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"We used to go to the beach every summer when I was younger. Stay for at least a week. It was probably the freest my parents let me and Callie be. We just knew we had to stay where the lifeguard could see us, but other than that, we could just...be. Then we'd go to the boardwalk at night, get cotton candy and funnel cakes. I dare say the way I cried for hours when we had to leave probably had a lot to do with us not going back. Once I got my license, me and Callie would go sometimes. It seemed to be the one place that made her at peace. Even if the water was freezing, we'd go and watch the sun set, toes cold as hell in the water. It felt like the only place I truly felt at home. I haven't been able to go there since and I want to so bad."
"So we should go."
"Really?" Her eyes widen.
"Yeah. I would love to watch you watch the sun set at the beach."
"Not the sun set itself?"
I shake my head. "You're much more interesting."
"Hmm. You should be careful, Elijah."
“Of?"
"Making me fall for you."
"Why would I want to avoid you doing for me what I'm doing for you?"
She stills and looks into my eyes. I know she only finds sincerity there because my words are true. She's always on my mind now, wanting to see her, hear her voice, have her arms around me. Her texts, her calls, make everything better. She makes everything better, she makes me better. And it's hard not to fall for someone you never thought would come along.
She looks away shyly after a few seconds, and I have to smile at that look on her face. Then her eyes look down, filling with a sadness that confuses me. I glance down and find the reason, her phone, sticking out of her bag. And I'm sure her parents are on her mind now.
"Do you think there'll be consequences for you staying here?" I ask.
"No doubt about it. Therapy session for sure, and them trying to tighten the reins. But it's too late for that now. I've gotten a taste of what it feels like to sleep in your arms, and I don't think I can avoid it anymore."
I grin. "My arms are always open."
She changes back into her clothes and then I'm walking her to the front door.
"So I have an idea," I say.
"Whatever it is, yes." She smiles.
"I wanna take you out on a real date on Friday."
"And our other dates have been..."
"Real, but I mean like a planned date, where I pick you up, take you out somewhere special, you know."
"You tell me what time you'll be at my house, and I'll make sure to be ready."
"Okay."
"Call me later?" she asks.
"Of course. Thank you for a wonderful night, and morning."
"My pleasure. Tell your grandma I said bye."
"I will."
One kiss and then she's gone. I watch her get into the car and pull off before shutting the door.
"Did you tell her?" My grandma shouts from upstairs.
"Yes." I chuckle. "Want me to record it next time for proof?"
