GENESIS: THE CATALYST

CHAPTER FOUR

"Sometimes the brightest moments with friends are only the calm before the storm of solitude."
— Roselyn, Genesis: The Catalyst

----

The sound of laughter echoed through the halls as Maya and her friends strolled out of their last class. It was a perfect sunny afternoon, and all they could think about was the summer dance-an event they'd been planning for weeks. The upcoming break meant school was winding down, and soon, summer would sweep them off into new adventures.

Ava bounced up beside Maya, holding her phone out to capture a group selfie. "Okay, everyone, smile! This one's going on the 'Summer Dance Countdown' post."

Maya, always camera-ready, tilted her head, letting her hair cascade over one shoulder, and flashed a bright smile. The shutter clicked, and in seconds, Ava was already crafting the perfect caption. Meanwhile, Maya couldn't help but check her own profile, scanning the likes on her latest post.

"Shopping today, dance tomorrow, vacation in a week," Maya said with a grin. "This summer's already looking perfect."

Her friends agreed. Jayda, leaning against her locker, was the first to speak up. "Honestly, this break couldn't come soon enough. I'm starting my internship at that fashion studio in LA. It's literally my dream. I'll be working with designers, going to shoots. It's gonna be wild."

Maya raised an eyebrow, impressed. "Girl, you'll be living my dream!"

Eleanor chimed in next, adjusting her sunglasses. "My parents rented this beach house down in the Hamptons. It's nothing fancy, but I can't wait to just sit on the sand and soak up the sun. Plus, you know the party scene there is insane during summer."

"I better get an invite," Ava teased. "While you guys are living the dream, my family's doing the classic road trip. You know, visiting national parks, stopping at random diners... it's like, Instagram-worthy, but at the same time, I kinda wish we were hitting up somewhere more exciting."

"Well, at least you're getting a break from school," Layla said with a laugh. "I'm stuck here for most of the summer. We've got a bunch of local festivals, though, so that'll keep me busy. Plus, it's not all bad-I've been saving up for a huge shopping spree before senior year."

All eyes turned to Maya, who had been unusually quiet. "And you, Miss Jetsetter? What's the big vacation this year?" Jayda asked.

Maya flashed a smile, keeping it casual. "We're doing our annual family vacation thing. Probably mountains, lakes... you know the vibe. My parents love the whole 'get off the grid' thing."

Ava groaned. "You're not serious! I was expecting, like, Paris or Tokyo."

Maya chuckled. "Not this year. It's gonna be more chill. A little time away from the city might be good. You know I suggested Santorini. Plus, I'll be glued to my phone, keeping up with all the tea you guys will be spilling."

The conversation shifted to vacation plans, and soon enough, they were back to talking about the summer dance as they headed for the mall.

The sun cast a soft golden glow through the leaves of the trees, dappling the pavement as Maya and her friends made their way through the shopping district. It was that time of year when everything felt electric-the end of the school year, the excitement of the upcoming summer dance, and, of course, the buzz of their summer vacation plans. As they weaved in and out of shops, the air around them felt lighter, like the world was on the edge of something new.

The aisles of shimmering gowns, racks of strappy heels, and the faint smell of perfume in the air made the shopping experience feel magical. They tried on dresses, snapped pictures, and laughed about who would match with who at the dance.