The Lakes

Chapter 1 - James

 There's a dazzling haze about her, a mysterious way she moves. The bonfire illuminates her flyaways, giving her a soft halo. She captivates me like a firework show. Everything about Betty is perfect: her laugh, her cerulean eyes, the way she has absolutely no rhythm, yet she still dances like nobody is watching. I'm pulled out of my trance once Betty yells my name, signaling for me to dance with her.

This is Betty and I's third end-of-year bonfire as an official couple. I've loved her for three summers now, but I want them all. Ever since we were freshmen, at the end of every school year, Dorothea Yearwood throws a rager at her parent's farm. Parties never really were my thing, but Betty likes them. Life of the party, she is.

Betty whirls me around, the heat of the fire making me sweat. We start laughing for no reason except being undeniably in love. I pull her close as we sway to the music. Nothing around us seems to matter.

Betty finally looks up, grief in her eyes. She hesitates for a moment, but then finally speaks. "Soon we'll be seniors."

"I know," I breathe, a little confused about what she means.

"No, James. You don't get what I'm saying. Soon we'll be seniors." She emphasizes the "seniors" this time around. "Next year we'll be in college. You haven't even applied to UCLA yet." Betty gives me an irritated yet dejected look.

The thing is, I have applied to UCLA. I didn't get in. Betty likes to think I'm as smart as her, but I'm not. She's a borderline genius. College never has been in my future. She keeps trying to force it onto me. I'm better with my hands than my brain. I don't have the heart to tell her I didn't get in. California is a long way from Louisiana. This time next year, she'll be all the way across the country. I know I need to tell her soon, but I wanted to wait till after the summer; this may be the last one I have with her, and I want it to be perfect.

"C'mon, Betty. Let's talk about this another time."

She pauses, then lets out a sigh, and leans back into my chest. I attempt to look past her blonde eyelashes, trying to see what emotions her eyes are holding. I hold her as close as I can, hoping she doesn't slip away. The world whips around us, yet we remain constant.

"Look, I'll apply soon. I promise," I lie.

She undigs her chin from my chest. We both lean in, our lips brushing against one another until the moment is ruined by a penetrating voice.

"Betty, it's time to go. You promised your mom you'd be home by midnight, and I'm not getting in trouble for your choices again," Inez shrieks, looking me up and down.

"Inez," Betty says calmly. "It's fine if I'm a couple of minutes late. Go wait in the car, I'll be there in a minute."

Inez gives Betty a bitter look before storming off, her short black hair bobbing up and down.

Betty turns back to me, playfully rolling her eyes. I let out a snicker. I know how Inez is, and Betty will never hear the end of it if they're late.

"Go," I reassure her. "Wouldn't want to upset her."

Betty giggles. "Thanks. Love you," she whispers as she pulls away.

"Love you too. Be safe." I call after her as she walks away. I'm left alone in a place I'd rather not be. I head for my truck, saying my goodbyes to my friends as I pass them.

I wake up to the sound of my front door opening. I roll over in my bed, turning to face the clock. Huh. It's 8:00. Laci worked a night shift last night, I remember. But Laci doesn't get off until 9:00. I check my phone, seeing if I had a miss call from her. Nothing. Groaning, I finally get up, putting on a t-shirt and shorts over my boxers, then giving myself a good stretch. The tiredness finally hit me. On the way home last night, I decided to stop for Canes. I didn't get home till about 1:00, which is early for most. I, however, go to bed at 9:00 on weekdays. I'm not exactly a night owl or an early bird. I'd sleep for 15 hours if you'd let me.