Anvaila Emerson, a vibrant party lover, juggles her crush on Kevin Diaz, the basketball team captain, and the return of mysterious Austin Smith to senior year. Caught in a high school drama, Anvaila faces the complexities of emotions, friendships, a...
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By the time Friday rolled around, I had everything packed, planned, and prepared for the trip I was desperately looking forward to. The decision to visit my grandmother and Aunt Alina had been surprisingly easy once I’d made up my mind. A weekend away from the suffocating monotony of the city, away from Kevin’s endless texts and calls, and away from the emotional chaos that had become my life? Yes, please.
The idea had started as a suggestion from Austin, but the more I thought about it, the more it felt like the escape I needed. Mom and Dad wouldn’t mind—I’d already texted them, and as usual, Mom just sent a quick “Okay, take care” while Dad told me to have fun and not forget to call. Jade had muttered something about how lucky I was to have free time, which I ignored because it wasn’t my fault she had college entrance exams.
But here was the thing: as much as I wanted a break, I didn’t want to take this trip alone. So, like any sensible person, I turned to my friends.
“Wait, you’re leaving this weekend?” Rachel asked, her voice tinged with regret.
“Yeah,” I said, fiddling with the strap of my bag. “I thought it’d be nice to visit Nana and Aunt Alina. Clear my head, you know?”
Rachel exchanged a quick glance with Sierra, who was sitting beside her.
“We’d totally come,” Sierra said, “but we’re throwing a surprise anniversary party for Mom and Dad. It’s been planned for weeks.”
“Oh,” I said, trying not to sound too disappointed. “That’s okay. I get it.”
“Sorry, V,” Rachel said, using the nickname I always teased her with. “Next time, we’ll plan something, all right?”
“Yeah, sure.” I smiled, though it didn’t quite reach my eyes.
