Illicit (H.S)

07

The sun glimmers on the lake's surface, casting a serene and almost magical light across the water. The day looked bright, compared to yesterday, so I met up with William, Margot, Calvin, and Caroline at the dock to go out on Calvin and Caroline's sailing boat.

The boat was a modest size, perfect for a group outing. We boarded, and the engine roared to life, slicing through the calm lake. The breeze was cool, carrying the scent of fresh water and pine from the surrounding woods. The trees lined the lake like silent sentinels, their reflections dancing on the rippling surface with the bright day sun reflecting the surface.

As we all got on the boat, William's arm brushed against mine, a subtle reminder of the kiss we shared the previous night. It was unexpected, and I haven't had time to process it yet. I feel so confused. Between what my parents want me to do and what I want, it is getting overwhelming. Now, rather than his slight touch feeling like a friendly accident, his touch felt invasive instead of comforting.

Margot and Caroline sat at the bow, chatting animatedly, while Calvin took the helm, his expression unusually subdued. He's focused, probably not wanting to accidentally wreck the car as it's his dads'. Our boat gently rocks as Calvin steers it towards the middle of the lake.

William kept trying to engage me, but I found myself pulling away, lost in my thoughts. I stood leaning against the railing, just looking out over the lake when I felt his arms around me from behind. I still can't fully wrap my head around the kiss from last night. I glance at him, his dark hair tousled by the wind, his easy smile making him look so carefree. But something feels off.

"Hey, Lucille," snaps me back into reality.

No one ever calls me Lucille other than my parents.

I quickly turn around to meet Williams gaze close to my face. "Lucille?" I ask.

"Isn't that your name?" he asks with a smirk plastered on his face.

"I prefer Lucy," I state with a laugh.

"Isn't this great?" William asks.

"Yeah," I reply, forcing a smile. "It's beautiful out here."

I'm uncomfortable.

He's too close; I feel like we barely know each other and this is so forced. Mine and his parents must've spoken to him about their plan. I just didn't figure it would be so soon.

We snapped out of our bubble when we spotted another boat in the distance, a sleek sailing vessel that was unmistakably Niall's. The famous name "Duchess" was painted along the side. Everyone on Rowe Street is always laughing at the boat's name.

As we drew closer, I could make out Harry, Niall, Mandy, and Zayn aboard, their laughter carrying across the water. What's so fucking funny all the time?

I turn around to see the Normans clearly, once again leaning against the railing with William behind me. Calvin slowed our boat as we approached, and the two vessels bobbed side by side. The difference in atmosphere was palpable—our boat felt tense and awkward, while theirs radiated an easy camaraderie. Calvin surprisingly remains silent, his gaze fixed on Harry, while William's touchy presence becomes even more irritating.

"Look who we have here," Niall says out loud, his voice dripping with sarcasm.

I sighed, bracing myself for whatever was coming.

"What now?" William calls out.

"Hey, Lucy," Harry calls out, completely ignoring WIlliam. His eyes locked onto mine, a smirk playing at his lips.

Harry suddenly holds up a small, familiar object. My heart skipped a beat. It was the bracelet my grandmother had given me, the one I always wore. I must have dropped it during the confrontation between Harry and Calvin. I was wearing so much jewellery, I never would've noticed it falling.