Not good for you

13;

The sun had already gone down, melting into the ocean's deep waves, painting the distance orange and light pink. It was a beautiful sight that I could stare at for hours.

The sight of nature and its beauty always relaxed me in ways I couldn't even explain. At home, after the daily argument with my mother, all I did was stare out the window and lose myself in the sight of the clouds and the sun painting the sky colorful.

I left the girls behind because Leigh had received a call from her mother—which, according to her, would be hours long—and Emilia stayed with her to get ready and change.

On the other hand, I didn't feel the need to try to look good. There was nobody here that I wanted to impress with makeup and perfectly done hair.

When I walked on the sand, I took off my shoes to enjoy the warm sand under my bare feet. Austin and Casen ran into the water to play a match, tossing their ball while I walked beneath the vibrant sky. Seeley appeared more relaxed now than before we went to the cinema, which brought me relief. However, I hadn't expected him to stay with me and keep me company while our friends deliberately tried to hit each other on the head with their volleyball.

"It's beautiful," I said, glancing up to the sky, and Seeley raised his head.

"I've seen better," he shrugged, and I gasped silently.

He tried to hide his smile, and I pushed his arm playfully. I was glad we could be on somewhat good terms, I didn't want it to end. I wanted to spend more time surrounded by laughter and honest smiles. It's been too long since I've experienced that.

"This is what I always tell Austin when he shows me his paintings," I admitted almost shamefully, and Seeley's eyes landed on me.

"No... you monster," he said in disbelief, amusement shining in his green eyes.

I bit into my lower lip and nodded several times.

"I'm horrible, I know." I grinned, and Seeley let out a cloudless laugh, his head thrown back.

"You really are." He continued to laugh, and I shrugged.

"I can't treat him like a baby," I said, defending my point. "He is an adult; he's going to have to deal with criticism sooner or later."

"A very raw criticism," he gave me a knowing look, and I closed my mouth. "Maybe be a little less harsh with him, would you?"

"Look who's talking," I lowered my tone and turned away from him to look casual.

Seeley stopped walking and sunk his hands into his pockets.

"What does that mean?" he asked, waiting for me to stop walking.

I sighed and placed my hand on my heart, my back facing him as a storm of thoughts and worries overran my head. Suddenly, I started to worry about his reaction if I confronted him about his mood changes. He seemed at ease at the moment, and I didn't want to ruin that.

When I turned back to him, he stood a few feet away from me, not moving an inch as the wind ruffled the back of his hair. I took a step closer to him, as the only sounds around us were the waves and the dancing wind. A silence that was both appealing and suffocating.

"I just..." I put a strand of hair behind my ear, hoping he overlooked my fretfulness.

Seeley didn't even interrupt me, which was almost deadly to my ears. He stood there and waited for my response without remorse or forethought.

"I noticed that you changed," I admitted, not daring to breathe in his presence. I didn't want to mention the girls because I didn't know how he would react.