My Summer Romance: A Short Story ✔️ {#WATTYS2017}

Chapter One

I've been in a summer vacation for almost a month. We came home to Malibu starting from April, and it's May 2, we're still here.

My life isn't really interesting. It's all just gadgets, gadgets, gadgets. Just like the new generation! And my parents keep complaining about my phone addiction, but what can I do? It's the only thing I have.

And it never stops in my summer vacations in Malibu, the only difference is; it's more fun here. More people, and more noise. My favorite part is going to the beach!

I'm Emily Sanders, sixteen years old. I'm just like the other teens, I have no life. You have guessed that already by the way I describe myself.

And my parents have some finance thingies to do, they're building a rented house somewhere here in Malibu, and they have to go back home in LA to manage the money. Guess what, they still treat me like an independent, little girl who can't take care of herself! They don't want me to be alone while they're gone for two days.

Mom: I'm not allowing you to be by yourself, Emily! It's dangerous.
Emily: danger won't happen to me because I'm always inside the house!
Mom: danger can also happen in the house, honey.
Emily: well, what can you do about it? I want to be by myself.
Dad: Emily, you have two choices. It's either we let you stay at Chloe's or you go with us.
Emily: ugh... Will you stop underestimating me at least for once? I've changed and learned so much about being responsible, and even self-defense! I can do this alone.
Dad: we're just concerned about you, Emi. We're never used to you being by yourself..
Mom: we're doing this because we love you, okay?
Emily: *sighs* alright..
Mom: so, will you go with us and stay in LA for a couple days or stay at Chloe's?
Emily: I don't wanna leave Malibu, I'm staying at Chloe's.
Mom: good, we'll tell Chloe's dad that you'll be staying by their place for two days.
Dad: also, you and Chloe are so close as children! Maybe you can make that happen again.
Emily: *rubbing her arms* I hope so..
Dad: tomorrow, we'll be helping you pack the stuff you need. Okay?
Emily: okay, dad.
Dad: you can go now.

I went upstairs to my bedroom and scrolled on my phone. In a vacation, I can't see my friends in school. But that doesn't make me lonely 'cause I have internet friends! Hell yeah!
The advantage of having internet friends is, when you have no one in real life to rely on to, there's always someone out there who got your back. Internet friends make everything.. less lonely.

And let me introduce you, my best friend in the Internet; Ethan Connell! We just met at Instagram, and we share the same interests. Also, this guy is really active and talkative, so when you start a conversation with him, it never gets boring. Trust me. :-)

Also, among all my internet friends, he's the one I mostly talk to and sometimes, the only person I talk to.

CHATBOX:

Emily: hey, E!
Ethan: oh, Emily!
Emily: so how are things going?
Ethan: I think it's fine, same old same old.
Emily: me too, to be honest. Do you know any ways I can change my life and routines?
Ethan: that's pretty much an impossible thing.
Emily: just try and think of something!
Ethan: why not go out more often and try to get used without your phone..?
Emily: even though, I'd take my phone with me. I'll never go on a trip or somewhere without music!
Ethan: I agree with you. But in Malibu, it sounds so peaceful and pretty there!
Emily: it is. It's a great way to remind you that nature beautifies this planet. Too bad that.. People destroy it.
Ethan: I bet us humans won't stop doing that, because our population is growing.
Emily: that's the sad truth.
Ethan: oh hey, you heard of @cyarine in IG?
Emily: of course! That artist? I hear them everywhere. They have amazing works!
Ethan: well, they're holding an art raffle! I already participated, and as an artist yourself, you should do too!
Emily: thanks for telling me! I'll be sure to check that out ASAP.
Ethan: anyway, sorry to cut this off, but my mom wants me to stop using the phone.
Emily: oh dang, we have the same mothers!
Ethan: I have to go..
Emily: that's fine, I understand. Don't let your mom shout in your face.
Ethan: see ya, Emi!
Emily: toodles!