Spoiled, rich, and extreme - Anders was used to having his way. But when he met Meadow, everything seemed to take a wrong turn.
Being sent to a small town was the worst punishment he could ever imagine. He was sure he'd die of boredom.
He didn't exp...
Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
"Are you sure about this?"
"Hundred percent," he said. "Are you?"
I took a deep breath, watching Anders turn his convertible around the corner and park in front of a big white beach house. It looked like a traditional American home with a porch out front and a flag pole attached to one of the posts.
"We're already here," I replied, getting out of the car and looking up at the house. It was Reagan and Ria's family estate, rich siblings who belonged to the popular crowd.
Reagan was a football player, and Ria was aiming to be an influencer. Maybe she was already. I wouldn't know, I didn't keep up with them.
"Have you been here before?" Anders asked me, as he got out of the car.
"Once."
The first time Kobe was invited to one of these, he took me with him. I didn't like it, so I didn't come anymore. It was ironic how I felt alone when I was surrounded by people. When Kobe figured out I'd never go with him again, he stopped asking me.
I could feel Anders watching me, and I forced to move my feet.
"This way."
I gestured for Anders to follow me, and we headed to the side entrance. We went around the house, going through the pathway that led straight to the beach. And there, we saw that a few guys were setting up the bonfire.
I noticed that there were less people than I expected. It wasn't crowded, which I was more than thankful for. Maybe they just invited people in their circle.
"Meadow!"
I turned towards the direction of the voice and saw Kobe running up to us with a huge grin on his face while carrying a red solo cup. He was wearing a fitted black tank top and black trunks with red stripes on the side.
He didn't have a ripped body like the athletes in our school, but that didn't really matter. Once he opened his mouth, you'd focus on his face and nothing else. He had that kinda appeal. It was no brainer why he was voted class president.
"I didn't think you'd come," he said, stopping right in front of me.
I shrugged, trying to play it cool. "What's a summer without a beach party?"
He chuckled. "I told you that last year."
"Good news! It finally sank in."
He looked like he didn't buy it but he dropped the subject, anyway. He turned to Anders instead. "Hey, man. Good to see you again."
"Likewise," Anders replied, tilting his head up in a little nod.
Now that move looked casually cool. I made a mental note to ask Anders to teach me that trick.
"C'mon," Kobe said. "I'll introduce you to everyone."
Anders glanced at me before following Kobe. I followed them pass by the bonfire and walk towards the small group of people sitting around a picnic table. I dreaded each step towards them as I recognized their faces.
