I Hate You Too

Ch. 23: Amara

The thoughts swirling through my head leave my heart racing as I trail down the stairs behind Dallas towards the dining room.

After she kissed me on the patio last night, something between us has . . . changed. At least, on my end, the dynamic between us feels different.

Last night didn't exactly feel fake.

In fact, it felt all too real.

I don't know what's happened, or why, or when. All I know is that, in the last couple of weeks, my view on Dallas has shifted.

I push the thoughts aside as I take a seat at the dining table next to Dallas, joining in on her family's conversation.

"I am so ready for spring break next week," Amelia says from where she sits across the table. "Algebra is kicking my ass. I feel like my brain's going to explode."

Mrs. Cooper furrows her eyebrows. "Don't say ass."

Amelia rolls her eyes. Dallas's brother, Brice, giggles.

"I'm ready for spring break too," Brice chimes in before shoving a forkful of broccoli into his mouth. "Are we still going to the beach house?"

I tune into the conversation, not paying too much attention to what is being said.

However, I notice Dallas stiffen in her seat at my side at the mention of this.

"Yes, honey," Mrs. Cooper responds. Her smile is warm. "You know we go every year."

"Yes!" Brice cries, tossing a fist into the air.

"We sort of have this spring break tradition," Mrs. Cooper explains as she faces me. "We own this cabin on the beach. We rent it out year-round and use the money to cover the mortgage. But we always make a trip down and stay on the coast the week of spring break."

"That sounds awesome," I say, returning Mrs. Cooper's smile. "Seriously, it sounds like so much fun."

The words aren't just shared to be polite. In all honesty, having a family tradition sounds like a dream. A twinge of envy courses through my chest as I risk a glance at Dallas.

I'd never admit it aloud, but I'd kill to have what she does. A large, loud family. Traditions. Company at the dinner table every night. When we started this scheme, I never fathomed I'd end up jealous of my arch rival.

"It's really fun," Brice says. "We spend, like, all day on the beach! Dad always lets me bury him in the sand. When he falls asleep, I give him a mermaid tail."

I try and fail to stifle a laugh by smothering my lips with the palm of my hand. Mr. Cooper's face is the color of a ruby as his family exchanges giggles around him.

"He's kidding, right?" Mr. Cooper asks his wife.

Mrs. Cooper chuckles as she pats her husband's shoulder. "Honey, I post a photo of it every year on Facebook. You follow me!"

Mr. Cooper scratches the back of his neck. "You know I struggle with all these new social medias, Claire. I can't seem to figure out how to get them to work."

Amelia rolls her eyes. "All you have to do is press the home page, Dad."

Mr. Cooper frowns. "What's the home page?"

Amelia exhales a sigh of frustration. "Ugh, you are so old." She then turns to her mother, grinning as she asks, "When we go to the beach, can I bring a friend?"

"Sure, sweetie," Mrs. Cooper allows. Facing me again, she asks, "Does your family have any spring break traditions, Amara?"

I fall still in my seat. My hand awkwardly hesitates in the air, the fork in my grasp hovering over my plate.