Elite

VII

Celene's POV:

The party was well under way by the time I decided to take a look around. I left Sienna, Lennon, Austin, and the rest of our friends to wander around the party. I had already had my fair share of s'mores and alcohol. I could feel the light buzz and easy feeling in my limbs. I swayed to the loud music as I walked down to the shoreline. I could make out what seemed to be a person standing alone. I got closer to see if it was someone from the party. They may need something.
As I drew nearer I noticed that it was in fact not a student at all. It was our AP Econ teacher Mr. Benson. He was barefoot with a loose fit pair of jeans rolled up to mid-calf paired with a plain white v-neck. He stood still as the waves lapped at his feet. He gave a small wave and I smiled in return. I felt a little awkward now. I couldn't just turn around and walk away. He had already seen me. I tried to act as casual as I could. I usually didn't care about getting caught drinking by adults but this was my teacher. I'm sure he could throw me under the bus. I had too many close calls with expulsion. If my mother got another call she was bound to put me in some all girl's Catholic school. I shuddered at the thought. No way was that happening.

"Hello Mr. Benson..." I trailed off.

"Hello, Ms. Jensen. What brings you out this late?" he asked as he raised a brow and gave me what seemed to be a mischievous smile. I was taken a little off guard. He knew there was a party happening not even a hundred yards from where we were standing. So, I could only guess he was trying to joke with me.

"Oh, you know, just roasting marshmallows and singing campfire songs." I giggled. I had to give myself credit for that, which was clever. I was surprised again when he joined in, chuckling.

"Of course, of course. Well, don't eat too many marshmallows and jump in the ocean." he said with a wink.

I almost fainted. I was thankful it was dark because I just knew my cheeks were flaming. My hot AP Econ teacher just winked at me. The alcohol was numbing my senses but I knew that was, in fact, not normal teacher behavior. Regardless, I was smiling from ear to ear trying to control the stupid laugh threatening to escape my lips.

"I'll try not to, Mr. Benson." I responded. I took a step back. I really should start making my way back to the bonfire and party. I was positive Sienna, Lennon, and Austin would start to worry if they couldn't find me.

"Call me Jack." he smiled as he spoke.
It was a charming smile. A flirty smile. I seriously had, had too much to drink. My teacher was NOT flirting with me. I mean, I wouldn't mind, but that was not the case.

"Well, Jack, I will see you in class. I have to go make sure no one burns my marshmallows or jumps in the ocean." I turned on my heel and walked quickly back up the beach. I scanned the other houses that dotted the beach line wondering why Mr. Benson, Jack, was out here. The only logical explanation would be that he owned or rented one of the houses. I didn't know teachers made the type of money to own or rent a house on a private beach.

As I made my way back up to the party I could see a crowd gathering and a small bit of commotion going on. I watched as Sienna emerged from the crowd and stumbled into some nearby bushes followed by what looked like Lennon. I picked up my pace. I really hoped nothing bad had happened to them. I was stupid for leaving Sienna, Lennon, and Austin at the party to wander around on my own. I almost reached the girls when Austin stopped me.

"I saw you flirting with that guy." He slurred his words and I knew he was wasted.

"You didn't see anything. You're drunk." I rolled my eyes and walked away when he grabbed my arm trying to stop me.

"Get off me, Austin. I'm not in the mood." I sounded impatient and pissed because I was curious as to what happened to Sienna and Lennon while I was gone.

"I can't believe you're lying to my face. So now you're a liar."

I shook my head and walked away from Austin, pushing through the crowd. I could see people looking at me and I heard someone say "That Sienna girl is badass. I want to be friends with her." Before I thought more on it, I saw Lennon running towards me.

"You need to get your things and come with me. Fast." She sounded like someone has been chasing her and she struggled to catch her breath.

"What's going on? Where's Sienna?"

"Just come. Now."

I followed her up the hill into the brush and Lennon started flipping out.

"What the hell, why did I fucking leave her alone!?"

"Leave who alone?"

"SIENNA!" She shouted at me.
I tried calling her but there was no signal. I saw footprints in the sand and pointed to them.

"Let's follow these. Maybe she went back to the car?" I suggested. I was just as eager as Lennon was to find Sienna.

It was already 11:30 and we had no idea where Sienna was. We looked all over Cannes, and we had no luck. We were on the highway on our way home when an unknown number popped up on my cell phone. I answered it hoping it was Sienna, but it was someone else.

"Hello? Who is this."

"Can you come and pick up your friend. She told me to call you. She's pretty wasted." This guy said, and I could hear people in the background. Someone yelled "Jared!" And I knew exactly where Sienna was.