A World Beyond the Waterfalls

What's Going On Here?

I take in Dylan's smell. Sweat and grass. He smells like spring. And then a voice breaks through the brush of the forest. "Dakota! Where are you?! DAKOTA!"

I curse under my breath. "I forgot to text Liam and tell him where I was." I scramble to my feet and run toward his voice.

"Liam! Over here!" He comes crashing through the trees and runs right up to me.

"Where were you?!" He asks breathlessly. "I've been looking for you forever!"

I sigh. "I'm sorry. Dylan and I have been swimming and talking and stuff. I didn't realize how long I was gone. I'm sorry."

His face softens. "No that's fine. I was just-wait a minute. Who's Dylan?"

I turn around and start walking away. When he doesn't follow me, I turn to look at him. "Are you coming or not?"

Liam smiles and runs after me. I lead him to the lake and we find Dylan sitting on the pier, right where I left him. "Dylan this is my brother, Liam."

Dylan turns at the sound of my voice. "Hey. Nice to meet ya." He says, sticking his hand out to shake Liam's.

Liam frowns. "You're the asshole who rammed into my sister and then was a jerk to her!"

"Whoa! Language Liam!" I scold. "Calm down."

"Stay away from my sister." He growls. His face fills with rage and he shoves Dylan. Hard. Dylan stumbles back and face plants into the water. He hits the surface, hard and comes up sputtering, his face bright red from the impact.

"What the hell Liam??!!" I shout, reaching down and pulling Dylan out of the water.

Dylan runs his hands through his dark hair. "No, Kota it's okay. I deserved that." He turns to Liam. "Look man, I'm sorry I was such an idiot to your sister. I was pissed and I took my anger out on her. I apologized and we were having a nice time. Would you like to join us?"

Liam looks at Dylan. Then he looks back at me. I nod. Please, Liam, I mouth. Liam sighs. "Whatever. I'm sorry I pushed you in the water. I'm Liam." He shakes Dylan's hand and I smile in relief. Good, they're gonna get along.

"Good. Now that we are all fiends, come on. I wanna climb to the top and jump in the water." I grab their arms and run them to the waterfall. We climb the rocks, watching the sharp jagged edges and we reach the top about ten minutes later.

Standing on the highest rock, I cup my hands around my mouth and scream. My yell echoes around the lake, bouncing off the rocks and the walls of the clearing.

Liam laughs and follows my lead, taking a shout of his own. Doing the same, Dylan comes to stand next to Liam.

Liam smiles at him and Dylan smiles back. And at that moment, I find myself being glad that Liam likes Dylan. Why, I couldn't tell you. But I do.

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A/N sorry for the short chapter I'm in the car. Please comment on what you guys think! Tbh I'm not very proud of this chapter but it gets better, I promise. Love ya❤️