You promised

No. 16

> Camila's pov

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9:37 pm

"Promise you're not gonna go to that bonfire." Hayes says, as we get in his car. He starts the car and waits for it to heat up.

"Why?" I softly laugh, already knowing the answer.

"I don't like the idea of you going to the bonfire alone." He shakes his head, backing out of the parking space.

"But I'm not going to be alone. I'm going with Taylor, Max and the rest of the guys." I say, Hayes driving towards home.

"Yeah, but I'm not going to be there. He is going to be there and he's going to advantage of my absence to-"

I cut him off. "To do what?" I ask. "Hayes I wouldn't do that to you."

"I'm not saying you would, but you could get drunk and he could take advantage of you."

I shake my head and say,"Hayes I'm going. It's senior year and I'm going to go."

Hayes sighs and we come to a stop light. He puts his hand on my thigh and his thumb draws circles on my thigh. "I know. I'm sorry I can't be with you."

I give him a soft smile. "It's not your fault."

"I just don't want to lose you." He whispers.

"You're not." I shake my head. "I'm not going anywhere."

"But I am."

"Hayes, it's okay baby. It's going to work out. Things will be the same when you come back."

"Nothing will change. I promise, Camila."

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•Sunday: 11:08 am•

The warm touch of Ashton's finger picking my cheek makes me open my eyes.

"Auntie Mila." He whispers. I smile and wave. "You're lazy." He giggles.

"I'm tired." I defend. I get out of bed and walk to the restroom. I brush my teeth and wash my face.

"What are you doing today?" Ashton asks as we both walk back into my room. I grab my phone from the night stand and we walk downstairs.

"I'm hanging out with Hayes." I smile.

He gasps and say,"Can I hang out with Hayes too?!"

I laugh and say,"Maybe."

"Okay!" He says, hopefully. We enter the kitchen and my brother and Lydia are standing by the stove, cooking. On the island, Scott is sitting on a bar chair, looking lonely.

"Hey!" I smile, taking a seat next to Scott and give him a side hug. I pull Ashton onto a bar chair next to me.

"Morning Camila." Lydia smiles.

"Hi Lydia." I smile.

"Hey sis. You hungry?" Stiles asks.

"Starving." I correct him. He smile and they finish preparing dinner. "The oldsters are at work?"

"Yeah, they left early." Stiles nods. I nod and look over my shoulder to see what Scott is doing.

"What up?" I ask him.

"Nothing just third wheeling." He shrugs. I laugh.

"You got me now." I smile. "Well, for a little while."

He laughs and says,"I guess I'll be the third wheel all day alone."

"Not for long. I'll be joining you soon." I frown. Thinking about Hayes leaving makes me feel alone and homesick. I push it back, but it's still there.

"Let's eat!" Stiles claps his hands together.

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4:27 pm

"Hey! The burgers are ready!" Chad shouts over the radio.

While the adults are making the food at the patio of the lake house, the rest of us are on the boat, jumping off the boat and swimming around in the lake.

"Guys, we're going back to the dock!" Nash yells and everyone climbs onto the boat. Once everyone is on, Nash drives the boat back to the dock.

"Why didn't you get in?" Max asks, taking a seat next to me. I shrug.

"I'm didn't feel like swimming." I give him a side smile.

He shakes his head. "I know you're gonna miss him a lot."

I take a deep breath. "Of course. But I'm really happy for him."

He nods and Collin joins us. We make small talk before we get to the dock. We race to the patio of the lake, leaving our wet footprints behind. We form a line by the grill and Chad puts a burger on our paper plates. We all take our seats after adding condiments on our hamburgers.

"The last time we were here, we were playing hide 'n seek and Taylor fell, causing her to get stitches on her arm." Collin laughs, causing the rest of us to laugh.

"I still have the scars." She frowns, rubbing her arm.

"It's okay, baby." Max kisses her scars and she smiles, kissing his forehead. I smile at how cute they are. I've never really thought Taylor and max would like each other, but I guess I was wrong.

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11:18

The adults left about three hours ago and we're just sitting outside, drinking apple cider around the fire. I'm sitting on Hayes' lap with his hoodie on me. He's cent is still so fresh.

Max clears his throat and stands up. We all stare at him, confused. "I just want to say a few thing, before Hayes leaves tomorrow." Max smiles, staring at Hayes. "Hayes buddy, I hate you, man." Everyone's laughs and Max continues,"But I care for you. You became my best friend and it's funny how you're the realist. I'm gonna miss you, but I hope you have fun."

"Thanks bro. Means a lot." Hayes smiles.

"Hayes," Taylor stands up. "I'm gonna miss you. You're our best friend and it's going to be weird not being around you everyday. But I want you to know that I wish you the best. Have fun, but don't be stupid! I'm Camila's best friend and I will hurt you."

I laugh and look at Hayes. "I won't. Thanks Taylor." Hayes chuckles. He looks back at me and kisses my nose.

Everyone else say a few sweet words and Max stands back up. He raises his glass with Apple cider and says,"To our boy Hayes and his adventure. We
Love you man."

We all raise our glasses and cheer. "To Hayes!" We yell.

I smile, look around at my best friends. To my family. This, this moment, is unadulterated bliss. A time where we con come together and be ourselves. Where we're at home. They are my home.

I'm hoping to make this the best year of our lives.

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