Eminence (Wattpad Edition)

Note 20 - Unintentionally Cruel

When Warren and Anika returned from the boardwalk, they found Theo, Emanon, and Jack still passed out beneath the umbrella.

"I told them to watch Emanon, not join her nap schedule..." Warren muttered with a sigh.

Anika giggled. "I'm sure they were tired too. Seems like most people didn't sleep much last night."

"Right... haha."

"Should we wake them? We did bring breakfast," Anika asked, holding up the bag.

"Yeah..." Warren said, then promptly nudged Theo with the side of his foot. Not hard, but with intent.

"Ow, what the hell?" Theo sat up, rubbing his side as Emanon and Jack stirred beside him.

"Oh, come on. It wasn't even that bad," Warren scoffed.

"Breakfast!" Anika announced, shaking the bag for emphasis.

Jack rubbed his eyes. "What do we have to drink?"

"Water, juice... blood," Theo replied, voice still groggy.

"No booze? You're telling me the girls didn't sneak any liquor?" Jack asked, clearly disappointed.

"No, Anika isn't of legal drinking age, so the girls did not pack liquor," Theo deadpanned.

Jack looked at Anika. "Oh my god, I'm sorry—wait, is it even okay for you to be hanging out with us?"

"It's okay." Anika smiled. "Theo met my grandparents. He offered to be my guardian for the trip, so everything's fine."

"Wait, Theo did that?" Warren turned and stared at him, surprised.

"What?" Theo raised a brow.

"I just didn't realize you were capable of being... dependable."

"Thanks, Warren," Theo replied flatly.

"So hang on—Anika can't drink at all?" Jack asked.

"She can, under my supervision," Theo said. "But per her grandparents' wishes, she's not allowed to get drunk. I told her I wouldn't tattle. If she wants to have a little fun and drink with Emanon, I'll cover for her. Girls should enjoy themselves on beach trips."

"Wow," Jack said. "I'm genuinely impressed."

"Look, I am capable of being a responsible adult, dammit!" Theo said, throwing his hands up.

"I don't know..." Emanon said through a sleepy smirk. "My mind's kinda blown too."

Theo groaned.

"So," Jack leaned forward, "We can buy liquor then?"

"I don't know how I feel about you drinking..." Warren muttered, crossing his arms.

"I wanna drink!" Emanon chimed in, perking up suddenly.

A silence followed. The guys exchanged glances, unsure what the right response was.

"...We can't?" Emanon asked, her tone dropping slightly.

"I think it'll be fun," Anika offered. "It's a good way to get closer, right? Telling stories, sharing a meal, a drink..."

"Well," Warren relented, "If the girls want to..."

The cheer that erupted from Emanon and Anika nearly startled the birds nearby. After they finished their breakfast, the guys decided to get in the water, leaving Emanon and Anika to watch their things.

"So... tell me everything," Anika said, leaning in.

"Hmm? Oh! Right!" Emanon perked up. "Okay, so apparently Jack went bar hopping in the city the other night. He almost went home with some guy he didn't actually want to go home with, and Theo just so happened to run into him—since he lives in the city, and stepped in. Jack tried to brush him off, but Theo got worried. So Jack told him that if he was really concerned, he'd have to buy him drinks. Then they both went bar hopping together."