Shattered

Chapter 2

10 months earlier

"Elora, wake up already! You've been sleeping forever!" Maria said, playing with my long black hair. I grunt and flip to the other side, trying to ignore the persistent shaking.

"Just leave me alone; we just got here," I mumble, still half asleep. I feel warm breath on my face. I slowly open my eyes, finding Maria's face inches from mine. I burst into laughter at the sight.

"I hate you," I tell her, shoving her playfully.

"Oh, shut up. You love me," she replies, pulling me into a tight hug. "Come on, it's our last week of vacation. We start senior year next week. Get the fuck up!" She bounces on the bed, her excitement infectious.

"By the way, I invited Derek," she adds, bouncing higher. "He called you while you were still asleep."

I smile and crawl out of bed, heading to the bathroom. "Thanks for letting me know!" I call over my shoulder, hearing Maria's laughter as I shut the door.

Derek and I have been together for eight months. Although we have our ups and downs, I'm grateful to have him in my life, and Maria as well. They make my life brighter.

When I come back into the bedroom, I find Derek lounging on the bed. "Hey, babe," I say, leaning in for a kiss. He kisses me back and smiles. I turn on the music and start dancing with Maria as we get ready for a beachy day, Derek sitting on the bed, laughing at us.

At the beach, Maria and I run to catch the best spot and spread out our things. We meet Keith, Gavin, and Tessa there. We've all been a group ever since we started high school; ever since then, we were solid.

"Who's this?" Maria asks, eyeing a guy walking with them. I get up to hug Tessa, Keith, and Gavin before settling back down on Derek's lap.

"This is Owen," Keith introduces. "He just moved in next to me; he is starting senior year with us." Owen waves, and they all join us.

"Okay, I want to go swim. Who's coming with?" I ask, standing up and taking off my sundress. I notice Owen's eyes following my movements with a desire that is impossible to ignore. His gaze lingers on me, making me feel both flattered and uncomfortable. He is definitely full of himself.

Derek stands up and grabs my waist, pulling me closer to him, his lips pressed against mine. "You look so amazing," his touch lingering as he whispers. I smile and turn to Tess and Maria.

"Let's go," Tess says, and we run off to the beach. The cold water hits us as we dive in; we swim, we splash, we chat, and we laugh.

Derek watches from afar, and I blow him a kiss. As I swim with my girls, I glance back at the others and catch Owen's gaze, stuck on us. We all smile at him, and he smiles back.

"Who's up for a volleyball game?" Gavin asks. Derek, Tessa, and Maria eagerly agree.

"I'll go bring the drinks from my car," Keith says, leaving for the parking lot. As I settle on a blanket, watching from the sidelines, Owen approaches me.

"Mind if I join you?" he asks with a friendly smile. I nod.

"So, Owen, how are you liking the new place?" I ask, trying to sound casual.

"It's been great so far, still unpacking. Everyone is so welcoming." I smile, appreciating his effort to make conversation.

"Yeah, this group is pretty solid. If you need anything or anyone to show you around, let me know."

He nods gratefully, and we chat a bit more before the volleyball game ends. The sun is beginning to sink, making the ocean look beautiful. Maria and Tessa return, their faces flushed from the game.