DROWNING IN YOU // Rafe Cameron

7

Turtle Bay was a beach we had discovered when we were 8. Sarah and I had gone fishing, and stumbled across the cove-like area. Perfected with a rope swing, it became our favorite place. Parking my car on the street, I grabbed my bag and began towards the water. I knew I was close when I heard the laughing and yelling of my friends.

"She's here!" Sarah yelled as I trudged through the sand. The waves crashed next to me as I saw my blonde comrade.

"Yeah because why have one squealing blonde when you can have two." Carter yelled towards us. I watched as Topper, Kelce, Carter, and Rafe threw their football, as Sarah ran to me. We were used to being the only girls on days like these, and honestly prefered it. Most of the Figure Eight girls were stuck up and didn't like sand in their hair, Sarah's friends included.

"About time you showed up missy!" She spoke as she swung her arm around my shoulders. "I've been hit in the head with a football about a dozen times." I laughed, knowing it was probably twice, if that. We walked in sync towards our friends, who were dressed in their swim trunks. I dropped my things by Sarah's, lying my towle down as smooth as possible. I ripped my tank top off, feeling the sweat begin to bead on my forehead. I tossed my shorts in my bag as I pulled the hairtie, freeing my golden locks.

"Last one to the beach is DD at the next party!" I yelled as I started running towards the water. I heard the 5 teens chasing after me, almost slipping in the sand. I reached the water first, obviously, the cold and foamy waves meeting me with force. I felt Sarah running beside me, and turned to see Carter and Rafe staring back at us. Sarah and Topper had begun wrestling in the waves as Kelce came to stand by me. Rafe's eyes scanned over his sister, eventually making it over to me, causing me to glare.

"You're no fun!" I yelled at the two boys, receiving a middle finger from my brother.

"Why? Cause we aren't 8 years old?" Rafe responded. I simply scoffed, annoyed at how easily they treat us like babies. I crossed my arms before feeling my legs swoop out from under me. Kelce was now holding me bridal style, threatening to drop me.

"Kelce I swear to go if you put me under I will kill you!" I squealed, kicked my legs and latching my arms around his neck. Out of the corner of my eye, I watched Rafe shake his head and go back to throwing a football with my brother.

"C'mon miss mermaid, I know you love the water." He responded as he swung me in a circle. He finally set me down, the cold water covering my legs once again. 

I joined Sarah back on the sand, finishing the day with tanning. We talked while the yells of the boys filled the air as they began going off the rope swing.

"I don't get why you don't try with Kelce." The blonde girl stated as I flipped from my back to my stomach. I rolled my eyes, covered by my sunglasses, wondering when she would let this go.

"I told you, because it's Kelce. He's not a boyfriend type of guy." I explained. Kelce is a good friend. That's all. That's all it will ever be.

"But think about all the fun we could have if you got a boyfriend! We could do double dates and stupid shit like that." She continued as I dragged my finger through the sand. I felt the sun beating daggers into me, knowing I'll be at least a smidge burnt later.

"I love you babe, but I think the boys here are not going to be husband material. I mean look at the other night. That was just lovely experience right?" I felt sick all over again thinking about being told I was a prude in front of everyone. I felt even worse by having my older brother stick up for me. So much for acting like an adult.

"Hey that't not your fault." Sarah spoke as she sat up. I simply shoved my face into my towel, not wanting to face her. "Look at me Liv" She demanded. My head slowly turned as I listened. Her blonde hair blowed with the wind as her face softened. Her hazel eyes scanned my face for what I was feeling. "That was not your fault. Do you believe me?"

I thought it over in my head before responding. "Yes I know, it's just embarrassing." I answered as I sat up across from her. I pulled my sungless to the top of my head, keeping my eyes on my finger in the sand. 

"It's not embarrassing. It's gross and embarrassing for him. At least everyone knows what a trashy douche he is now."

"Does everyone think that? Like, that I'm a spoiled baby who leads on guys?" I asked, finally meeting her eyes. 

"Olivia you've been here for less than a week. No one actually thinks anything bad about you. What he said isn't true and I know you know that." She grabbed my hand and pulling me into her. "You are hot, and you are smart, and all the best things a girl can be. So stop letting him kill your vibe." We both laughed, causing me to roll out onto the sand.

"Okay yes, I believe you." I responded. I grabbed my phone from my bag, checking the time. "Hey, we should probably head back for dinner. My mom would blow a fuse if I'm late, and I know Rose would too." Sarah rolled her eyes and joined me in the hot sand on her back.

"God don't remind me." Was all she said before standing up and collecting our things. We walked towards the sound of the boys, letting them know we were leaving. As we neared, we could see the old rope swinging, and a loud splash following. Topper's head bobbed up from the blue water, along with his hands clapping.

"Alright Sarah and Liv are up next!" He yelled at the rest of the goup, causing all heads to turn to us. Kelce was now holding the rope as Carter and Rafe walked out of the water. I felt my eyes rake down Cameron boys body, cursing myself as I did. Broad shoulders complimented a tone stomach as he walked. I immedialtly redirected myself to Sarah, who was staring at Topper.

"We were actually leaving." I stated as I used my hand to shield my eyes from the bright sun. "We have that dinner, remember?" I asked the boys as they stood in front of us. I fought my own eyes to look at the boy in front of me, keeping my eyes on my brother.

"Shit I forgot about that." My brother responded. I fianlly looked towards Rafe, whose eyes had already found mine. I quickly diverted my attention back to my brother, hoping the older boy couldn't see my pink face.

"Okay, well, we'll see you at the house." I responded as I grabbed Sarah's hand. "Mom will kill you if your late!" I yelled back as we walked away, recieving no answer.