TEENAGE FEVER

02

Jenny showed me the skate rink. It was where all the juniors hung out ever since the freshman polluted the local pool. "We'll enter on Monday," she told me, despite the noise of wheels coming from inside and the flashing lights. "It's not as full as it usually is," she told me, "Everyone is at this party."

I nodded, still slightly subconscious about my outfit. "Tell me about it," I told her. "What type of parties are thrown in this town?"

"Booze. Campfires and night swimming," she told me with a slight shrug. "It's a senior party but some juniors are invited. Though by midnight almost all the teenagers in this town will be there. Except the ones who don't party."

My mind drifted back to New York, to sneaking out of the house or pretending to go over to Alison's so that I could go to all those House parties. I couldn't help but think it was more convenient to have it on the beach. Getting drunk wouldn't hit as hard in the fresh air compared to a cramped studio apartment or penthouse suite.

"I'm excited," I said honestly. She smiled at me once more and we continued walking. She pointed out the school as we walked past it and made a comment about how I'd be perfect for cheer squad. Not having the heart to tell her that I was as stiff as a board I simply nodded and chuckled to myself.

I didn't want to be there when she saw me actually dance.

Soon, I could hear the roar of the ocean nearby and I grinned, walking slightly ahead. The beach was huge, with the sound of waves dominating the area and the smell of the ocean and smoke filling up my nose. There were teens littered everywhere, drinking and laughing and playing the guitar and outrightly just having fun. Someone had music playing from a speaker connected to their phone and it was some trap song I couldn't get the words to.

"Carti is playing," Jenny wrinkled her nose, "Uriah must have control over the music."

"Focus on the waves instead," I told her, "It helps."

She laughed at that. "I've lived here all my life and I can never get past how beautiful this beach is,"

I knew she was right. But I couldn't answer because as my gaze hungrily took in the scene, I saw something, someone, who made all the coherent thoughts in my head disappear. A boy running out onto the beach in nothing but oversized swimming trunks. He had dark brown skin and dread locks bunched up on his head, the sides of his hair shaved off. And a six pack. How many teens nowadays actually had those?

Jenny, noticing my silence, followed my gaze before grinning mischievously. The boy ran out of view, behind a car, and I turned back to her. "What?" I asked, even though I knew what.

"You were staring at Jaden Cross," she told me, "That's the type of guy you're into?"

"I mean, what's wrong with him?" I shrugged, crossing my arms over my chest and not particularly meeting her gaze. "He's gorgeous. A boy is not supposed to look that good."

She ran a hand through her hair, her body shaking, and I realised that she was laughing at me. I raised an eyebrow at her. "What?" I asked again, frustrated that she wasn't answering but also mildly amused.

"He's my boyfriend," she said and I felt myself turn red.

"Oh my gosh Jenny," I began, inwardly kicking myself, "I didn't know. I'm so sorry. I mean it makes sense that you two would be dating because he's so hot- but like in that normal way- and you're so gorgeous and oh my gosh-"

She burst out laughing, nudging my shoulder as she shook her head at me. I only noticed then that a guy was approaching us and he wrapped his hand around her waist, planting an affectionate kiss on her forehead.

Except, it wasn't Jaden. This guy was a bit taller, making Jenny look like a kid, and his skin was a shade lighter than Jaden's. He looked like an older Jaden and yeah, he was hot too. But not as hot as Jaden.

"Maddie I'm kidding," Jenny said, still chuckling slightly as her laughter died down, "This is my actual boyfriend. Uriah. He's Jaden's brother. A senior."

I turned red again, this time from embarrassment at falling for her prank. Uriah rolled his eyes at her and gave me a huge smile which caught me off guard because his face had looked so intimidating before.

"It's nice to meet you, Maddie," he told me, "And from what I'm just from hearing I assume you have the hots for my brother. Jenny does that to every girl who shows mild interest in him and doesn't know we're dating. I don't know what she gets from it."

"The joy of seeing the shock on their faces," Jenny said, turning to wrap her
arms around his waist. "And it's rare because almost everyone in this town knows we're dating. Uggh."

Her boyfriend raised an eyebrow, looking down at her, "Oh I'm sorry. Did you want to break up so that it was more believable?"

She didn't answer. Instead she just snuggled her face into his chest. I smiled at the two of them, feeling like I was intruding until he finally looked at me again.

"Let's get you a drink Maddie. And I'll introduce you to Jaden," he winked at me. I felt my heart skip a beat out of fear.

"I don't think you have to. I'll probably just embarrass myself. But I will take that drink," I shrugged. The two of them gave me a long, calculating lock before amused smiles spread onto their faces.

"Come on," Jenny grabbed my hand, "You want a beer?"

She began to walk me to the car with the speaker and there was  a blue cooler box besides it. I shook my head, swallowing the memory that came with that question down.

"Is there like a Coke or something?" I asked, swallowing thickly. She gave me a long look but didn't ask. It only dawned on me that Uriah had disappeared when someone spoke behind us.

"Oh, she doesn't drink," an unfamiliar voice said. "I think she's the one  Uriah."

I turned, already knowing who it was. Uriah had a smug smile on his face as I peeled my eyes away from him to the person standing next to him.

Jaden.

I subconsciously cursed.

----------