An Unkindness of Ravens || LUCAS SCOTT [2]

Prologue

2004 ― Venice Beach, California

Aurora James stood on the sand of Venice Beach as she looked out at the Ocean. She had spent the summer with her two older siblings, Taylor and Alex, and had an amazing time. Aurora almost didn't want to go back to Tree Hill. She felt free in California, and she felt different, in a good way. She felt more independent, which she supposed was her parents' goal when they up and left after Haley got married.

She enrolled in some community college psychology courses because she decided that she wanted to become a dance therapist. Psychology was really interesting to her, and learning that she could combine that knowledge with dance to help people excited her about her future.

Aurora had also met someone while in California, his name was Blake, but she let him know that she was only in California for the summer, so they couldn't have anything serious, which Blake was fine with because he was also in town for the summer, coming from Chicago. Aurora had fun. They went on fun dates, he was a gentleman and never did anything without asking first. They had only gone as far as kissing and touching each other, Aurora couldn't bring herself to go any further, which Blake respected.

"Hey, Ari," She heard Blake's voice behind her and she smiled. They made plans to meet at the beach on their last days in town since they both had their senior year of high school in their respective homes to return to.

"Hey, Blake, you excited to go back home?" She asked and he laughed.

"Not really. The warmth has been a godsend," He said and Aurora laughed.

"Yeah, from what you've told me about winters in Chicago, it has made me appreciate North Carolina a lot more," She said and he smiled.

"How are you feeling about going home?" He asked and she shrugged. She gave him a small overview of Lucas and what happened, another reason why she didn't want their relationship to get too serious, which Blake understood and agreed with.

"Well, on the one hand, I'm excited to start my senior year, and I do miss my best friend," Aurora said.

"Which one?" Blake asked and Aurora laughed.

"Nathan, we've been able to talk on the phone a few times, but he's basically spent all summer in basketball boot camp," She said and Blake smiled. His sport was football, and he was sure he was going to make captain this year. He had been working hard in the off-season, ready to take over as the starting Quarterback since their other starter had graduated last year.

"Ah, yes. High Flyers. My older brother went to that camp a few years back, they definitely don't mess around," He said and Aurora nodded.

"If only we lived in the same state, I'd come to your games. You're gonna be a great quarterback," She said and Blake smiled.

"My brother is gonna record the games for me, I could send the highlight reels to you," He said and Aurora smiled.

"I would love that," She said. The two stood there in silence for a moment, before Blake spoke.

"What time do you leave?" He asked.

"In a few hours, but Taylor and Alex knew I wanted to say bye," She said and Blake smiled. He spent a lot of time with Aurora and her siblings over the summer, and they met his friends as well. Some of them tried to flirt with Taylor, but she made it very clear she doesn't go after boys in high school.

But they all had a lot of fun together. They went to Coachella and ate a lot of sushi. They went into Hollywood to see the stars, the pink ones on the ground, and they saw a lot of celebrities. Along with taking a few college courses, Aurora also took dance classes. A lot of famous Youtubers hold dance classes out in California and Aurora went to a few from her favorite choreographers. She had an amazing summer learning, spending time with her siblings, and getting to know Blake and being with him.