SUMMER BREAK.

Chapter 11: Unraveled Truths

Yesterday was an absolute blast, and today promised to be just as exhilarating. The Bad Boys were set to perform at the camp this evening, and I was over the moon with excitement.

Despite the earlier pain in my leg and back, which had miraculously vanished, I was ready for a fantastic evening. Perhaps it was Nick's magical kiss that healed me—just kidding, but seriously, the pain was gone. My roommates hadn't asked about last night since they weren't around when I returned, which was a relief.

Nick seemed to act as if nothing significant had happened between us, though every time I looked at him, I felt as if I were lost at sea, his eyes pulling me into an emotional undertow. It was nearly impossible to maintain eye contact without feeling overwhelmed.

Practice went smoothly, but Lana and her roommates made an appearance today. They looked even more glamorous than before, though their attitudes had become decidedly colder. The prank from yesterday had clearly revealed their true colors.

As time flew by, the moment I had been eagerly anticipating arrived. The Bad Boys were here, and the atmosphere was electric. Everyone was dancing and enjoying the performance, and I couldn't help but think that Bethany, who was a huge fan of the band, was missing out on something incredible.

"Hey Charlotte," came a familiar voice. I turned around to see Nick standing there, illuminated by the moonlight, looking more handsome than ever.

"Yes?" I replied, smiling.

"My brother is here. Want to meet him? At least as proof that I've made a friend?" Nick asked.

"Definitely! Where is he?" I asked, my curiosity piqued.

"He's with his band members," Nick responded.

"Wait a minute, your brother is part of the band?" I asked, astonished.

"Yep, he's the lead singer," Nick confirmed.

"Then I can't wait to meet him and get his autograph," I said eagerly.

"Let's go," Nick said, taking my hand as we walked towards the backstage area.

Nick asked me to wait outside while he went in to speak with his brother. Moments later, he returned with a wide grin.

"Come on, he's eager to meet you," Nick said, leading me inside.

I was brimming with excitement, but as soon as I stepped into the room, my excitement turned into shock.

"Liam?" I gasped, unable to believe my eyes.

"Charlotte, oh my God, I'm so happy to see you!" Liam exclaimed, approaching me with open arms. I instinctively pushed him away.

"So you guys know each other?" Nick asked, clearly confused.

"Yes, but I regret it," I said, my voice edged with frustration.

"Ouch, that hurts," Liam said, clutching his chest dramatically.

"Liam, where is Bethany?" I demanded.

"I don't know," Liam replied casually.

"Really? Liam, you left Bethany alone in your apartment while you came here to perform? You know she's a huge fan of your band. I'm not sure she even knows you're the lead singer. You couldn't even bring her here to see me? What kind of boyfriend are you? You break her heart once, and now that you're back together, you do this to her?" I said, my voice rising in anger.

"Charlotte, are you saying that my brother is your best friend's boyfriend, and she would rather spend time with him than come here?" Nick asked, clearly shocked.

"Yes," I replied.

"Listen, Charlotte, I've heard enough. First of all, it's over between Bethany and me. Secondly, Bethany wasn't or isn't at my apartment because I've been at this camp most of the time. I remember receiving a text from Bethany saying, 'I'll be going to summer school, so I won't have time for you,'" Liam explained with visible disgust.

"You're saying that Bethany wasn't with you and that she's in summer school right now?" I asked, struggling to comprehend his words.

"Uh, I thought I just said that," Liam said, raising an eyebrow.

That couldn't be true. Bethany couldn't lie to me like that. I didn't want to believe it. I had to call her.

"That's impossible," I said, tears welling up in my eyes. Anger surged through me.

"I can show you the message if you'd like," Liam offered, pulling out his phone.

"Never mind, excuse me," I said, leaving the room with Nick trailing behind me.

"Sorry, Nick, but I need to be alone right now," I said, and he nodded in understanding as he stepped back.

I sat on a bench, pulling my knees to my chest and allowing the pain I'd been holding inside to flow freely. Why had Bethany lied to me? If she hadn't lost her virginity, why would she have said that? It was hard to process, and the betrayal stung deeply.

I pulled out my phone and dialed Bethany's number, needing to hear her voice to make sense of everything.

"Hey Charlotte," she answered cheerfully, unaware of the confrontation I was about to have.

"Where are you?" I asked, trying to keep my voice steady.

"Um... at Liam's apartment, I thought I told you," she said.

"Where is he?" I pressed.

"He's here," she responded.

"Can I speak to him?" I asked.

"Why, um... he's in the bathroom," she lied, clearly flustered.

"Do you know that Liam is in the Bad Boys band?" I asked, my voice growing more intense.

"No, he never told me."

"Do you also know that he performed at the camp today?" I continued.

"No," she said, her silence betraying her unease.

"You realize that if the Bad Boys played today, Liam couldn't be with you," I said, feeling my frustration build.

"You also know that Liam is Nick's brother?" I asked.

"No," she admitted reluctantly.

"And do you know that I saw Liam on the first day of camp because his mother owns this camp?" I pressed.

"No, why are you asking me all these questions? You're creeping me out," Bethany said, her fear evident.

"Once more, Bethany, where are you?" I demanded.

"At Liam's apartment," she repeated.

"Is he with you?"

"Um... no."

"Liar. You're not at Liam's apartment because you're at summer school, and I got this information directly from Liam," I said angrily.

"That's good," she responded with indifference, further infuriating me.

"REALLY, BETHANY? GOOD IS ALL YOU HAVE TO SAY? WHERE'S THE APOLOGY FOR LYING TO ME? DO YOU HAVE ANY IDEA WHAT I'VE BEEN GOING THROUGH? YOU LIED, YOU FREAKING LIED! SCREW YOU, BETHANY!" I shouted, my emotions spilling over.

She remained silent.

"Sorry for yelling. I was just really upset. Why did you lie to me?" I asked, my voice trembling.

"I lied because I couldn't face the embarrassment of telling you I was sent to summer school. I didn't perform well and was recommended for it. That day I was sitting outside, I wasn't thinking about Liam; I was thinking about how I'd spend my summer in school. I didn't want anything to do with him..." she started yelling, making me pull my phone away from my ear. "...BASTARD, AND WHAT YOU SAID DOESN'T HELP AT ALL! GOODBYE!"

I sat there, staring up at the stars, feeling a profound sense of regret for my outburst. I retreated to my room, choosing not to attend the campfire, overwhelmed by the revelation and the betrayal of a friend I thought I could trust.

4o mini