Midnight

one, cousins beach

Elizabeth Conklin, known affectionately as Lissy, is in her bedroom in a whirlwind of chaos as she scurries around, trying to pack for the summer vacation at Cousins Beach. Clothes, shoes, and beach essentials were everywhere. And laying  on my bed under a pile of my t-shirts and bathing suits was my best friend, Amelia Lopez.

"Seriously, Lissy, do you really need all of this?" Amelia asked with a laugh, half-buried under a mountain of clothes.

I paused, holding a colorful bikini in her hand, my eyes sparkling with excitement. "You know me, Amy. I like to have options."

Amelia rolled her eyes playfully. "And here I was thinking this summer was going to be about relaxation."

I chuckled, sitting down on the edge of my bed. "Oh, it will be, don't you worry. But you know how it is at Cousins Beach. A little adventure never hurts anyone."

"You're going to miss me, aren't you?" Amelia teased, her eyes sparkling with mischief as she toyed with a beach hat.

I shot her a smirk. "Of course, Ami. How could I not? But don't worry we'll FaceTime every single day, and before we know it, summer will slip through our fingers."

Amelia grinned. "Oh, you can count on that. Now, spill the details. What's the plan for this summer?"

I leaned back, propped myself up with my elbows. "Well, you know the usual – sun, sand, beach swimming and of course the hot guys."

Amelia rolled her eyes dramatically. "You're so lucky you're going to be surrounded by all those hot guys at cousins"

I chuckled and slipped the bikini top into my suitcase. "You know my style. But honestly, I wish you were joining me."

Amelia sighed dramatically, rolling over onto her stomach."I know, but it won't be the same without you here. And remember, this is the summer you spill your guts to Conrad Fisher!"

My cheeks flushed as I continued folding clothes. "Ami, I've been telling you, it's complicated. Belly likes him too, and I don't want to hurt her."

Amelia propped herself up on her elbows, giving me a knowing look. "Complicated? If you don't take a chance, you'll never know what could've been. Trust me, you two are meant to be."

I sighed, my expression a mix of frustration. "I wish it were that simple. But let's not talk about it now. I'm just going to focus on enjoying the summer."

Amelia rolled her eyes, a smile tugging at her lips. "Fine, fine. But you better bring me back some juicy gossip from Cousins Beach. You know I live for that stuff."

I laughed, placing my hand dramatically over my heart. "Consider it a done deal. I'll collect all the juicy details just for you."

Soon enough, the moment was interrupted by my mother's voice echoing from downstairs. "Belly, Lissy, we're leaving in the next 10 minutes!"

Amelia let out an dramatic sigh. "Guess it's time to say goodbye for now."

My mother's voice rang out again. "Two minutes, Belly, Lissy! I'm not kidding!"

Amelia and I exchanged a quick but heartfelt hug, and then I rushed to complete my packing. My mind buzzed with thoughts of the summer ahead – the beach, the parties, the boys.

As our car pulled away from our house, I gazed out the window, watching my neighborhood disappear through the window. Cousins Beach had always been a place of magic for her, where memories were made, and secrets were shared.

◊◊◊

As the car made its way down the familiar streets of Cousins, I leaned back in my seat, watching the town go by. My sunglasses sat perfectly on my nose, and my long, black hair caught the sunlight as it streamed through the window. The wind played with my hair. Earbuds in place and music playing softly in my ears, I was in my own little world.