Everything Starts

CH: 5, The BONFIRE

I lay on my bed for a few hours before the bonfire debating on whether or not I should go. I knew that going meant I would be seeing my old friends and I would be back on the beach where it all happened. I thought that maybe I was making a big deal out of nothing; but to me, it didn't feel like nothing. To me, it felt like a very big deal that Wesley kissed someone else, and that when I moved he nor our friends even tried to contact me. I'm not just upset with Wesley; I'm upset with all of them. I inevitably decided to go and started getting ready.

When I pulled into the parking lot and started across the beach, I made eye contact with Wesley but looked away. I continued to survey who was on the beach. I saw Josh and decided to go in his direction.

"Hey," I started.

"Oh hey! You decided to come after all."

"Yes, I did."

"So are you having fun?"

"I guess you could say that. It's a little bit breezy."

"Yeah, it is, but it's much warmer when you stand by the fire. Plus there are

Marshmallows."

"Oh, thanks. Marshmallows make anything ten times better," I said as my stomach rumbled causing us both to laugh.

"Okay well, I'll talk to you later?"

"For sure."

My whole life I have gotten very bad anxiety around large groups of people so instead of going to the fire I decided to walk down the beach for a few minutes and watch the waves. As I stood there I took in the beautiful sight in front of me. The waves crashing into the ocean, the wonderful sea breeze blowing in my hair, and the comforting feeling the ocean gave me all made this the perfect moment, that was until a shadow came up behind me. I both hoped that it was and wasn't Wesley.

"Hey you decided to come," I heard George say.

Thinking the coast was clear I turned around and saw Willa standing next to him. She had always been so kind to me. We were very close a few years ago, and she didn't seem to have changed all that much, looks-wise. She was still shorter than I was which is hard to do as I'm only five-two. Her hair was about the same color as mine but her's was pulled into two low space buns.

"Hello. Yeah, I did. What are you guys up to?" I asked.

"Not much. Willa and I were just about to get a drink and were wondering if you wanted one?"

"Is that the actual reason you guys came over here?"

Willa answered first. "No... you seemed upset and we thought a drink might help."

"Well thank you but I don't feel like drinking. Wait... did you say we as in... are you guys like a thing now?"

They glanced at each other.

"We are," she answered, holding up their intertwined hands.

I couldn't help but smile. "Oh my gosh, when?"

"A little over a year ago now," George replied.

"Aw I'm so happy for you guys, but I'm not surprised."

"You aren't. Why's that?" George asked.

"Are you kidding? You guys were a blushing mess any time you were around each other. One time Willa, I swore you were about to explode because of how red your cheeks were," I replied laughing along with them.

"Yeah, I guess we weren't the best at hiding our feelings, but now we don't have to," Willa replied.

"Well I'm happy for you guys," I finished as the rest of the group walked up.