SUMMER BREAK.

Chapter 1: Summer Break

      It was one of those sweltering summer afternoons when every student at Winthrop High was confined to their classrooms, struggling through the stifling heat that seeped through the windows. The oppressive sun made even the most mundane lessons feel like a never-ending ordeal. I could barely focus on the teacher's monotonous drone, my mind drifting to the refreshing thought of diving into a cool swimming pool, my ultimate summer escape.

I glanced over at Bethany, my best friend, who was seated next to me. She was fanning herself with a crumpled notebook, her face flushed from the heat. "Ugh, this class is unbearable," I muttered, loosening my tie and unbuttoning my shirt to feel a bit cooler.

Bethany looked at me with a raised eyebrow. "Seriously, Charlotte, is it really that bad?"

"Absolutely," I replied, trying to stifle a sigh of frustration.

Finally, the bell rang, signaling the end of our torment. Students surged out of their classrooms with relief, eager to embrace the summer sun. I spotted Bethany sitting on a bench outside, lost in thought. I joined her, noticing the distant, contemplative look in her eyes.

"What's on your mind?" I asked as I sat down beside her.

Bethany sighed deeply. "I was just thinking about Liam. This summer won't be the same without him."

I couldn't help but roll my eyes. "Seriously? You're still hung up on that guy?"

She glanced at me, a mix of sadness and frustration in her eyes. "It's not easy to just forget someone you cared about."

I shook my head. "You've got to let him go, Bethany. It's time to move on. Come on, let's head out."

We hadn't walked far when I suddenly remembered my algebra notebook, left behind in my homeroom. "Oh no, Bethany, I forgot my algebra notebook on my desk!"

"Well, we haven't gone too far. Go grab it. I'll wait here for you," Bethany said, giving me a reassuring smile.

I hurried back to the classroom, relieved to find it empty. As I entered, I noticed a guy around my age sitting in Miss Linda's chair, engrossed in writing something in a notebook. My heart skipped a beat; he was someone I hadn't seen before.

"Um, hi," I said, a bit nervously.

He looked up, offering a warm smile. "Hi."

"Are you a new student, or do I just not recognize you from around here?" I asked, encouraged by his friendly demeanor.

He chuckled softly. "No, I'm not a student here. I come by after school to help Miss Linda with some of her work."

That made sense; he was here for a different reason. "Oh, I see. Well, I'm Charlotte."

"Nice to meet you, Charlotte. I'm Nick," he said, standing up and gathering his things.

As he slung his bag over his shoulder, he turned back to me. "It was nice talking to you. I hope we can chat more some other time."

"I'd like that," I said with a smile.

Nick left the classroom, and I quickly retrieved my algebra notebook. As I was about to leave, I noticed a flyer on Miss Linda's desk. It had Nick's name on it. Just as I was about to pick it up, I heard footsteps approaching.

"Charlie, where have you been? I've been waiting for you!" Bethany's voice called out, laced with concern.

"Sorry, Bethany. I met this guy named Nick—" I began to explain.

"Look at this!" Bethany interrupted, holding up the flyer she had just picked up. "It's for Moonlight Camp this summer. And guess what? The Boys Band is going to be there!"

My eyes widened in surprise. "Are you serious?"

Bethany nodded eagerly. "If this flyer is for Nick, then it must be an invitation. I bet he left it here on purpose. This could be our chance to go to the camp and see the band."

I grinned, excitement bubbling up inside me. "That sounds amazing. It'll be the perfect way to spend the summer."

Bethany's face lit up with enthusiasm. "Exactly! Let's make the most of this opportunity."

As we walked away from the school, my thoughts were filled with the prospect of an unforgettable summer—one that promised not only the chance to cool off in the pool but also to make new friends, experience exciting adventures, and maybe even discover a bit of romance along the way.

A/N: Hey guys, this is the first book that I'm writing and I hope that you love it. Remember to vote and comment.