sand and salt

bonfire

Adeline stared at herself in the mirror. Her makeup was fantastic, far better and more skillfully done than she could've attempted. Her blonde hair was in light curls cascading done her back and shoulders. She kept her beat up converse on which made the look more casual. The only thing she would change is the dress which was way too small at her thighs and chest. Despite that she looked incredible.

"Sooo...," Tiffany began, snapping Adeline back into reality. "Do you like it?"

Adeline gawked at her, "Like? Dude this is amazing! I could never do this by myself."

The girl flushed with pride, "Well thank you. I never really get to do mindless makeovers anymore. Drew always had me on trash duty." Adeline sighed, annoyed by the mention of the girl. She certainly seemed prickly during their first meeting.

Adeline glanced over to a small clock on someone's beside table; 5:30. Adeline's eyes widened in surprise. She was supposed to be meeting Leanne. Not wanting to be late, she thanked Tiffany for all her help and ran out of the door.

Leanne's hand was poised in a fist, about to knock the door as Adeline ran up behind her. "Am I —am I late?" Adeline asked, breathing heavily from running.

Leanne gave her a puzzled look, "Well no, but where were you?"

"Oh! This girl, Tiffany, from Aphrodite cabin was helping me get ready. I kinda lost track of time," she explained gesturing to her dress and hair.

"You do look great. I've only met Tiffany once during capture the flag but it looks like she does a wonderful job at makeovers."  Adeline smiled and nodded her head.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The evening sun set over the water as Adeline walked down the beach to the large group of people. A bonfire was surrounded by a couple of campers, one with a guitar. Couples were sneaking off down the beach and a cooler was full of sodas and a few other options. The night had a comfortable air to it and eased some of Adeline's nerves.

Leanne touched her shoulder, "I'm going to go find Kayla and Austin. You'll be ok here?" shit. A wave of panic suddenly hit Adeline. The thought of being by herself making her anxious.

"Of course. You go find them, I'll be here," she lied. She adorned her lips with her best fake smile which seemed to satisfy Leanne. Adeline watched her walk away. The breeze fluttered her dress around her legs and Adeline pulled at it. Looking down to her cleavage, she quickly pulled it back up, embarrassed, then muttered a few choice words under her breath.

"Having fun fighting that dress, sunshine?" Adeline glanced up to see Leo smirking at her. His gaze trailed her body—which was something Adeline always was flustered by—stopping at her eyes.

"Oh I-uh- hi!" She stammered, not expecting him to make an appearance.

Leo grinned, "Woah, careful don't want you to freak out and splash me again. Although I probably needed a shower anyway."

Adeline flushed at the mention of the incident. "I'm so sorry about that! I promise I had no idea that would happen and-"

"Hey, it's all cool I really didn't mind. I thought it was kinda awesome," Leo said cutting off her rambling. Adeline grinned, a feeling of pride swelling through her.

"I'm gonna grab something to drink. I'll be right back," Leo pointed toward the cooler which never seemed to run out of drinks. Adeline nodded, a little sad to be left alone again.

The sound of guitar drifted through the air. The smell of smoke from the fire was a comforting scent to Adeline, reminding her of home. She walked closer to the fire, not particularly paying attention to anything else. Her body slammed to a stop as if she walked into a wall. Except the wall turned around to reveal Caleb smiling down at her. Adeline's face lit up.