Along The Distant Shore

Chapter 2

The sunlight was relentless. It filtered through the blinds like it had a personal vendetta against me, illuminating every corner of the room and highlighting the mess of clothes and shoes scattered around from last night. My head pounded like a drum, and I groaned, burying my face deeper into the pillow.

From across the room, I heard a similar groan. Chelsea, sprawled out on the air mattress, her arm draped over her eyes, muttered, "I'm never drinking again." I could tell that was a lie already.

Becca was still face-down on the floor, one arm clutching a throw pillow like it was her only lifeline. I couldn't help but chuckle at the sight. "At this rate, we'll need a search party for her," I joked, forcing myself up and out of bed.

The medicine cabinet was a godsend. I grabbed the Advil and shook out three tablets for each of us before making my way back to the room.

"Here," I said, tossing the pills onto the air mattress next to Chelsea. "Trust me, you need it."

Chelsea peeked out from under her arm, her eyes squinting at the bright light. "I need more than that. I need a new liver."

Becca finally rolled over onto her back, her hair a wild mess, and blinked up at us. "Does anyone remember how we got home? Because I'm pretty sure I blacked out the second we left the beach."

I snorted, settling onto the edge of the air mattress.

"Actually, I think you both said you were going to ride a dolphin back from the beach." I stifled a laugh, plopping down on the edge of the bed. "Becca, you kept yelling, 'Cannonball!' every time you took a sip of beer."

Becca squinted up at me, hair a wild mess, and grinned. "I remember... something about dolphins? Did I kiss a dolphin?"

"No, but you did make out with a hot guy," I replied, tapping her arm playfully. "And you couldn't remember his name, which is a great strategy, by the way."

"Nice!" she cheered, sitting up abruptly, then regretting it as her head spun. "So I guess I accomplished my goal?"

Chelsea squinted at me, her voice laced with skepticism. "And what about you, River? Did you meet anyone interesting?"

I felt a slight flush creep up my cheeks. "Well, I did talk to this guy, Leo..."

"Ah, Leo!" Chelsea interrupted, her interest piquing. "That's who you were flirting with! Spill the tea!"

I hesitated, swirling the Advil between my fingers. "He's... well, he's in law school. And a fraternity. But I didn't really—"

Becca, who had found a random pillow to hug, piped up, "And does he have abs? You know, the kind you can grate cheese on?"

"Uh, I don't know?" I shrugged, feeling the weight of their expectant gazes. "He seemed nice and... charming, I guess. But I really don't want to get attached or anything."

"Why not?!" Chelsea exclaimed, her crankiness forgotten. "You're home! You should be enjoying yourself!"

"Yeah, but..." My voice trailed off as I felt a pang of uncertainty. "It's just... complicated. I don't want to get hurt or drag anyone else into... you know."

Chelsea softened, her playful expression fading into something more understanding. "River, you're allowed to have fun. You don't have to be serious right away. Just go with the flow! You're not signing a contract for marriage or anything."

"Exactly!" Becca chimed in, her voice still muffled by the pillow. "Just enjoy the ride, even if it's a bumpy one."

"Okay, okay," I relented, the tension in my chest loosening just a bit. "Maybe I'll just... see what happens."