𝐖𝐡𝐨 𝐫𝐮𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐬𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐫? - 𝐓𝐌𝐑 𝐀𝐔, 𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐡𝐨

000 - prologue

I'm being watched

———————————————

I toss the last of my clothes into the suitcase, a mix of excitement and relief flooding through me—this trip to the island isn't just about our school camp, for me it's about finally escaping Tyler. He won't be able to look through my window anymore. He won't be able to take photos of me. He won't be able to touch me without consent. I'll be safe.

I whip my wet hair back, a blow dryer in hand, and I begin drying. My clothes are on my body, and I've packed multiple bikinis. I'm ready for this trip.

Once my ginger hair has dried, I tie it up into a bun on the top of my head, and I start on my makeup. I'm barely putting any on, though. Only some mascara and lip gloss. I usually wear blush, but not today; the sun will take care of that.

The plane leaves in multiple hours, but we only have one hour left before we have to be waiting at the airport.

I finish my makeup and throw a blue sundress on, one that suits the look today. I glance at my reflection in the mirror, and see the wide smile stretched across my lips; my excitement is hard to conceal.

I hear my phone vibrate on the bathroom counter, and I reach to grab it. It's a group chat with my two best friends.

The only good three in this world

7:35 am today

Harriet

Ahhhh I'm so excited

I can't believe we get to sit together

Sonya

Sameee

I dibs the window seat, though

Harriet

How dare you

I want the aisle

You

What?

That's so rude, guys

I don't want the middle!

You guys should sit next to each other

Harriet

And why is that, huh?

Sonya

Do you want our seats?

You

Yeah, I do kinda

But I was meaning the fact you guys are best friends...?

Nvm then

but I'm pretty sure Newt is sitting in the window seat behind us

I guess you'll have your brother kicking your chair then, Sonya

Sonya

No! That brat

I'm going to go beat him up, cya

Harriet

Uhh, maybe don't

You should probably just talk to him

And she's gone

Nevermind

How are you feeling, Whit?

You

Freaking out

But excited

You guys go on this trip every year, right?

Harriet

Yeah, I bet you'll enjoy it, it's so fun

I can't believe you only moved here a few months ago

It feels like we've known each other for years

You

Hahaha

Yeah

Anyways, I have to go

Byeeee

Harriet

Okay, byeee

Love you

Sonya

Love ya

Cya guys soon, bye bye

I smile, throwing my phone on top of my, now closed, suitcase.

The trip is with our class, who have been visiting the island together every year. Except for me; I transferred here a few months ago, and so far I love it. Other than the fact I'm watched every second of every day.

Yawning, I grab my suitcase and make my way down stairs. I drop my suitcase by the door, and then I head to the kitchen.

"Hey," my mother greets me. "Excited?"

I don't like my mother.

"Extremely," I respond, forcing a smile at her presence. "Thanks for letting me go."

"Of course!"

I take a pancake from the pile that she made, and I shove it in my mouth.

"These are really good," I say with my mouth full, earning myself a scolding.

After telling me off for poor manners, she thanks me. "Thank you, Whitley. Have as many as you want, it's not like your brother is down to have them."

"I don't have a brother," I speak slowly, confused at why she'd say that; I've been an only child my whole life.

"Oh, right." She nods. "That's what I wanted, though."

Ouch. My heart cracks a little at that, but I decide to shake it off.

"Yeah," I agree. "I'm too much of a brat for you to handle."

"I never said that," she defends.

"Well, you said I'm unwanted, so..." I grab another pancake and turn away from her. "I'll see you in six weeks."

She calls to me as I walk off, but I ignore her, grabbing my suitcase and exiting the house. If I'm being honest, it's not like my household is very healthy, and I never thought she wanted me. At least now she admitted it, so I won't go telling myself lies.

Whatever. She's just another person I can escape during this holiday. And I'm making a promise to myself: I won't think about them. And I definitely won't let them ruin my holiday.