Fading Scars

Chapter 8

Lilly-May

The twins and I have had a good day. We've been in the arcades, had lunch and now we are around the communal pool on site. I sit on the edge of the pool with my legs dipped in the water. I thought this was supposed to be a family vacation? I grab my phone I hover over Jay's name deciding whether to call him or not.
I press call anyway, I've missed him and it hasn't been long. "Hey," I say once he's answered the phone will he be pleased to hear from me?
"Hey Boo, where are you?" I wish he was here, I'd have more fun. I imagine playing in the pool with him, shirtless, I bite my lip just thinking about it.
"I'm hanging by the pool at the campsite. My Dad calls it camping with style. It's pretty cool to have all these activities." I hear a girl giggling and Jay tries to hush them. I try to ignore it because I want to speak to my best friend.
"So why don't you sound happy about that?" I said I was happy but I guess my voice is lacking in enthusiasm.
"I don't know. Just not as fun as I thought it would be. I miss you." I sigh as I hear the girl again. I groan maybe it's Kelly. Why isn't his attention on me, he always says I'm his favourite girl but I don't like being shared like this.
"I miss you too Boo. Just a heads up, the principal is mad at you...ahh." Jay gasps and tries to compose himself. Why call me Boo whilst he is with her? I kick my legs in the pool in frustration.
"Why? I'm never in trouble." What now? He makes me feel really awkward. Am I to have a meeting with him or something?
"I guess he wasn't informed of your vacation." Well, that's not my fault. I only go where Daddy tells me too.
"My Dad will sort it. It's fine." I'm sure he will, he will probably give him wads of cash. He's rich and he doesn't hide it either.
"Jason, can you get off the phone? I want to have fun." Kelly's voice pierces through the phone and I sigh. Yep, it's her. Why does he do this to me?
Jay doesn't say anything which only frustrates me more. "Don't mind me you, idiot. Just ignore me, Bye." I hang up and put my phone down in anger. What does he see in her? Why can't he see me for me?
Caleb swims to me and looks up to me. "You okay?" I shrug I don't share boy stuff with these two as they are too protective, just like Daddy. "Come in," he says. I slide into the pool and start swimming. Caleb and Thomas start playing with the ball and Thomas manages to hit my head.
I stand up and grab the ball and lob it at him but it just skims the water and splashes him. "Play with us," Caleb says. I don't particularly want to play but if it saves me from being caught off guard and being hit on the head then so be it.
"You guys are so bad at it." They moan at me for saying it but I join in anyway. I like that I am as good as them, I don't like to let the side down. I guess it's the plus side of growing up with two brothers. They never want to do girly things so I've had to adapt to be part of the team. I enjoy playing with them so it doesn't really matter.
After a while, I get out of the pool and resume my earlier position at the side of the pool. I take my phone from the floor and flick through Facebook. Nothing new, everyone has more interesting lives than me. I open Snapchat and start playing with the filters on selfie mode. I look so much better with the filters.
Caleb gets out of the pool and sits next to me. I hold the phone in front of us and snap a few pictures, my brother is so vain and he loves pictures of himself. I flick through the pictures and pick my favourite one. I post it on Facebook with the caption #VacationVibes.
Do you think Jay will see it? If he does will he like it? I hope Daddy won't see it, he will start world war 3 if he saw a picture in my bikini. Caleb goes back into the pool, a few more people arrive and get in the pool. It was my brothers and me for a while. I put my sunglasses back on.
Someone sits next to me and I look up at them through my sunglasses. "Haven't seen you around here before," he says. He looks my age maybe slightly older. His tanned skin with black eyes makes him look mysterious.
"First day of family vacation." I look back to the pool. "Not here for long." I lean back on my hands behind my back and soak in the sun.
"That's a shame. My name is Joey," I look up at him and I giggle. Completely uncalled for but I just laugh. "What's funny?"
"Nothing, I just...private cruel joke I guess." I lift my right hand and present it to Joey and he takes my hand, "I'm Lilly-May." He shakes it and then he releases it. We fall into easy conversations, really easy like I'm talking to Jay but in this moment I don't have to share his attention.
I look at my phone and see that an hour has passed. Time flies when you are having fun. I check my Facebook and there are no new notifications. "Do you have Facebook?" Joey asks me. I nod and he passes me his phone and I send myself a request with his account. I pass him his phone back. "Do you mind?" he says holding his phone open on Snapchat. "I mean I had fun today, I just want to remember it."
I nod, I take off my glasses and smile into the camera. He lets me check the photo is okay and I nod with agreement. He leaves his phone on the floor next to him and he slides into the water. He grabs the back of my knees and pulls me in with him. He closes the distance between us and I stop breathing.
His hand cups my face and he looks into my eyes black eyes penetrating my innocent blue ones. I like this guy but he's got a death wish, I think on my feet and splash him with water. I look to my brothers and they are both watching us, I look back at Joey and he is looking at them too. "My protective brothers are over there. I don't want them to hurt you." I giggle and he grins.
He picks me up and throws me into the water. Whilst I'm under the water I swim towards his legs and I grab them and swim between his legs. I come to the surface and he's already turned around to face me. He goes underwater and swims behind me and his head is between my legs as he stands up. He holds my legs supporting me as I grab his head. The feel of his soaking wet shaggy hair makes me bite my lip.
This is easy, I've only just met him and he seems to like me for me, unless he is using me, or he likes me as a friend. He puts me down and he faces me again. His eyes bore into me and I get lost in his eyes. He slides his hands on my face again and his lips find mine. My heart is beating out of my chest. This is my first kiss, I've always imagined it to be with Jay but here I am. His wet lips slip and slide on mine and I move my lips the way he does hoping I don't suck too much.
Time stops around me, I match his every movement, every tender kiss to his tongue evading my mouth. "Oi, let go of my sister." I groan as Caleb shouts and Joey pulls his lips away from mine. He grins at me still feeling the chemistry between us. We look into each others eyes feeling the chemistry between us.
"Totally worth what's coming next," he whispers to me. He releases me and Caleb and Thomas surround us.
"Guys calm down." I roll my eyes at them. I was having fun, will I ever get a boyfriend with my two bodyguards around me. Caleb punches him in the face. I get in between them and push Caleb away. My hands on Caleb's chest that's inhaling and expanding quickly. Why are they both so hot-headed? CJ's jaw ticks as he glares at Joey. I use my strength to push him to the other side of the pool.
I look at Joey nothing is bleeding but it's red. It will bruise, "Joey I'm sorry." I call as he starts swimming out of the pool. "Why did you do that?" I shove Cj's chest. I follow Joey out of the pool and when I reach him Joey is grabbing his stuff and starts walking off.
"Joey, please. Wait," he stops and faces me, I don't know him well enough to figure the look out on his face. Now he's stopped I don't really know what to say. "Let me get some ice for you?" he shrugs. I walk towards the cafe shop that is next to the pool. I ask at the counter for an ice pack and they grab me one. I return to him and he's taken a seat by the window.
I sit down next to him and place the ice pack on his face. He doesn't flinch, is he trying to be tough to impress me or does it not hurt that much? "I warned you." I joke trying to lighten the mood. He places his hand over mine that's holding the ice pack.
"I know you did. Like I said, worth it." He smiles at me and I melt inside. His shaggy damp black hair is dripping down his body. He's super fit and way out of my league. I can't help but rack his body with my eyes, "Can I see you tomorrow?" I sigh, I'd like that but it won't happen.
"Did my brothers not put you off?" He leans towards me and kisses me briefly. "Does that answer your question?" I guess but I can't imagine Daddy will let us entertain ourselves tomorrow as well. "My Dad is worse than my brothers. I imagine my parents would want to spend time with us tomorrow."
"Well, that's a shame." I hear the door open and close. I look up and see Mom and Daddy standing in the doorway with Daddy looking like he may kill someone.
"Lilly-May Rider. Get here now," Daddy grows. Oh great, he's super pissed. I get up and step away from Joey. He takes the ice pack off me when I offer it to him.
"Oh shit," I say so only Joey can hear. Joey looks up at me and gives me a sympathetic look.
      "Who's that?" Yeah, pray for me.
"My Dad, his vein popping out his head means he's going to murder someone, me most likely." I half smile trying to be funny.
"Do you need assistance?" I laugh and shake my head.
"Umm, I wouldn't want that conscience on my head after he kills you first. Thanks for a great day," I smile at him.
He grabs my hand and I look down at him. "Yeah, you made my holiday." I grin and quickly retreat to Daddy. Once I reach Daddy I look back at Joey and he's got his back to us placing the ice pack on his face looking out the window.
"Move," Daddy growls. I guess this does look bad, I look at Mom and she's keeping quiet. I guess it's the best way when he's like this. I walk outside and he hits me with his disapproval. "What the fuck Lilly? I trusted you and this is what I find."
I keep walking and I grab my belongings from where I left them. "CJ, Thomas let's go," Mom says to the twins who are still in the pool. They don't hesitate, they know Daddy is angry.
When they reach us Daddy let's rip, "What time do you call this? I said 6 pm, we were waiting for you and you never showed." I didn't even realise the time. "Why weren't you watching her. You know to fucking look after her. Anything could have happened!" No one answers back, we just stand accepting his disappointment.
"Damon, let's go back to the cabin. We can discuss this there. You're making a scene," Mom says. She's probably the only one that can calm him down.
"I don't care if I'm making a scene. I trusted you all and this is how you fucking repay me." He walks to the cabin and we all follow in his footsteps. Mom doesn't scold him for his language so it means he is really mad and she won't antagonise him. Luckily the twins didn't say anything about the kiss and I'm grateful in this moment as they probably know better too. "Put your towel around you," Daddy hisses at me.
I roll my eyes but I do as I'm told. We continue to walk behind him in silence. We reach the Cabin and I unlock the door and Daddy opens the door. "All of you get in, now." I walk in with my head bowed.
I hate this side to Daddy, "Daddy." I whimper. The twins follow and they sit on their beds. They don't bother fighting this.
"Don't Lilly. Just Don't. Keys." He stretches his hand out to me and I give him the keys. "You'll stay here until I decide what to do with you." He slams the door and I hear him lock it. I stand where he left, I faintly hear him shouting and Mom trying to calm him down.
I head to the bathroom. I strip and head into the shower, I touch my swollen lips remembering the kiss in the pool. Water cascading over my body. It makes my heart stop just thinking about it. I know I won't see him again. Why did I have to meet him on Vacation? He probably wouldn't like me if he really knew me like people from school.
I finish washing and get out of the shower. I grab a towel from the rack and wrap it around me. My fingertips are wrinkly from being in the water most of the day. I grab some clothes and put them on once I'm dry. I opt for Daddy approved clothes just in case he does come back tonight.
I enter the bedroom area, there is one bunk and a single bed. Thomas dibsed the single bed and Caleb let me choose if I wanted top or bottom bunk so I chose bottom. I find my phone and sit on my bed. I open Facebook and see a friend request.
I click it and Joey's name appears. Joey Costello. I click accept and scroll through Facebook. A few likes on my picture from Leo, Jessica and Seb but nothing from Jay. I feel a pang of jealousy, why won't he notice me? I get a notification and I open it. It's the picture of Joey and me, he's tagged me in it. The caption reads 'Met this beautiful mysterious girl on holiday #TimeOfMyLife'. I smile, beautiful and mysterious? Me?
I can't stop smiling, my phone keeps getting more notifications. His friends keep commenting, 'She's hot, bro,' or 'You pulled,' I really can't stop smiling. This has been the best day ever. I keep smiling at the photo.
Another notification pops up, my heart beats out my chest. Oh fuck, Jay liked the photo. He liked the bloody photo. That hurts, he really doesn't like me in that way. I thought he'd be annoyed about this photo but he damn well-liked it.
SEB: Who's that guy? Don't make me remind you of your innocence. I'm not there to protect you.
ME: Calm down, Seb. He's just I guy I met today, I won't be seeing him again. Besides, I'm probably grounded for life. And Caleb probably hates me.
SEB: What did your Dad walk in on? Bet he's nuking the place. Why do you think Caleb hates you?
ME: Umm, Joey kissed me and Caleb punched him. My Dad only caught me icing Joey's face.
SEB: Lol, your brother cock blocked you again! Caleb could never hate you, which is why he goes to such lengths to protect you!
ME: Yeah, I guess.
SEB: Seriously Lilly, be careful. He isn't Seb approved, and I'm not there to approve him.
ME: I told you, I won't be seeing him again. I don't know if I'll see anyone again. Pray for me.
SEB: I'll be your prince in shinning armour if you get locked up in a tower for the rest of your life but remember I won't be kissing you to break some freaky spell shit.
I laugh out loud at his response. A figure stands in front of me blocking the light. I look up and it's Caleb, he's showered and fully dressed. I hadn't even noticed him get up. "Move over," he says softly. I slide over giving him room to sit next to me. I clutch the phone to my chest. "What was that today?"
"What do you mean?" I shrug, it was a good day. Joey seemed interested in me. What's the harm in that? I won't see him again.
"Kissing a stranger, you're lucky it was me and not Dad. Could you imagine?" I shiver, if Daddy caught me kissing him then world war 3 definitely would start.
"He liked me, what's the harm in that Caleb? It's what people my age do." It's out of character for me for sure but that's because nobody wants me rather than me doing it. "I won't see him again so who cares? Nothing really happened."
"I kept quiet, Lilly because Dad would go crazy. I don't want him thinking that I wouldn't protect you because I'd do anything to protect you. You're my sister and I don't want your innocence to get you hurt." I hug him and he falls back with his head on my pillow. I fall back with him and keep hugging him. I don't reply to him but I don't think I need to. Why does everyone keep going on about my innocence, I'm more than ready to give it away to the right person. His right hand lowers on his stomach, I grab it and he withdraws.
"Let me look," I whisper, he sighs and holds his hand out. His knuckles are sore where he hit him. He was only protecting me and he got hurt in the process. "I'm sorry," I say and bury my head in his chest.
"It's nothing Lilly." It is something and it's my fault.
"Please don't hate me."
"Lilly, you are my sister and best friend. I could never hate you, which is why when that guy kissed you I had to protect you."
"He wasn't hurting me."
The door unlocks and Daddy stands in the doorway. He's still pissed but he seems to have calmed down somewhat.
"Come on, we are going for dinner. You better behave or so help me." I get up and find my shoes. I make my way to Daddy and look at him, he's not looking at me. I hug his waist but he doesn't return the hug.
"I'm sorry, Daddy," I beg him to look at me but he doesn't. I walk out the door and Mom is waiting, she gives me a half-smile it looks like she's been crying and that makes me feel worse. I know she would have really tried for me, to defend me but Daddy is still mad.
Once the boys are out the Cabin Daddy locks the door. He makes his way to the restaurant. I run after him and walk next to him watching him. I grab his hand and he sighs, he doesn't withdraw though so that gives me hope. We all take a seat around a large table and I take a seat next to Daddy. A waiter hands us some menus. I'm starving, I can't decide what I want. Chicken burger with chips or Lasagne. The waiter comes back to take our order.
"Salad please," Mom says. She's sat opposite Daddy and he grabs her hand. What's up with Mom?
"You okay, baby?" Daddy's voice softens for her. I know he really loves her, he cherishes her, even if it's sickness and in health for good or for bad. Mom nods but doesn't say anything.
Caleb is next to Mom, "Cheeseburger, please," Caleb says and Thomas asks for fish and chips. I hope Mom is okay.
"Chicken Burger," Daddy says, he's still pissed not that he often says please or thank you to strangers. I ask for the same, and the waiter retreats. Will Daddy ever forgive me after this? I hate that he is treating me like a child. "I'll be back in a sec," Daddy says and gets up. He heads for the toilets. I sigh this is ridiculous. I look at Mom and she seems sad. Did I make her sad?
Mom grabs Caleb's hand, concern fills her face, "What the hell is that?" She growls. Mom's not often mad but when she is it's just as bad as Daddy if not worse. "Caleb-James Rider, answer me."
"Fine, the guy kissed Lilly and I punched him. I couldn't tell Dad he would go nuclear," he withdraws his hand and hides it under the table.
Mom looks at me and tilts her head, "Was it consensual?" I look at the men's toilets but Daddy hasn't come out. "Lilly." She urges. Of course, it was.
"Yes, of course." I blush, this is awkward talking to her about it in front of the twins. She looks at me contently, "Mom, I swear." She seems to soften and smile before turning back to CJ.
"So you punched him for no reason? You need to be careful CJ, your Dad may be powerful but it's a jailable offence."
"Mom, I'm not having some stranger put his hands on my sister, consensual or not." I see Daddy return from the toilets and I shift my weight and cough. We always warn each other when he comes back especially if we are having conversations that he would freak out at.
Mom puts her arm around Caleb's neck and pulls him in for a side hug. "Well done, baby," Mom says in his ear and kisses him on the cheek, Daddy sits down. She releases him and he tries to flatten his hair back down.
"What's he done?" Daddy asks. Our food arrives, Mom shrugs him off but I think that only annoys him more. We dig in but all Mom does is play with her food. She only ordered salad anyway. Daddy's phone rings and he looks at the caller ID and he excuses himself. He goes outside to take the call but he peers in now and again.
Mom's phone rings too but when she looks at the caller ID she presses ignore. Who was that? Mom doesn't like phones at the dinner table. Her phone rings again and she sighs. She answers it this time, "Hey," she says. Why is she so sad? "I thought that would be the case. I'm fine," she snaps. She looks at Daddy but he is busy on his phone. "I love you Sully but don't force this." She gets up from her chair and walks to the other side of the room. She sits in the window seat and faces out leaning her head on the window. She curls her knees towards her chest.
She seems deep in conversation with Sully. She puts her phone between her shoulder and ear so she doesn't have to hold it. She puts her palms on her forehead like she's frustrated. I notice tears fall down her face. Was this me? Please say me getting in trouble hasn't made her like this. Please say it wasn't me.
Daddy walks into the room and takes his seat again. He looks around the table, "Where's Mom?" I point over to the window where she curled up looking vulnerable. "What happened?" I shrug because I don't know.
Daddy gets up again and closes the distance between them. He sits in front of her and puts his chin on her knees. He grabs the phone from her and speaks to Sully for a minute before he hangs up. Daddy wipes away her tears from her face. He always seems to know exactly the right thing to cheer her up. He knows her inside out, I wish I had that connection with someone. Daddy stands up after a while and holds his hand out, Mom doesn't hesitate and slides her hand into his and he pulls her to her feet. How can Daddy go from being angry as hell and then to this in seconds for Mom?
They join us at the table again and we resume our family meal. Daddy has calmed down but the memory is still lingering in his head. I wonder what had her so upset? I wish she would be fixed or hide her pain from us. I can't help thinking that we aren't enough for her. Enough to keep her demons away. Enough to keep her happy.
Later we return to our Cabins, it's quite late so we are to go straight to sleep. Mom is the one that tucks us in tonight and not Daddy. I guess he's still annoyed. Thomas gets into bed and Mom walks over to him first. She kisses his forehead and Mom crinkles her nose up. "Thomas Rider, shower now."
Thomas groans and storms off to the bathroom. I know Caleb and I showered earlier, did he not? Thomas's hygiene is worse than Caleb's. Mom heads up the ladder and sits with Caleb for a few minutes. They chat to each other before Mom kisses him and comes back down to sit with me.
"What's his name?" My mom smiles at me. Her eyes beaming at me. I blush and look at my hands.
"Joey," I say. "Joey Costello. Oh, Mom, it was a perfect day despite Dad freaking out." Mom is beaming at me from ear to ear and I match her smile. Her beautiful smile. I hear Caleb groan in frustration and the bed moves like he's flopped out on the bed.
"Did he make your heart stop baby?" I nod, he really did. " He did something right then. What about..." she mouths the word, Jay. Caleb is probably listening anyway, especially after his groan.
"I still wanted it to be him. For him to be my first kiss but it was nice while it lasted." She nods at me respecting my feelings.
"Get some sleep baby." Thomas enters the room in his boxers and gets into bed. Mom kisses me on the forehead and tucks me into bed. She walks to Thomas and kisses him on the head too not that he likes it. He has to endure it.
Mom gets up and walks to the door. She pulls the door to and says, "Goodnight babies," turns the light off and she retreats out the door. I hear the key enter the lock and it turns. You wouldn't have believed she cried earlier, that's how strong she is for us. I grab my phone and take a look at it. Nothing new from Jay and I'm once again disappointed.
LEO: What happened between you and Joey?
ME: Not much, why?
LEO: Just wondering, he seems like a dick.
ME: You got all that from a photo huh?
Jeez, why are all the guys in my life so protective? He's just a stranger that was nice to me.
LEO: Don't be mad Lilly, just looking out for you, you're my friend.
ME: Yeah, I know.
LEO: What are you doing?
ME: Nothing, just in bed.
LEO: What you wearing?
ME: Urm, PJs?
LEO: You don't sleep naked then?
ME: Are you drunk again? I'm surrounded by my brothers, that would be odd.
LEO: Lucky them.
I roll my eyes and ignore him, what the hell was that about? He didn't answer my question so I hope he is, that would be the only explaination of his inappropriate question. I look at my other notifications.
There are new likes and comments from Joey's photo and I scroll through the comments. I save the photo to my phone. I'll treasure this photo forever even though it was only a couple of hours of my life. He made me feel special, if he legit liked me anyway. Maybe he was playing me but I don't care.
I flick through my phone for a while. I can't sleep not after today's excitement. Thomas starts snoring and it really pisses me off. How am I expected to sleep with him snoring again it was the same last night? The bed starts to rock slightly and I see a figure standing in front of the bed. "Move over Lilly." Caleb whispers and I do as he asks lifting the sheets up.
He climbs in and he lays down facing me. I lock my phone and put it under my pillow and face him too. "How am I supposed to sleep with him snoring and you shining your phone everywhere," he whispers. I wasn't shining anything but I guess the light is pretty bright. "Can't sleep, huh?"
"I'm not tired, Caleb. Today, Joey, Mom, Dad. It's a lot to process." He lifts his hand up above his head and starts stroking my hair. I close my eyes I love it when people play with my hair it soothes me.
"I'm not helping you with that idiot but Dad will calm down. You know what he's like, he blows up and then tomorrow he will be fine. Mom is fine too, I'd be first to worry if she wasn't, 'kay?" I know he's right but doesn't stop me worrying. He continues to stroke my hair and I try to sleep. He places his free arm around me and I drift to sleep dreaming of Joey for the first time and it's new because I always dream of Jay.
When I wake I'm huddled against the cool wall. I wipe my mouth and turn around opening my eyes. Caleb is still sleeping next to me. He's so cute sometimes, I gently climb over him trying not to wake him up. I turn around to look at him and he hasn't woken. I head to the bathroom and shower.
I like to wash every day sometimes twice a day depending on what I've done that day. I hope today will be as good as it was yesterday although I know it won't be. Once I'm out the shower I brush my teeth and get dressed. When I return to the bedroom I grab my phone from under the pillow and look at the time. It's only 6.30 am, it's still early. I unlock the door from the inside and step outside into the sun. I see if my parents are up as it doesn't look like my brothers are getting up anytime soon. I knock on the door and I hear Daddy saying to enter.
He left the door unlocked last night or has he been out already? I open the door and see they are both still in bed. "Come here, princess," he mumbles. He's still tired, I walk over the foot of the bed and he moves over to the edge of the bed and pats the bed between him and Mom.
I climb up the bed and lay next to him facing him. "Couldn't sleep?" he mumbles with his eyes half-open. I shake my head, he puts his arm around me and hugs me and goes back to sleep. Mom turns over and also hugs me from behind.
"You okay, Princess," Mom whispers. I agree and close my eyes. I used to sleep like this with my parents when I had nightmares. I used to think there were monsters under the bed and Daddy was the one I sought comfort in. I still find comfort in him but not as much as I used to. I've always been a Daddy's girl from what I remember.
Although I adore my Mom it just feels like a bond was broken at some point. Did something happen when I was younger? Am I reading too much into it? I drift asleep again in the comfort of my parent's arms.
There's a loud bang and it makes me jump, and I grab hold of Daddy, "Mom, Dad, wake up. Lilly's gone," Caleb yells.
"Calm down, Caleb, she's here," Daddy says casually. My heart is beating out my chest and Daddy strokes my face. "It's okay, princess," Daddy says.
"Oh thank god," Caleb says and walks out the room. Okay, I'm awake. I sit up and Daddy sits up too.
"You okay?" Daddy says. I guess he has calmed down a lot since I last saw him. If I really need him, he is always there for me. I nod, "Why don't you go round your brothers up, we will go offsite today all together." I smile at him, I get up and go back to my cabin.
Once I'm in the Cabin Caleb looks at me, "Why didn't you leave a note or tell me where you were going?"
"I'm sorry Bro, I didn't think. I didn't want to wake you." I look at my phone and it's 9.38 am. "Anyway, Dad says get ready. We are going off-campus."
"Yes, maybe Dad is going to get me that game," Caleb says and heads to the bathroom. Looks like Thomas is still in bed. I walk over to him but he doesn't move. I jump in the air and belly flop on top of him.
"Ahh, fuck sake, Lilly!" I laugh hysterically. He moves so I roll off the bed. Ouch, I get up and walk to my bed and grab my pillow and quickly pin him on the bed with my legs either side of his body and smother his face with a pillow. Not that I make much effort and I wouldn't really do anything bad to him.
I feel arms around me and they pull me off him. "Lilly, don't antagonise him," Caleb says. I throw the pillow back to my bed and Caleb lets me go. Thomas makes a move towards me and Caleb gets in-between us. "Just stop it, both of you," Caleb groans. He's the good little egg of the family.
Thomas puts his hands up in defeat and heads to the bathroom. I put some shoes on and sit on my bed with my phone. Still nothing from Jay. Why? I refuse to be the one that contacts him first. A couple of new notifications though, Joey has liked some of my pictures on Facebook. Has he been stalking my profile? I smile in response.
LEO: Morning, when are you back at school? I'm growing old waiting for our rematch.
ME: Dunno, are you sure you're not secretly missing me? I can't imagine you're waiting to be beaten again by a girl.
LEO: I'm missing you like a whack in the chest. Fond memories. ;)
I laugh hysterically.
ME: My head still hurts.
LEO: Think I have your face indented on my chest forever that's how hard you knocked into me.
I throw my head back and laugh again.
ME: Well, I guess you can look at your chest when you miss me.
LEO: Rather see your face in person besides, I'd get some strange looks talking to my chest.
ME: Lol, got to run. Miss ya.
Mom and Daddy enter the Cabin and rounds us up. I grab Daddy's hand as we walk towards the car. I like spending this much time with him although I want more. I have no idea when we are due to go home. I try and enjoy it while I can.
We have breakfast offsite in a little cafe along the pier line of a beach. Mom loves to watch the sea, she could watch it for hours. She's not so keen to venture into it but she says she likes the tranquillity, the deep turquoise colour that dazzles in the sun. It makes her feel free watching the waves. I don't get it myself but she's very poetic and passionate when she describes it, I'm always in awe when I hear her talk like that.
After we have breakfast we head towards the small huts along the pier. Mom clutches to Daddy's arm trying to avoid the people that are coming and going past us. "Dad, can you get me that game whilst we are here," Caleb says. I roll my eyes he must be really desperate.
"If they have it, Caleb, I'm not traipsing all over here to find it," Daddy says firmly. I see an ice cream hut and I really crave ice cream.
"Daddy can I have ice cream, please." I look at him with my sweet innocent eyes. He smiles at me and puts his hand in his pocket and grabs me some cash.
"Anyone else?" Daddy says but no one else wants any. "Caleb go with her please," Daddy says and he agrees. They walk off ahead of us whilst I go with Caleb to get a vanilla ice cream cone. We manage to catch up with Mom and Daddy oh and Thomas. We carry on walking glancing at each of the stalls in turn.
"Dad, I found it," Caleb shouts. I groan as I wait in the middle of the walkway trying to keep out of peoples way as they are passing. I finish the last bite of my ice cream and get my phone out.
"He's not having that," Mom says. I roll my eyes and look through Facebook. Come on Jay, message me. Please.
"Why? Come on Mom," Caleb whines. No new notifications, my life is so boring. I see Jay's name on my news feed and he's uploaded a picture of him kissing Kelly. Urgh, so he's been active, he's just choosing to not message me.
"It's an eighteen Caleb." Mom scolds, I roll my eyes again. Who cares? Not even I'm that innocent.
"Emmie, don't overreact. Most of his games are eighteens. Besides he's in a bloody gang now." Daddy growls and picks up the game to give it the person owning the stall. I don't bother liking his picture. I don't like seeing this picture, except I look at Jay's lips. The way he could be putting his lips on mine and not hers.
We carry on walking once Daddy buys Caleb his game, Mom isn't happy at all. Daddy heads into a beachwear stall and starts looking through the swimwear items. What is he doing that for? Mom is by his side, "Lilly, come here," Daddy says.
He holds a couple of swimwear items up to my body, comparing them. "Daddy, what is this?" I cross my arms in annoyance. He ignores me and continues to flick through the clothes. He holds up another one.
"That will do." It's a navy two-piece swimwear set that covers my body and some of my legs. I groan, this is about yesterday. "If you want to go to the pool with us later this is what you'll have to wear," he seems very pleased with himself, I don't think he could find a suit that covers more of my body if he tried.
"That's so unfair. I hate you," I sulk. I turn my back on him and wait outside the stall for them. This is embarrassing.
"What size is she?" Daddy asks Mom. I roll my eyes, he's so over the top sometimes. I hear Mom say size 8. Caleb comes to me and puts his arm around my shoulder whilst I'm still crossing my arms. "She doesn't really hate me does she?" Mom laughs at his reaction.
"At least he's calmed down and what's more he is letting you go back to the pool," I grunt, it's still not fair. "It's not that bad, Sis. Promise," I guess it isn't that bad. They come out of the stall and he holds out the bag with the swimsuit in it. I grudgingly take it and follow a few feet behind. The whole point to being by the pool is to tan. I'm going to have really dodgy lines after this. We spend another hour or so here, they've all bought something or rather Daddy bought it for them. I'm too annoyed to look at anything, I don't really care.
We head to a restaurant close by for lunch. It's 12.23 pm and I'm starving. I'm always hungry. I block out the lunch though. I'm still annoyed with Daddy so I don't participate in the conversation around the table.
Once lunch is over Mom wants to go and walk along the beach. I drag further and further behind and I'm glad for the distance. I take a deep breath, I take my shoes off so I'm barefoot on the sand placing them in the bag. I'm so hot so I lift my top over my head and tuck it into my 3/4 length jeggings so I'm only wearing my bikini top on my top half. I walk towards the ocean and dip my bare feet in and smile with my arms out feeling free.
After a few minutes, I carry on walking behind them. They still face forward so they don't see me. I walk keeping my feet in the water feeling the waves brush over my feet feeling them sinking in the wet sand. Caleb turns his head to look back at me, his eyes pop out of his head almost and he stops to look at Dad.
Dad is still walking and is content with Mom. Caleb jogs back to me and once he reaches me he starts walking next to me. "Have you got another death wish?" Caleb says to me cautiously watching Dad.
"No, I'm just really hot Caleb. Do you know how suffocating it is in these clothes on a day like today?" Caleb sighs, he knows what I have to endure to keep Daddy's peace of mind.
"I know but do you really want him to explode like yesterday?" I shake my head. No, I really don't. Mom and Dad stop and I freeze. I'm not feeling so brave now, Mom turns her head towards us and her face turns. Daddy goes to turn his head but Mom pulls him in for a kiss. She keeps his back away from us and using her hand to gesture for me to put my top on. Daddy keeps trying to turn around but Mom is distracting him. I grab my top and put it back on. This is bloody torture being brought up like this.
When can I start doing what I want? Daddy turns around just as I've placed my top back on and Caleb sags like he's dodged a bullet. Mom really saved me on that one. We head back towards the car and I get my phone out again once we have all got in the car. I go onto Facebook Messenger and see that Jay is active. Then why the hell isn't he talking to me?
It's always Daddy that drives when he's here. Why is that when Mom can? Saying that Uncle Sully normally drives too. If I could drive I'd always demand to drive. Once back on campus we briefly go back to the cabin to get changed into our swimwear. I groan when I place my new item on. I look in the mirror it's like a bloody dustbin sack.
I put my sunglasses on as we head out the Cabin. "Put your towel around you Lilly-May." Daddy grunts. What more do you want from me? I'm already wearing this bin bag. I roll my eyes and do as I'm told. This is suffocating me, do I really want to spend time with him? He is making me miserable.
We reach the pool and I place my towel where I sat yesterday and place my feet in the pool. Dad and Mom claim the deck chairs behind me and the twins are already jumping in the pool. I hear my phone ping and I pick it up from where I placed it. Omg it's a message from Joey. I open it instantly.
JOEY: I need advice. x
What could he need advice from me for? He put a kiss on the end.
ME: Sure, how can I help? x
I'm smiling ear to ear. I'm glad my back is to Mom and Dad. I get another ping.
JOEY: So, I met this beautiful girl yesterday...
He's still typing. I await his response impatiently. Is he talking about me?
JOEY: She's arrived at the pool I'm at with her parents and protective brothers. How do I proceed? x
I gasp and reread the message and search the pool. He's sat at the far end of the pool watching me intently waiting for a reply his face doesn't seem too bad today and I'm glad. How do I respond? Subtly that no one notices. I look back at my phone, what do I say?
ME: Well, that depends. Is she worth the effort? x
That's what it all boils down to. I look up at him and he is smiling at his phone. I admire him from afar. He's obviously been swimming already as he's wet, I think it's my new favourite look. Water drips down his torso and I bite my lip and look away.
JOEY: Absolutely. x
I can't stop smiling. I look back at Mom and Daddy and they are lying back in their deck chairs soaking in the sun. I take off my sunglasses and place my phone on my towel. I slide into the water and slowly swim towards him. I lift my arms over the side and keep my back to my parents although I'm always glancing at them. "Try not to look at me. Pretend I'm not here." I say not looking at Joey.
"How am I supposed to do that when you are all I can see." I smile as he's being really cute. He slides into the water but stays facing towards the pool while I'm facing away. He holds his hand out to me under the water and I take it.
I glance at my parents who are still oblivious. I look at the twins and they are still playing with the ball. "How did I get so lucky? Twice in two days?" I giggle. I look up at him through my eyelashes and he turns his head to look at me I bite my lip. "You don't know how much I want to kiss you right now," he says all the right things to have me melting inside. His thumb circles the back of my hand and I can't concerntrate.
"I won't have long but I'll make an excuse to get away," I say and he nods, grudgingly releasing my hand and lifts himself out the pool. I wait a couple of minutes before I swim back to my towel and lift myself out the pool. I walk to Mom and Dad, "Daddy, I'm thirsty." He reaches for his wallet on the floor and he passes me some cash. "Can I go to the gift shop too. I'd like an ice cream and I saw something there yesterday that I want."
He thinks it over for a little while, "It's the other side of the campsite Lilly. Not on your own." Come on Daddy, please.
"Just let her Damon, she didn't get anything shopping," he sighs and asks me how much it was. I ask him for £20 more and he gives it to me. I stuff it down my bra support.
"Thanks, Daddy," I skip off to go find Joey before Daddy can stop me and he didn't tell me to put my towel on so that's a bonus.
I exit the pool area and I feel a hand on my arm pulling me towards them. My body touches Joey's and he pushes me against the wall. My heart starts to accelerate and I pull him closer to me. His left-hand cups my face and his right-hand finds my hip. He grins and then his lips collide with mine. Is he a good kisser? Who the hell knows as I have nothing to compare it to but he is making my breathing rapid and my heart is pounding and I'm enjoying this.
His right-hand slides it's way up underneath my hideous swimwear and he grips my side and I gasp at the how good it feels to have his hand there. His lips don't leave mine only growing more intimate. He bunches my top up so my skin is exposed.
He pulls away but places his forehead on mine and we stay like this for a while breathing each other in, getting our breathing under control. "Definitely, worth it, I'm one lucky sod," he grins. He pulls away from me and grabs my hand as we run. I don't know where he is taking me but I'm only too happy to follow. I love to run, it's one of my hobbies. I like the more physical pursuits. We sit down on the beach on the campsite. Beaches everywhere here in Spain. "Do you speak Spanish?" Joey asks.
"Yeah, I live here although we are on vacation." English is my first language although I had to learn Spanish at school seeing as we are in Spain. I picked it up pretty well but we always speak English.
"Say something in Spanish," he pleads with me. "Please," he says. I think about what I should say in Spanish. I don't know what to say but his face is hard to say no to.
"Nuestra química está tocando mi mente y prender fuego a mi cuerpo." I speak slowly and seductively.
"What did you say?" Joey asks intrigued. That's the point, I can say these things without revealing too much.
"Let's keep that a mystery." I smile and he launches at me and pins me to the floor and starts to kiss me again. Why does Seb think this guy is dangerous? He's playful and sweet and I want him to kiss me. It makes a change to be seen as a girl instead of one of the guys.
"It was really hot, whatever you said." I grin and he kisses me again. He pulls away and he sits up and I do the same. "More pictures?" he says. I shrug. He gets his phone out his back pocket and we take a few pictures, him kissing my cheek. Kissing on the lips and silly pictures. Once he's taken a few pictures he puts his hand and phone in his lap.
"Please say it again," he smiles at me and I smile too. "Please, it's really hot." He looks at me begging with his eyes.
"Nuestra química está tocando mi mente y prender fuego a mi cuerpo." I cave and put my hands over my face in embarassment.
"Translating," his phone speaks. Oh god, I hold my breath whilst his phone translates, it feels like hours, "Our chemistry is touching my mind and setting my body on fire." I continue to hold my hands over my face and his weight pins me to the floor again.
"Hmm, I feel the same way. Don't hide," he prizes my hands away from my face and kisses me again. I get caught up in our little spell. His hands explore my body and I explore his. It feels natural but then I don't have anything to compare it to. Do I? "Do you have a boyfriend?"
I shake my head embarrased, "Urgh, no."
"Why? I find that hard to believe," I wouldn't be kissing him if I had.
"It's embarassing." I shrug.
"Please, I want to know why a beautiful girl like you isn't snatched up yet."
"Back home, no guys want me. I'm not popular at school, I mean I have lots of guy friends but they are just friends."
Joey shakes his head, "Are they blind? Well, I guess it works out in my favour," he grins and his pearl white teeth sparkle in the sun.
"I guess it doesn't help with the clothes I wear. My Dad is very strict on what I wear."
Joey's eyebrow raises, "I wondered what the sudden change was. Were you in a lot of trouble? Still no excuse, whether you wore a sack or a dress you'd still be beautiful." he shifts my top up and starts kissing my stomach and I gasp.
"Yes, I was, I am." I squirm underneath his lips. "I'm lucky he let me out today." his lips continue to explore my stomach.
"Nope, I'm the lucky one." I giggle and he returns his lips to mine. His teeth slide across my bottom lip and I cry out. "So responsive to my touch, I love it."
I groan, "I need to head back." I say and he looks down at me frowning at my disappointment. He stands up and holds his hand out to me and he pulls me to my feet. "I need to go to the gift shop quickly first."
"Right this way Bright Eyes." He bends down as if giving an invitation. I jump on his back so he's giving me a piggyback. He stands up and starts running towards the gift shop and I giggle. He joins me in laughter, I hug his neck. This has been the best Vacation ever. I reach around and kiss his cheek. I thought he would be put off by my confessions but I was wrong, it seems it's made him pursue me more.
Once we reach the gift shop I take a look around. I don't even know what I want, it was just a cover-up to see Joey. "What did you want from here?"
I grin at him, "Nothing, it was just an excuse but I have to buy something now or my Dad will be suspicious."
"Well in that case, what about this?" he holds out a heart necklace. "This way you won't forget me." he opens the locket and there is room for a photo. Joey points to the sign that says engraving and photo printing done here. I smile and nod at him. I close the distance between us and I pick a mens one for him.
"I think you should return the favour considering, you may forget me when I leave." he takes the necklace from me and places mine in my hand.
"Bright eyes, there is no forgetting you." he grazes my earlobe with his teeth and I gasp. Damn treacherous body. My cheeks redden and he chuckles. We head to the counter and we choose the photo of us kissing for both of ours. He has 'Bright Eyes' engraved and I have his name on mine.
He skims his fingertips across my neck as he puts my necklace on. "Hmm, if you lived in the same country as me, this necklace would claim you as mine." I blush at his words. It's only the second day of meeting me and he wants to claim me as his. He clips his necklace on and I use my fingers to touch it and my fingers stray from the pendant and skims his collar bone.
He grabs my hand and kisses my knuckles, "Unless you want me to keep you here, we better go," I nod and he holds my hand.
We run back to the pool area and wait in the spot where he kissed me out of sight. I place my bag of items on the floor and I hug him. This is probably going to be the last time I touch him. The last time I see him. He feels it too, he is clutching me tight. Although I wouldn't change anything, I still feel sad saying goodbye.
He puts his forehead on mine and my body aches for him. His hand cups the back of my head. His lips touch mine and are gentle delaying the inevitable. I've known him all of two days and I'm not ready to say goodbye. "Stay in touch?" he sighs.
"Sure," I say and kiss him once more before I grab my stuff from the floor. He grabs my free hand and I look at him. He looks as sad as I am. I continue to look at him but slowly start walking. Our arms stretch until the distance is too great and our touch breaks.
I take a deep breath and enter the pool area and Daddy is sat up looking anxious. Once his eyes find mine he relaxes. Although his body has relaxed his face is angry. Mom is still laying on the chair next to him. I reach Daddy, "Where have you been?" Daddy growls. Am I in trouble again? Really? "You didn't take your phone and you didn't take your towel. You've been ages."
I roll my eyes, I sit back on my towel and put my glasses back on. "There was a queue and I needed a wee." I turn to look at him and he looks awkward and goes back to laying back down. I notice Joey walking back in, he sits back down by his towel. He watches me and I watch him. He seems like he's miles away. I just want to be close to him.
Caleb startles me and places his elbows on my knees and looks up at me. "Play catch with us," Caleb asks. I take my eyes off Joey and nod, I take off my glasses and slide into the pool. My top ends up sliding up in the pool anyway so what was the point? Thomas throws the ball at me hard on purpose. What's his problem? I lift my arm up to shield my face. I'm pissed, "Lilly, don't." Caleb says warning me.
I walk towards Thomas and pounce on him and try and get his head underwater. I'm wrestling him in the water and he is giving just as much back. "Get off me, Lilly. Fuck sake!" I grab him from behind and wrap my legs around his waist and put one hand around his neck tightly and pull his hair with the other. He elbows me in the side, I know I've won.
"Say sorry," I say. I continue to keep him in the tight lock until he apologises. I have the upper hand.
"Fine, I'm sorry." Caleb grabs me off him and acts as a barrier between us. I fight dirty but I don't care if I win.
"For fuck sake kids. If you can't behave then we are going. Grab your stuff," Daddy shouts. Great now look what you made me do Thomas. I swim towards my towel and once I reach the side I look at Joey who looks amused and is still looking at me. I grin at him and I pull myself out the pool whilst I continue to look at him.
Mom and Dad have already collected their stuff and they are waiting for us. Joey lowers himself into the pool slowly swimming towards me. "Lilly, towel," Daddy says. Yeah, yeah. I place the towel around me and I place my glasses on my head. They are all making their way out of the pool area and Joey reaches me and I bend down so we can quickly kiss for the last time. Water drips on my lips before his lips claim mine for the last time.
"Goodbye Bright Eyes," he says. I smile and I stand up and head out the pool area. I take one last look and he is still watching me leave whilst in the pool. I take and deep breath and head towards my family.
We grab dinner before we return to the Cabin. We didn't bother changing although I had to stay with my towel perched around me like an idiot. I am exhausted after another breathtaking day. I lay in bed with my phone.
Joey has uploaded our pictures with the caption 'That one Holiday you can't forget or should I say that one person. #BrightEyes.' he's tagged me in them again. I smile and save each picture to my phone. Nothing new from Jay but I haven't thought about him for most of the day today. Jessica: OMG who is that hottie?
I tell her about my day and she seems just as excitable as me. She's always been supportive and never understood why boys aren't head over heels for me.
I get a message from Jay. I stop breathing for a second.
JAY: I can't wait to see you Boo. When are you back?
I quickly reply saying tomorrow morning. Vacation is over but it's been the best ever. He always manages to draw me back in even though he hasn't made the effort.
SEB: Fuck sake Lilly, you said you weren't going to see him again!
ME: He's a nice guy Seb, and what's more he actually likes me.
SEB: I've told you before, he's not the only one.
ME: Prove it!
SEB: When Leonardo messages you let me know. Oh and my brother is pissed, he really likes you.
ME: It isn't out of the ordinary for Leo to text me.
SEB: Still so innocent.
The text Seb was predicting just pinged my phone.
LEO: Who the fuck is that guy?
ME: Just someone I met on vacation.
LEO: You kiss random strangers on vacation? Are the guys here not good enough for you?
I frown at his message. What is going on here?
ME: What is eating you Leo? Why are you upset with me?
LEO: I'm not.

ME: Sounds like it...
LEO: I just don't like the douche, Lilly.
ME: Good job you won't be meeting him then. See you tomorrow?
LEO: Look forward to it. ;)
I turn on my side reading comments on Joey's post and talking to Jay. I wish this feeling would never end. I wish I could see Joey again, feel his skin on mine. Even though I'm sad that it's finished all too soon. I'm happy it happened and I wouldn't change any of it. I just wish I got to spend more time with him. I end up drifting asleep.