Troublemaker (5SOS)

Chapter Six

"Don't be mad, but I think I'm going to go with Ash", Tara texted Kody as Ashton began packing up the blankets and food.  

"Fine." Her response was quick.  "But you need to introduce me to the cute one".  

Tara scoffed.  She knew exactly which one her sister had her eyes on.  He was sitting to the right of Impostor Ashton.  Kody had a type , and almost all of the boys she dated looked like Calum.  At that very moment, Ashton's friends joined them as the audience began to clear out.

"So," Luke grinned, "Where to?"

Ashton stammered, looking back and forth between his friends and Tara.  He definitely wanted more alone time, but he's the one who drove everyone here.  "Well...we could head to the beach, maybe?"  The boys hoot and holler as they begin racing each other to the car, and Ashton facepalms before apologizing.

"Oh" Tara gives him a side-hug, wrapping her arm around his waist and pressing her head into the crook of his neck.  "I don't mind.  Is it alright if I bring my sister, though?"

After agreeing upon a destination, they took separate cars and drove along the coast until they found the small, secluded beach.  Kody was in the passenger's seat of Tara's car, attempting to put makeup on as she took quick turns and came to harsh stops.  After smearing her tinted lip balm for the third time, she gave Tara a nasty look.  "I don't know how you ever got your license."

Tara feigned innocence and pulled into a parking spot.  The beach was a bit of a hike from the parking lot, but they already noticed a small spark of light in the distance.  The beginning of a bonfire.  Kody took off her sandals and carried them, letting her feet sink into the sand.  The ocean breeze called Tara's name. 

While they were alone, Luke and Calum hounded Ashton for details.  Michael sat on the opposite side of the fire, keeping his distance.  He was quiet, lost in his own thoughts and trying to tune out the details of Ashton's date.  Tara and Kody approached the group within minutes, and all conversation about the date stopped.  Kody, the short bubbly blonde, took a seat next to Calum, introducing herself immediately.  Although they were sisters, they were quite different in every way.  Tara took the only other open spot, directly next to a brooding Michael.  

She offered her hand for him to shake, which he nervously took.  "Sorry about earlier.  I'm Tara.  What's your name?"

Suddenly, it was like Michael had tunnel vision.  "Mic-- Mich---" 

"He's Michael, this is Calum, and I'm Luke," Luke leaned past Calum and shook Kody and Tara's hands.  "Now, if you don't mind, Mikey and I were about to head out to get some drinks.  Does anyone have any requests?"

"Tequila," Kody responded immediately, causing Calum to raise his eyebrows in response.

Luke laughed, "Sure.  Tara?"  

Tara never drank much, so she just said "Beer's fine".  Luke nodded, pulling Michael up from his spot next to her and dragging him back to the car. 

As soon as they were a decent distance away from the group, Luke kicked Michael's shoe.  "What is your problem?"

"I don't have one" Michael narrowed his eyes as he clicked the button to unlock Ashton's car.

"Right", Luke said incredulously, "well Ashton hasn't been with anyone since Angela, and he seems really happy tonight."

Michael turned the ignition and sped off before Luke could even get his seat belt on.  "Just shut up."