Remnants of Shattered Innocence (Unedited First Draft)

Chapter 1 (April 2, 2004)

Skylar checked her makeup in the visor mirror before opening the door to get out of the car. She leaned over and planted a peck on her mother's cheek as she grabbed her towel.

"Thanks for driving us to the beach, Mom," Skylar flashed a smile as she and Katie hopped out of the car.

"Call me when you're ready to come home; I'll come get you." Skylar's mom, Samantha, called after them.

Although it was April and was forecasted to be a typically cool day, it turned out to be the perfect temperature for a beach day. Katie and Skylar practically ran down the beach to find a spot to lay out their towels.

"I seriously love your bathing suit," Katie motioned to Skylar's black and white polka dot halter one piece.

"My mom got it for me the other day while she was out shopping."

"Your mom has great taste."

Katie slipped her large sunglasses on. Skylar shrugged in agreement as she leaned back onto her elbows and pointed her chin to the sky. She loved the warmth of the sun on her skin.

They had been laying out in the sun for about half an hour before they heard someone calling Katie's name. Both of their heads turned to the source; a tan, lanky figure was walking toward them. It was Katie's older cousin, Vinny.

"Hey, little cousin," he said loudly, "What's going on?"

As he walked toward them, Katie stood up and gave him a hug. Vinny was twenty-seven and she used to live with him on and off, while her mother, an airline attendant, was out of state on flights.

"Why don't you come over and sit with me and my friends? I want to get caught up with my old roommate; I have to admit, I miss having you around."

He motioned toward his friends, three girls and two guys. The girls were part of the group that Skylar's older sister, Amber, often went out with.

"I'd love to, but you're sure we're not interrupting a triple date?" Katie laughed

Skylar could remember how hard Vinny tried to impress them back when Katie was staying with him.

"Don't make me regret it." Vinny jokingly shook his fist at Katie menacingly.

The two girls gathered up their stuff and trekked it over to Vinny's spot. All of them were sitting on a large blanket. After they had laid their towels back down, Vinny introduced them, pointing at them one by one.

"Girls, this is Sal, Jimmy-boy, Diana, Bridget, and Courtney. Everyone, this is my little cousin, Katie and her friend, Skylar."

It was an awkward introduction, mainly because of the age gap. Katie and Skylar sat down on their blankets and proceeded to be completely occupied by each other.

"Hey, Katie," Diana waved, "I remember you. I was wondering where you went." She laughed.

"I turned sixteen and was allowed to stay home alone." Katie said.

"She seems nice," Skylar said to Katie, leaning over to say it quietly.

"She's the only one that was nice to me." Katie shot a glare at Bridget and Courtney. "The others - well, except your sister because I already knew her - just ignored me or would make comments to Vinny about him babysitting me."

"She looks like a snob." Skylar motioned toward Courtney.

Courtney was flirting with Jimmy, tossing her dirty blonde, curly hair behind shoulder as she laughed. She put her hand on his arm as she kept laughing. Skylar couldn't help but wonder what he had said.