Since Forever

Chapter 17

Zac's POV

NEVER watch the Titanic. It has the worst ending. It's like every romance ever, but then one of them dies. It's like they try to get you to be happy and then they throw you off a cliff, or under an iceberg. I don't know why Archie likes that movie but I definitely DO NOT see it. 

I walk out of the cabin, holding the door handle a little longer than necessary. Just think: if there had been a few more of these in the middle of the ocean, Jack would have lived. 

"You okay?" Alice is standing on the porch in front of me.

 I take so long to answer that she almost asks again. "Yeah, I'm fine."

"Is it the door? I did the same thing the first time I saw Titanic." She smiles sympathetically.

I laugh. "I know it's stupid. We're nowhere near the middle of the ocean."

"I mean, we're on an island, so..." She giggles.

"You're right; it's totally not stupid."

Alice smiles teasingly. "Now, I didn't say that."

"Then what did you say?" I swear even calculus is less confusing than girls. Ask anyone. 

She shakes her head dismissively. "Never mind. So, what's your plan for today?"

I shrug. "Not sure. I think most people are hanging out by the lake." We were supposed to be going to this farm near camp for a tour and to meet the animals, but the camp excursion got cancelled because it is blisteringly hot today.

"I'm thinking I'll do that too," Alice says casually. "Maybe I'll see you guys there?"

"Yeah. Maybe." If the air-conditioning in our cabin was better, I would just stay here. I don't really feel like going out today. And even though there aren't any icebergs, the lake doesn't feel like the safest place right now.

"Great." She grins. "Bye." Alice waves and leaves right before Finn sticks his head out the door.

"Where are you going?"

I consider his question. "Nowhere. I just wanted to go outside."

He pulls a face. "It's even worse out here than inside. I don't think I understand your logic."

I follow Finn back inside. 

Most of my cabinmates are already wearing bathers. 

"We're going to the lake," Fred says. "Do you want to come?"

"Sure." 

As I wait for Ethan to get out of the bathroom, I watch the others get ready. Archie is rummaging in his bag for his towel, Zac is doing push-ups, and Bailey is failing to get Thomas to be sun safe.

"At least wear a hat," Bailey pleads.

Thomas shakes his head. "Nope."

"Please?"

"No."

"How about a cap?" he suggests. "Caps are cool."

"Baiiii-leyyyy."

Bailey narrows his eyes and throws the hat in Thomas's face. While he's distracted, Bailey attacks him with spray-on sunscreen.

"Hey! Stop it! Get off me!" Thomas struggles but fails to avoid his persistent friend.

Ethan clears his throat, indicating that the bathroom is free, and I go get changed.