𝐜𝐫𝐮𝐢𝐬𝐞

𝟐𝟎

The dinner was spent mainly with the adults talking amongst themselves and the kids talking amongst themselves.

Our conversation mainly consisted of getting everyone's phone numbers and snapchat's so we could keep in touch with each other once this cruise was over.

"I'm going to miss you guys," Josie said with a pout on her face.

I looked over at her with a sad smile and gave her hug since she was sitting next to me. "I'm going to miss you all too."

I've never had this many friends and I've gotten used to seeing them everyday. Going back home where my only friend is Charlie is going to be an adjustment to say the least.

At least I'll have my books. The silver lining.

I'm a huge reader and I left my book at home. Rookie mistake. It's not like I would have had time to read on this cruise anyway.

"We definitely have to go back to the teen club tonight, for the memories," Josie said wistfully as she ate a fry off her plate.

"You're so sentimental," Dylan joked.

"And I'll own it," Josie said sassily with a laugh.

I smiled while watching their interaction. It made me happy to see Josie happy like that.

"Do you guys want to head down there? It's already 9:30 and we all have to be up kind of early tomorrow so we can't be there for long," I asked.

"Always the mother of the group," Josie said with a laugh.

"Someone's gotta do it," I shrugged with a chuckle. Doing so made me acutely aware of Jayden's arm still slung over my shoulders, playing with the ends of my hair. He hadn't moved his arm the entirety of the dinner, unless one of us needed to get up.

If I was being 100% transparent, it made me feel a little awkward. I mean, both of our parents were sitting at the same table and could easily make the wrong assumptions.

We're just friends.

"I agree though," Jayden spoke from next to me. "We should go now."

He began standing up and the rest of the group followed. Once I stood fully up, Jayden offered me his hand to take.

"One second, I'm going to let my mom know where we're going."

He pouted cutely at me and I laughed slightly and began walking over to my mom.

When I reached her, she was deep into a conversation with all of the parents. I tapped her on the shoulder lightly to get her attention.

"Hey, sweetie, what's up?" She said.

"Sorry to interrupt," I said awkwardly as all of the parents turned their heads toward me. "I just wanted to let you know that we were going to head back to the teen club."

"Oh, yeah. Make sure you come back at a decent time because everyone has to be up earlier tomorrow morning to pack up," she told me with a smile.

"Of course, I'll see you later," I said and gave her a hug.

"See you later, sweetie."

I turned around to head back toward the group to see that only Jayden was standing there.

"Everyone else was anxious to head down there but I didn't want you to walk alone," he said as I neared him.

He waited for me.

Did you hear the sound of my heart swooning?

"Thank you," I said sincerely as I slipped my hand into his outstretched one.