Incredible

- 8 -

- 8 - 

The Summer

It was once again summer in California, and all of the PCA kids were released home.

"Okay, we've got to get together sometime this summer," Caitlyn said as they left their now empty dorm room. Zoey smiled at her. "For sure!"

Nichole sighed and readjusted the strap of her bag. "I don't know. I live all the way in Kansas, the only time I can come to California is during the school year."

Caitlyn wrapped an arm around her shoulders and gave her a side hug. "Don't worry, Nic. We'll make lots of good memories for you and share them when we get back." Nichole smiled sadly as they reached the front of the school.

The girls all set their things up under a shady spot in front of the parking lot.

"How long until your rides get here?" Caitlyn asked the girls. Zoey checked her watch. "My dad should be here soon. Dustin's meeting us here in a few minutes, too."

Nichole looked at her phone before rolling her eyes. "My mom's already here. And she wants to 'talk'," she put air quotes around talk. Caitlyn raised her eyebrows, worriedly.

"Are you gonna be okay?" She asked, standing up to say goodbye. Nichole smiled at her. "I'll be fine. I'll see you guys next year!" she said, giving them both a hug before waving goodbye.

Zoey turned to face Caitlyn, who was settling down on the ground next to her luggage. "Where's your ride?"

Caitlyn smiled up at her, "Chase's dad is picking us both up, so I'm waiting on him whenever he gets here."

Zoey gave her a questioning look and dropped down next to her. "Really? Why?"

"We're neighbors, did I not tell you? We grew up together." Caitlyn frowned. Zoey shook her head. "No, but that makes sense. Especially with how you seem to use this to get him to do what you want all the time," Zoey laughed, gesturing at the bracelet on Caitlyn's wrist.

Caitlyn grinned, pulling at the accessory. "Yeah, uh, these are our friendship bracelets. We made them in second grade, they're meant to show how we're each other's number one best friend."

Zoey grabbed her wrist lightly and twisted it around in her grip, spinning the bracelet. "It must mean a lot to you if you both wear it every day."

Caitlyn nodded, grinning fondly at the bracelet as she took her wrist back. Zoey grinned at her. "You must like Chase a lot if your friendship means that much to you."

Caitlyn nodded again but frowned when she met Zoey's look. "Well, yeah. He's my best friend."

Zoey rolled her eyes light-heartedly. "Not what I meant, I mean you like him, like him."

Caitlyn blushed at the accusation, "I do not."

Zoey giggled. "Come on, you totally do! You're always hanging out with him, and you got really jealous when he went to the dance with Valerie."

Caitlyn pointed at her, "I was not, I just got protective over him once I found out what she was doing because, as I've previously stated, he's my best friend."

Zoey was about to retaliate when Dustin called out from the parking lot, "Zo', dad's here!"

Zoey looked up and waved at him, getting up. Caitlyn got up with her and helped her gather her things. "Okay, call me when you want to make plans and not talk about how I don't like Chase," Caitlyn said, handing Zoey her bag. She rolled her eyes with a grin and hugged her.

"Bye, Caitlyn," she laughed before leaving. Caitlyn waved goodbye to her as she got into her dad's car.

"Hey, Cait!" Chase greeted from behind her. Caitlyn turned around to see him drop his excessive amount of luggage next to hers beneath the tree. Caitlyn laughed, crossing her arms with a judgmental look. "Did you manage to stuff your clothes between all of that junk?"