BEAUTY FROM ASHES

FORTY ONE

~If you don't step forward, you will always be in the same place~
-Unknown

MILEA'S POV

I immediately skipped going back to the beach and decided to go to my room instead.

I sat down on my balcony and took in the view. Just as I was settling into my alone time, there was a knock on my door.

Aiden.

He sits down next to me. He glances at me, "You wanna talk about it?" I shake my head, "Nope." He nods.

"It was a suprise to see Hailey." I nodded.

"Babe, is it just me, or does Levi seem a bit more tense than usual?" I sigh, "No, he is." He nods.

AIDEN'S POV

Milea seems so off. I'm not exactly sure what's up with her, but I know she'd come to me when she was ready. I also know that she wants to be alone right now as her short replies are a good indication.

I kissed her forehead and headed out.

MILEA'S POV

I got dragged to dinner on the beach by the gang. It wasn't as bad as I thought'd be, considering that Liam and Connor were the chefs.

All was well until Sarah and Hailey came strolling over. I paused.

Why are they together? Wait. Could this be? No.

Hailey smiled, "Guys, this my cousin Sarah Mekessie." Everyone greeted her. She furrowed her eyebrows, "Milea, is that you?" I nod.

She scans the gang and her eyes widened when she saw Levi. Hailey glanced at Sarah, "How do you two know each other?" Sarah stared at the sand, "We used to be in the same high school." Hailey nodded and stared at the sand"Mind if we chill with you guys?" They all agreed. Although Bell kept her distance.

Great...

I felt bad to see how uncomfortable Sarah felt but I brushed those thoughts aside.

Ava smiled, "So Sarah, tell us about yourself." She took a moment. "Uhm, well I'm from South Africa. I mean if the accent hasn't given it away, and I am currently seventeen years old. My parents are here on holiday, since we always enjoy visiting Hayls. So yeah." Ava smiled and nodded.

Connor glanced at Bell who was fascinated with the waves. He kissed her cheek, causing her to smile.

AIDEN'S POV

Milea is just sitting here, admiring the waves. I watch as her hair is gently swept away from her shoulders by the wind.

Levi got up and sat next to her. She glanced at him and sighed. He then said something that I couldn't hear, but it caused her to smile.

She kept glancing at Sarah. This Sarah seems familiar. I just can't remember how.

MILEA'S POV

So our stay here at the beach house is almost over. So we decided to have a bonfire.

We all agreed to allow Hailey and Sarah to join, because like they're also here.

So once we all sat down, Ava brought marshamllows and Liam brought some hot chocolate.

We all sat and watched the Sun set and be replaced by stars.

I glanced at Aiden who was staring at the waves. I leaned against him, without him breaking his gaze he wrapped his arm around me.

I kissed his cheek, "I'm sorry for acting the way I did." He shook his head, "I knew you wanted space so I completely understand."

SARAH'S POV

Seeing Milea and Levi has been difficult. I mean since they're friends again. Not going to lie but the guilt is eating me up alive.

As the evening progressed and everyone was chilling or standing by the waves, I made my way to Milea. She hesitated but remained still and silent.

She focuses on the waves as I sigh. "Milea, I know I'm the last person you want to socialise with right now. I understand that you probably hate me, but I really want to say that, I'm sorry. Genuinely sorry, what I did with Levi was so immature and not needed. I'm not asking for you to forgive me, but I do just want to at least end on a good note."

MILEA'S POV

I glanced at Sarah, "I don't hate you, I mean I'd never dislike anyone to the point that I'd hate them. Thank you for apologizing." She smiled, I decided to give her a side hug. Which definatly caught her by suprise.

Levi came out soaking wet, he then plopped himself on my towel. Sarah and I chuckled. He looked up and stared at Sarah.

She smiled lightly. He smiled, "Friends?" She nodded, "Friends." I smiled.

-Later-

Hailey and Levi seem to be getting along really well. I even saw him hold her hand once.

I mean I haven't noticed how much she's been blushing around him. She even gets shy around him, he reacts the same towards her.

She came up to me. "Hey Milea, you make Aiden really happy. I'm really happy about that." I smiled, "You make Levi happy, I can see that." She blushed. "You think so? I really want him to ask me to prom." I chuckled, "He'll come around eventually."