Looking for the Lighthouse

New Beginnings: 9 Months Later

"Jaime." I feel a shove on my back, but I have no motivation to move. This isn't new. I haven't had any motivation since last September. I know that voice though, and I know my friend won't give up until I do what she wants. "Jaims get up." The persistent shove continues, but I just shift out of reach. Not far enough apparently, because soon there are two sets of hands making me groan and crack an eye open. 

"Morning sunshine." Becks looks down on me, no amusement on her face. I know that look, I know that I have been a really shit friend for the past 9 months, but can you blame me? My parents have been missing, no trace of them left behind. When they had gone missing, I knew I had to do something. For a while I tried to pretend like everything was okay, but deep down I knew I could crumble at any moment.

 It was a month later that I snapped. All of the therapists and looks of pity took over my every moment. I no longer felt like Jaime Hart. I was the girl who lost her parents. 

When I could no longer ignore my problems, I dove into them. Every moment I wasn't at school, I was looking for clues to solve my parent's disappearance. Problem is, school ended and I now have nothing to distract myself with. This is the summer before college. Supposedly a summer of infinite possibility and fun. Well, it's been a week since this magical summer started and I've spent it in my room, avoiding human interaction. I know this isn't fair to Becks and Anna, they've stuck by me through so much, but the memory of who I used to be is so painful. 

"Jaime, we're holding an intervention." Anna has her hands on her hips and I know she's serious. 

"Oh really," I shoot back, "And what are you planning to do for this intervention?" I roll back over a shove my face in my pillow. 

"First step is getting you out of bed." Becks says as she yanks my pillow out from under my head. 

"Hey!" 

"No Jaims. No more sleeping and hiding. We're not going to try to understand how much pain you're in. But as your best friends, it's our responsibility to make sure you at least try to live your life." The pain in Becks' eyes is enough to invoke some serious guilt. "You're getting out of bed if I have to drag you by your feet, which stink by the way. When was the last time you took a shower?" And there goes my guilt.

 "I smell fine thank you very much." I get up anyway, moving slowly to gather sweats and a t-shirt. 

"Nuh-uh. No more drabby sweatpants, get dressed for real- we're going out." Anna chirps up, whisking my comfy clothes right out of my hands. 

"No I think I'm just going to stay in today, you guys should go out and have fun though!" 

"Becks, do you hear anything?" Anna looks up in the air for the source of my voice. 

"No An, not a thing!" Becks smirks at me. The little devils are going to make me go out. Nope not happening. I am perfectly happy waiting out the summer until school starts up again. 

"I'm serious, you two, I'm not going anywhere." I give them my straightest face, hoping to convey my seriousness. 

"Yeah, there was definitely a slight mumble that time." Anna's still searching for the voice like a child. 

"Jaime, get your butt in the shower, Anna and I will pick out an outfit, and then we're going on an adventure."

"No seriousl-" 

"Not another word, get moving!" Becks whips my butt with one of my t-shirts and with a yelp, having given up, I go to turn on the water in the shower. 

I take the longest, hottest shower I can. Trying to ignore my impending fate set by my personal life coaches. But eventually I have to turn the water off and face the music. On the counter, Becks and Anna have left a pair of lightly fringed dark-wash jean shorts and a black v-neck tank top. I throw on the clothes and put my blonde hair up in a messy bun. Walking back into my room, I'm greeted by the sound of Khalid and my best friends lounging on my bed.