Summer in London

Chapter 1: School's Out!

It was 2:52 p.m. on a hot and humid Friday afternoon in Cape Coral, Florida. I sat at my desk, wiping my sweaty hands on the book cover I had just taken off my A.P. English textbook. I glanced to my left where one of my best friends, Sophie Galanis, was staring at the clock anxiously. She pulled her long, jet black ringlets back into a low ponytail. I noticed her bright purple Hollister top really brought out her deep brown eyes. 2:54 p.m. Six minutes until the predicted best summer of my life commenced. I couldn't wait any longer.

The small classroom was quiet. Ms. Newman wouldn't allow us to talk, even on the Seniors' last day of school, so we all just sat in our seats. Following Carson Smith's lead, I started to gather my notebook and pencil and put it into my backpack. Two minutes to go. I involuntarily smiled at the thought of what was awaiting me beyond those high school doors. Freedom to do what I want, when I want. No more high school boys, drama, or homework. Just summer.

I looked up just as the second hand passed the six and there were less than thirty seconds until the final bell rang. Sophie gave me a knowing look and I started laughing; the bell rang and all the seniors screamed with triumph! Sophie and I quickly hugged, grabbed our bags, and ran out the classroom door to meet up with our other friends.

The first to meet us at our lockers was our other best friend Christine Thomas. She held down the bottom of her short pink sundress as she frantically ran down the starch white hall toward us. Her blonde hair was pulled into a tight bun with a pink ribbon to match her dress. I thought of my hair, which was most likely a frizzy, dark chocolate-colored mess compared to my friends' because of the humidity. I didn't care, it was summer now. Time for beachy waves, sunglasses, and sandy clothes.

"Hi guys!" Christie said when she approached us, giving both of us a one-armed hug as she held her bag in the other. "It's finally summer!"

"I know, I really couldn't be happier right now!" Sophie exclaimed.

"I can't wait for the beach party tonight. It's going to be the perfect way to kick off summer this year!" I said.

"Uhh, yeah! It's going to be totally amazing!" Christie said.

"No doubt! I'll meet you guys there at seven, I have stuff to do before!" I explained.

"Me too! See you guys there!" Christie yelled, waving back at us as she ran out the front door to the parking lot. Sophie and I walked out to our cars together, discussing what we would wear and what we would bring to burn in the beach bonfire. It was a tradition to bring old schoolwork to get rid of in the fire.

"I'm bringing all Ms. Newman's stupid worksheets from this year, ugh." Sophie said. I let out a genuine laugh.

"I'm burning my entire backpack!" I said with joy. We both laughed. When we got to our cars, Sophie and I parted ways and drove off. I drove straight home from school, I needed a quick power nap so I could survive through the party tonight.

I woke up around six to the sound of my phone ringing. My ringtone was "What Makes You Beautiful" by one of my favorite bands One Direction. I let it ring on so I could have a longer listen to the song and I belted the words. Finally, I picked up the phone.

"Hey! It's Nick!"

"Hey, what's goin on?" I said into the phone. It was Nick Williams, a guy I'd known all my life. He was one of those childhood friends everyone in Cape Coral had. I hit the speaker button and set my phone on the bed. I walked over to my closet, opened the doors, and searched for something to wear.

"Not much, I was just wondering if you needed a ride to the beach tonight, I'm taking a bunch of people."

"Nah, I'm driving and meeting Sophie and Christie there but thanks!" I yelled into the phone from across the room

"Oh, all right well if you change your mind, I've got your back!" He laughed into the phone.

"Okay, thanks!" I laughed too. "I'll see you there, Nick!"

"See you later!" He said, then hung up. I was still picking through my closet. I found my favorite Victoria's Secret bikini and put it on. It was white with a splatter paint design and super cute. I slipped on some denim shorts, a ruffled turquoise top, and my silver gladiators. Going into the bathroom, I took my flat iron with me. When it was heated all the way, I straightened my long, brown hair and pulled it back with a silver headband to match my shoes. My look was complete.

I grabbed my keys and my backpack, which I was going to burn in the fire, yelled good-bye to my mom who was in the living room paying bills, and ran out the door just as fast as I had come in. I drove along the coast and looked out over the gulf. The blue water shimmered in the sun, and many people were out on their boats enjoying the beautiful weather. I could already see the plume of smoke about two miles down the road and I smelled the sweet smell of summer.

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Hey guys! I just wanted to remind you to check out the videos I post in the "Multimedia" section on the right hand side of each chapter. It's all songs that are coming from my summer playlist this year, so hopefully you'll discover new artists and find a few songs you like! :) Enjoy the story and the music! x

Oh and I forgot to mention, the pictures on the side will be the characters in this order (the actors/actresses portraying them): Melody Harris, Sophie Galanis, Christine Thomas, Nick Williams, Ashley Reynolds, Natalie, and Ben Carter