Polar Opposites

Chapter 37

Song for this chapter : 'Wonder' by Jack Savoretti

The beach is pretty, but freezing. Its barely May, and in the state of Maine, the warmest it gets is up to 80 degrees in late July, early August.

I hadn't realized just how many people would show up. I kick myself for thinking anything less from Niall.

Lou's face is pale, and his eyes squinted from being woken from his nap. The beach fills with college students in little to no clothing, bringing a cringe to my nose at the thought of how cold they must be.

Niall throws my bag toward my feel, most likely filled with my beach towel and bathing suit I most likely wont need. We make our way to a baren part of the beach, laying down our towels and opening a cooler filled with a variety of beer.

"Where did you get this? Secondly, were underage drinking on a public beach, and lastly, who's driving home if your drinking?" He point to Lou, who rolls his eyes and gives me a gleaming smile. Niall tries to hand me a beer, but I cringe and deny the offer. The last thing I want is alcohol, it just reminds me of my compulsive vomiting and pathetic want of attention from Harry.

I love the smell of that salt water, the sounds of seagulls and the warmth of the sun.

I lay back on my towel, letting the sun hit my face and ignore the talking people around me, drowning it out with my constant rushing thoughts. Lou lyes next to me, his swim shorts a bright red, bringing attention to his pale torso.

My brother sits in a foldable chair, sipping a beer and laughing along to a blondes stupid joke.

I can't help but notice the distance he keeps to Lou, brining a frown to my face as my brother polishes himself, hiding the real him under who he feels is more liked.

I sit up, regretting wearing glasses instead of contacts. My sunglasses begged to be worn, and my jeans have began to sweaten my legs.

"I'm gonna go change into something more comfortable." My brother doesn't look from his conversation, and Lou nods.

My small bag is slung over my shoulder, as I let me toes sink into the warm sand.

I eventually reach the board walk, dropping my shoes to slide them under my feet. I leave a headphone in, biting on a nail to avoid eye contact.

I open the first stall of the bathroom, trying my best to ignore the smell of urine, and pooling water at my feel.

I curse to myself as I pull articles of clothing from my bag, wanting to punch Niall in the face for not packing anything decent.

I settle on a a pair of high waisted jean shorts and a thin baggy sweatshirt. I can't help but stress over the shortness of the fabric, constantly pulling them down my thighs. I cross my arms over my chest, putting both headphones in my ears to blast out my insecurities, and possible whispers.

I stand in line at a lemonade stand, mouth watering at the possibility of a cold beverage.

I remove the buds from my ears as I'm just two people behind the front of the line.

"Large regular lemonade and a salted pretzel please."

"Is that all?" The pretty brunette asks me with a smile.

"Yes thank you." I open my wallet, quickly debating if I want to use cash or my card.

"Credit?" I freeze at the sound of deep notice, the slight English accent lingering after each word. I can't get myself to turn my head, as the beeping of his card signals him to remove it from the machine.