Forever [COMPLETED]

Chapter Twenty One

Spring break had never meant much to Dana before. No flights. No beaches. Just time off, a few books, a chance to sleep in, and catch up on assignments.

But this year, everything felt different.

This year, it wasn't about rest — it was about lasts.

The last spring break of high school. The last time they'd all be in the same city without dorm rooms, new area codes, and long-distance calls separating them.

The weight of it pressed heavy against her chest the moment she woke up that Monday, her phone already buzzing with group chat messages from Lana and Jessica.

Lana
Beach house trip? Yes? No? Say yes. It's happening either way.

Jessica
Also... can we talk about the fact that Dana and Chandler have turned into literal married couple energy overnight?

Dana
Don't start, Jess. I still haven't recovered from you yelling "Mom and Dad are fighting" at lunch last week.

Jessica
I said what I said.

Dana rolled over and groaned into her pillow, a mix of butterflies and dread in her chest.

Because yes, they were going to the beach. Ethan's parents were letting them use the family house for two nights. Lana had planned the whole thing. No formal agenda — just food, music, memories, and whatever came next. She spent a lot of her time bragging about having a boyfriend with a beach house instead of a sweaty hairstyle from working in his guitar.

Dana grabbed her phone and opened her messages.

Chandler Beckett
Morning. Do I get to drive you to the beach and act like your getaway boyfriend or nah?

Dana Carter
Yes. But only if you don't play country music the whole ride.

Chandler Beckett
No promises.
Also... I can't wait to be somewhere that feels like it's just us.

They left late Tuesday morning.

Ethan and Chandler in the front while Jessica, Dana and Lana sat in the back of Ethan's Jeep. Lana blasting her ultimate playlist the whole way. Ethan drove with one hand on the wheel and Chandler sat in the passenger seat stealing glances at Dana from the rear view.

The weather was perfect — that early spring warmth, just shy of summer heat. Birds sang. The windows were down and Dana felt something shift in her chest, like she was finally breathing for the first time in months.

The beach house was quaint, hovered over a sandy shore with creaky floors and a wraparound porch. A dock stretched out across the sand, the waves lightly hitting the shore like glass under the afternoon sun.

Within hours, they'd settled in — bags dumped, snacks spread across the kitchen island, and Spotify playlists echoing through Bluetooth speakers. Lana was already trying to organize a photo shoot on the dock while Jessica climbed on top of a cooler to get better lighting.

"Let me live!" Jessica yelled when Dana called her dramatic.

"You always live," Dana shot back with a smile.

By sunset, everyone was stretched out on blankets, the ocean turning gold as the light dipped behind the trees. A lazy energy settled over the group. Laughter came easy. Silence wasn't uncomfortable. For once, no one was rushing toward the future. They were just... there.

Jessica laughed with Lana who was cuddled into Ethan's arms. Dana watched a few feet over with a small smile on her face. The moment was quickly interrupted when Chandler claimed his seat right next to her and passed her a fruity alcoholic beverage that was stored away in the house somewhere.