Along The Distant Shore

Chapter 4

I lay on my bed, staring at the ceiling, my mind replaying the day Leo and I spent together. The way he laughed, the warmth of his smile, the way he looked at me like I was the only person in the world—it all made my stomach flutter in a way I hadn't felt in a long time. Yet, beneath that fluttering excitement lay a weight I couldn't shake off, a persistent whisper of doubt.

What was I doing?

I rolled onto my side, picking up the digital camera Chelsea had gifted me. Flipping through the photos from our day at the hidden island, I felt a mix of joy and anxiety. Each snapshot captured not just the scenery, but also the laughter and moments of connection we'd shared. But what did it all mean? Could I really allow myself to dive headfirst into this whirlwind?

I thought back to the way Leo had looked at me, the way he'd teased me, effortlessly pulling me out of my shell. He made it easy to forget. But in those quiet moments between laughter, a voice in the back of my mind reminded me that this was just a summer fling. I had to remind myself that summer days are fleeting—sooner or later, the seasons change.

I sat up, running a hand through my hair. What if I let myself fall for him? I could feel the pull of his charm, his playful confidence drawing me closer, tempting me to ignore the ticking clock that loomed over us. Each passing day was a reminder that I would eventually have to say goodbye. But I was done living in fear of what might happen. I wanted to make memories, to feel alive, but the prospect of heartbreak loomed larger than I cared to admit.

"It's just summer," I muttered to myself, the words barely a whisper against the stillness of the room. "You're not looking for anything serious. Just friends."

The idea of keeping things light and friendly felt safer, and it was a mantra I clung to as I gazed at the latest picture of us, arms around each other, smiles wide and genuine. I took a deep breath, reminding myself that this was supposed to be fun, nothing more. I didn't want to scare him off or push him away with my insecurities.

Just then, my phone buzzed on the bed beside me. A message from Leo flashed on the screen. "Hey, beautiful. Just wanted to say I had a great time today."

A smile tugged at my lips as I read his words. "See? Nothing to worry about," I told myself. Yet, I couldn't ignore the flutter of nerves in my stomach.

Friends. Just friends. I repeated it like a mantra, letting the phrase settle in my mind. What did it mean for us? I couldn't keep living in fear, yet the thought of getting too close, of letting someone in, made me feel exposed.

With a mix of excitement and trepidation, I tapped out a response, hoping that whatever lay ahead would be a friendship filled with laughter and memories, free from the complications of deeper feelings.

As the sun began to dip low in the sky, I pulled into the parking lot of Coastal, the familiar scent of saltwater and fried food wafting through the air. My heart raced, not from the thought of my shift but from the lingering thrill of my day with Leo. I shook my head, trying to dispel the giddiness that threatened to bubble over.

"Get it together, River," I muttered, stepping out of my car.

As I walked in, I spotted Becca and Chelsea huddled together at the counter, their laughter ringing through the bustling restaurant. Just seeing them made the weight of my thoughts lift, even if only a little.

"Hey, River!" Chelsea called out, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. "Tell us everything about your day with Leo!"

I felt a rush of warmth and apprehension. "Oh, it was just... you know, a day at the beach. Nothing special," I said, attempting to sound casual.