River. She is wearing a floral dress and white converses, while her sunglasses are on the top of her head. She is wearing makeup, and momentarily I cringe because I should have worn too, right? But then again, Viviane isn't wearing either. "Hey, nice seeing you, Soph! We have all been thrilled for this moment. We are gonna have a blast!" she kisses both my cheeks and winks at me. She reassumes her position on the couch, stuffing a blouse in her back bag with force.

The only guy of the group, Jake, is next. He is wearing jeans, combat boots, and a brown t-shirt with a picture of a tree on it. He seems very calm as a person, and very sweet. He gives away nice vibes, and I already like him. "Hello, finally we get to see you in person." He goes for a handshake and I like him ever better! "I have to load the car, excuse me." He politely says and leaves the house. Oh my God, he and Vanessa would make a lovely couple! Too bad he has a girlfriend.

Next, a girl with light blue hair comes into view... the musician of the group. Callie. Not the hairstyle I would choose but it looks good on her. She is wearing ripped black jeans, combat boots, and a white crop top. Her sunglasses also on top of her head. "Hey girl! Good to see you! Ready for the adventure?" she kisses me as well, and I nod my head smiling politely. "Ro is getting ready, she will be down soon. Cool shoes." She says pointing on my oxfords. "I hope you have sneakers with you. These must be a pain in the ass." She says shrugging as she goes to the kitchen, leaving me staring at my feet. I do have a pair of sneakers with me, but I like to travel with style. Thus, the black skinny jeans, my white shirt and a grey cardigan. I am too overdressed? I am more than comfortable!

My question is answered seconds later when the other blonde girl of the group comes for the obligatory hug. Jenny... who is wearing black ripped shorts with red converses, her white bikini top, an open white see-through shirt and a black summer hat with black Ray Bans. I am overdressed, clearly. Damn it.

"Hi, Sophie! It's so good to meet you, I love the outfit, Robin finally upgraded." She says and when the meaning of her words sits on my brain, I smile wildly. Damn right I am an upgrade! Jen kisses my cheeks too and hugs me tightly afterwards. "I better go check on Jake!" she says, and Viv talks as well. "Yeah let me help you, your arm is still sore from last week's game, you shouldn't lift heavy things." Jenny eye rolls at that, but the moment Viv is next to her she is giving her a warm smile... right... these two sort of like each other but they don't know yet, according to Ro.

And finally, speak of the devil, Ro comes downstairs. Messy bun, sweatpants, Adidas, and a 'the Black Keys' tee. My adorable dork.

"Hello pretty girlfriend." She gets closer to me, bringing her arms around my waist and leans in for a kiss.

"There are innocent people on the couch, in case you haven't seen me!" River yells from the couch, and I break the kiss, giggling, but our faces are still inches apart. She is wearing my favorite perfume. The mango one. I love it on her!

"Yeah yeah, they are so gross. I hate them" Sam's voice is firm and serious. She is now standing in the living room entrance leaning on the wall, not impressed. She is wearing a total black outfit, shorts, shirt and shoes. She is so scary... but soon Nicky is there next to her carrying her duffle bag as well.

"Hey, be nice. Sorry, she hasn't had coffee yet. You guys are lovely." She smiles apologetically, and pecks Sam's cheek. Nicks is also wearing black ripped jeans, combat boots, and a black t-shirt. They are so dressed alike, they look funny.

We all laugh at Sam's mood, when Viv calls us to tell us we are ready to go, so one by one we march out of the house, to the cars.

"Ok, Sophie,Viv, Jenn you guys go with Ro. The rest of the gals with me." Jake points his jeep. We nod and get divided into the cars, me being of course the shotgun, with Jenny and Viv in the back. Ro puts music and starts the car, driving off first, leaving Jake's jeep behind for the first 10 minutes... then they passed by us, as Robin kept her speed to the limit... she never runs fast, and is always a very good driver, not fooling around on the road. Her obsession with safety belts even for the backseat passengers is also a sign of how careful she is... and of course something that is stuck on her mind because of her parents' accident. It is to be expected, is it not?

We reach our destination 2 hours and a county later. We stopped at a woodsy area and I look at the girls confused, 'cause I thought we were going on a beach. We unpack our stuff, which are quite heavy, considering all 4 tents and other necessities we have with us. I am on food duty so the bags I am carrying are not so heavy, but still.

We walk through the forest and my confusion is getting even bigger, 'cause we are not stopping but Ro just smiled and told me to be patient, but then there are rocks and a dirty path amongst bushes and trees and my oxfords are killing me. Finally, the rocky path is gone and my eyes widen at the view. This is the best beach I have ever seen! It's a very small place, less than 1600 feet, with white sand and puddles and a huge rock a few feet in the water! The best thing about this is that while one side is full of water, the other side is full on big trees that create shadows so I guess this is the perfect place for our tents.

"Beautiful, huh?" I hear Viv in my ear and I nod. It truly is.

We march to the shadows and put our stuff down, getting to business. Nicky and Sam are strangling with the tent, while Jen Viv, Jake and River are pretty efficient and have their tent ready in less than 20 minutes, due to the fact that they are regular campers. Me, on the other hand... I try to help Ro as much as I can, but I am being pretty useless, so she made me go find rocks for the fire. The rocks were heavy and I scratched my palm and it stings, but I am not complaining... at all. My feet also hurt, so once I put the rocks down, I take them off. That was a relief!

Well since I made the first move, the others followed as well, wiping the sweat off their foreheads and taking their clothes off... in front of me. They are all wearing swimsuits... except me. Damn it!

"Come on slackers, let's go in!" Callie yells and runs to the water and the others follow. Except Ro and I.

"What is going on?" she asks fixing her bikini top.

"I need to put on my swimsuit. Where do I do that?" I ask and she giggles. She points at the tent. Seems logical, so I take the piece off my bag and get in the tent. It's small, but I guess we don't have another option, do we? I almost fell taking my clothes off but I finally managed to get dressed. I get out of tent with nothing but my black bikini and I notice immediately, Robin's gaze on my breasts.

"That's different from the one you wore at the beach house." She comments eating me with her eyes, making my blush. "I like this better, black makes you sexier." She leans in for a kiss before she takes my hand and drags me to the water... and splashes me... and then throws me in. The others start playing chicken fights, River on Jake, Nicks on Sam and Jenny on Viv, but Ro and I swim a bit away from them, wanting to be alone. Ro brings my legs around her hips and I bring my hands around her neck, bringing us closer. I love the way her breasts brush against mine and how her hands travel on my back. She starts kissing my neck, biting lightly from time to time and I close my eyes at the feeling. Right now, I don't even listen to the others yelling and splashing each other, it's just us.

"You feel so good like that. Your skin is so soft, and salty." She mutters as she keeps kissing my neck.

"You feel good too." She looks up and kisses me hungrily, seeking entrance to my mouth, which I happily give. I deepen the kiss next and it will soon get out of control, but thank god Sam calls for us.

"Yo bitches, stop sucking each other's faces! I don't need to see it 24/7!"

"Nicky, please suck Sam's face!" Ro yells back and the group laughs. Ro looks at me apologetically, pecking my nose. "She is just trying to piss me off. I need to make her pay." She grimaces and I giggle, but soon after that she dives to my neck again leaving small bites on my skin.

We get off water 2 hours later, and I had an initial shock when they told me there were no showers here and I downed to me rather late, that there are no bathrooms here as well. I had a mild panic attack, because it was not what I expected but I calmed down without anyone else realizing it. Now I am ok with it. I think. We ate sandwiches and chocolates for lunch... dinner? I think it qualifies as lunch even though it's 5 pm. After that we went back to the woods to gather some firewood and at 6 pm, a huge fire was placed in the middle of our tents and we sat in a circle with marshmallows as I got to know the guys a little better.

Jake is my favorite so far. He is an aspiring young man, very focused on his studies and what his life is supposed to be, plus he is very polite, like Vanessa levels of politeness, so I like him. He has a girlfriend and told me that Robin once in one of her birthdays burnt a wisp of his hair with the candle.

Callie is very interesting as a person. She is confident and funny, chasing her dreams in California, and that, to my eyes is bravery. She told me that one day she and Robin got in trouble at school for a chemistry experiment that went bad. Apparently public property was destroyed, and Alex was called as a firefighter.

River... now River is awesome. She is pro capitalism, which is a plus, but doesn't support Trump, another plus, and she is studying economics. The girl is an entrepreneur in the making! Much respect for that. She could be my friend for sure, and mother would adore her. Her fun story with Ro was a party fiasco when a fellow cheerleader made fun of Ro and Natalie so River slapped her. Major respect for River.

Jen is the jokester of the group. She is attractive no doubt about that, smart, witty and pretty straightforward. Apparently a girl named Nadia is still around but the group didn't seem very happy about it. Viv looked sad. She is an art lover so we have that in common and I saw a couple of her sketches (Viv has a ton of them in her phone) and I really like her style. It's dark, but so is she. The funniest moment she has with Ro is when they were skateboarding, age 16, and Robin fell face down, making her fall on Ro. They haven't skateboarded since then.

Viviane is also calm and sweet, and way too beautiful. She is a fashion freak and always makes Jen wear things she makes at school. She is single at the moment, but wants to stay single, because she is tired of the dating scene. Jen patted her shoulder at that and Viv looked down. Ro is definitely right... Viv likes Jen, but does Jen like Viv back? She remembers a specific Halloween, age 13 when Ro got dressed as a pumpkin and the other kids laughed at her, so she started throwing her candy at them. At the end, Viv shared her candy with Ro.

After that, Callie brought her guitar out and we all started singing, and by all I don't mean me, 'cause I don't know the songs they do. Only a Coldplay song and a James Blunt one. I was sitting between Ro's legs with her arms around my waist, Nicks was sitting on Sam's lap, while Viv's head rested on Jens lap, their fingers intertwined. River was next to Jake who was occasionally snapchating with his girlfriend, and just like that, timed passed and we all got tired, so we called it a night.

I was heading to our tent after a scary bathroom break, when I find Ro sitting by the burnt out fire holding a camping lantern and a blanket.

"What are-"

"Shh. Follow me." She whispers and mentions with her hand for me to follow her. A few feet away from the tents she speaks normal again. "There's another small beach over here." She point left. "It's more secluded." We walk on slippery rocks for a few minutes till we reach the new beach. This one is more peddles and less sand, and is about 30 feet. She leaves the lantern down and lays the blanket for me to sit as she takes her shoes off.

"This is nice. Oh, look at the sky! There are so many stars right now, it's so pretty." I lie down and start stargazing. It's relaxing. "Thank you for bringing me here to stargaze. I love the stars!" Due to the trees we couldn't see the whole sky back at our beach, so now without the trees the view is impeccable.

"Yeah I know, but that's not why I brought you here, babe." I hear Ro say, and sit up. Ro is taking her clothes off...

"What are you doing?" I ask instantly. "You will get cold, the air is chilly!" she throws her hoodie at me and I catch it startled. "Ro if you get sick, I am not playing the nurse for you." I continue but she ignores me, by taking her sweatpants off. "Fine, be stubborn." I resign but maintain eye contact. She is only in her other bikini set, the navy blue one. I narrow my eyebrows waiting for her to get into the water 'cause obviously she wants a night swim. But she is stalling.

"Are you gonna get in or what?" I ask her pointing at the water. She winks at me while she brings her hands behind her back and my mouth drops the minute her bikini top is off her body. Oh no...

She throws it at me and it hits me in the face, but I let it drop to the blanket. She has the audacity to trail her fingers to the hipbones. I swallow hard at that and clench my fist when she takes the bikini bottom off.

"Ro, what are you doing?" I ask looking around for invaders of some sort.

"Skinny dipping." Her innocent face is on and that only means one damn thing. "Wanna get wet with me?" I knew it! Her lustful gaze is making me dizzy.

"No?" is my initial answer. "What if someone sees us? What if there's something in the water that only comes out in the dark? Besides google, and Nicky say that there are bacteria in the water, we can't get in naked, what if we catch something? No, this is outrageous." I rest my case.

"Well yeah, but it's sensual... very, very sensual... extra moisture." She licks her lips scandalously. My resilient is cracking. "No one will see us, I promise... no one will hear us either, and I am sure there are no sharks here." She turns around and takes a few steps towards the sea. She dips her legs in and turns around. "The water is so warm, it's really... too bad I will have to do this alone... hmmm well, we can't have it all in this life. I obviously can't have sex on the beach with my pretty girl, but that's ok." She shrugs and walks backwards looking me in the eyes. My resilience broke. She had me at 'there are no sharks here'.

I get up and take my clothes off messily, and then my underwear. I fold them and put them aside on the blanket in a neat pile and then hiding my breasts and genitalia, I walk to her.

"Fuck, the water is so cold! You lied!" I yelp, but before I say anything else she picks me up bridal style and throws me in and dives too afterwards.

I come up to the surface ready to yell at her but she is not in my visual which makes me panic. What if she got bitten by giant squids?

"I like you wet." She startles me as she whispers in my ear, behind me, attacking my neck. Her hands trail downwards to my stomach and pass my belly button and I moan at the contact.

"Ro, we shouldn't.." I rasp, and my voice doesn't sound so confident.

"I think we should. I want you here and now." Her hand dips lower and her fingers brush my clit. I turn around and kiss her desperately, gaining dominance of the kiss and she picks me up putting my legs around her waist like she did earlier today, only this time her hand sneaks in between. I cling on her resting my forehead in her shoulder as she pushes a finger inside me and starts a slow pace, stretching me, till a second finger follows.

After that we end up lying naked on the blanket, with the google app open trying to find all the known constellations. I won because I found the most, and as a winner I got another round. Kudos to me!

Three days and a body filled with bruises, scratches, and itching skin from all the salt water, hair tangled and a complete mess, hydration issues, aching eyes from the lack of glasses and 5 orgasms later we returned home.

I would go camping again... in the distant future... only if there's a hotel nearby.

A/N: Sorry for the late update! We hope you enjoyed it! Let us know what you felt while reading. Vote and comment. P.S. Just want to say in case you haven't noticed, the picture that is uploaded with each chapter is supposed to be an aesthetic for the chapter, a sort of summary in a way, we hope you like them too! We try to bring this story in life in every way possible. Till next time! xx