Melody has been best friends with the Herrera's (only one of them)-Andrea and Charles-for as long as they were conscious.
The three of them are forced to share the lake house after 3 years of University, along with Charlie's fellow frat brothers wh...
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We gathered our things, as the boys made their way onto the dock, seemingly ignoring our efforts to clean up, knocking over glasses and stepping on our towels.
"Hello? Down here!"
All efforts to gain the attention of the distracted boys boarding the boat were unsuccessful, but our clean-up hadn't been.
As soon as my feet made it onto the boat, Charlie was starting it up, donning a captain's hat as the boat began to take off from the dock. I settled on one of the seats, holding my knees against my chest while everyone else began to settle in as well.
"Forgive me if I'm speaking out of turn, but, driving a boat with a bud light in your hand is usually frowned upon in today's society."
My head snapped toward the person next to me, startled at his presence. I hadn't even seen him walking toward me—I was so lost in my own head, life seemed to pass me by most of the time.
"Well, we all know Charlie marches to the beat of his own drum, usually."
"Ah yes, Herrera makes his own rules."
I chuckled lightly, my eyes now on the boy next to me. On top of his bronze skin he'd already acquired a tan from being in the sun for just a few hours. His dark brown hair had been twisted into locs, tied up on the top of his head. Oh, and his smile? It was blinding. I could understand the appeal.
"I don't think I recognize you," I raised my eyebrow, scanning his face. Most of the boys here had followed us from elementary school to college, and it was easy for me to recognize the majority of them, though, age had completely changed their once immature faces. Some of them even had beards!
"Sampson Perry–Um, but just call me Sam," He let out a sheepish grin, "the boys just call me Perry, though."
"The boys..." I scrunched up my nose, teasing his use of the national frat boy language.
"Sorry—habit—whatever. I met Charlie and the b–the guys during my initiation."
I nodded slowly, retreating back into myself as my eyes scanned the boat for some kind of escape. Andy had been next to Charlie as he drove, snatching his beer away from him and sipping it herself. She'd had a hand on her hip—her usual stance—guiding Charlie down the lake and no doubt ordering him like a drill sergeant. In this moment I had to keep reminding myself that it was Andy on the boat, and not Mrs. Herrera, scolding her son.
"You're...Melody, right?"
My head turned slowly over to Sam again, and if I had been a cartoon, a creaking sound effect would be paired with this motion. "Yes?"
"Oh—just you know—I'm asking because...introductions."
I sighed in an effort to let down my defenses, "Right, yes—I'm sorry. Melody Briggs, but the girl calls me Mel."
