Splinters: Part One

Part One | 40

"I don't look at anyone except for you, Collie."

"I knew that. I don't know why I questioned it. You're too innocent."

I shook my head, chuckling. At some point, Collie laid her head back and fell asleep. The drive to Misquamicut felt longer than it really was, but we made it eventually. Choosing two parking spots next to each other was the next challenge. It took us nearly twenty minutes to find a decent spot, but even the one we picked wasn't exactly ideal. I had a feeling Collie would need to help with the birthday stuff more than I'd want her to.

I unbuckled my seat and turned off the car before leaning over and nudging her. "Col?"

She grunted.

"We're at the beach now."

"What?" She squinted her eyes open and slowly pushed herself up. "We're here?"

"Finally."

She stretched. "Oh."

I grinned at her. "Wanna get out?"

"Can I sleep on the beach?"

"After you put on sun block."

She smiled. "Okay, Dad."

I ignored her comment. "C'mon."

My girlfriend groggily exited the car before stretching again and going with me to meet my parents.

"What do you want me and Collie to carry?" I asked just as we approached them.

Greg opened the back of the van, two blankets nearly falling out. Collie bent and caught them.

"I can take the blankets," she smiled.

"I'll take those chairs," I pointed.

Luckily, with everyone's help, we only had to take one trip. Along the way, Net noticed some of her friends coming out of cars. Melissa and Greg waved to her friends' parents as we walked by.

"She's got a lot of friends," Collie whispered to me, struggling with a couple presents and two blankets

I was carrying an umbrella, and two chairs. "Here, lemme get that." I reached for her, but she shook her head.

"Wait. No, Brayden-"

I took it before she could tighten her grip. I laughed at her when she glared at me. Unfortunately, the walk to our designated spot took a while, but it was worth it to see my little's sister's face.

"Mom, can we go in the water now?!" Net begged, five of her friends jumping behind her.

"Not yet. We need to make sure everyone's here."

I smiled to myself, setting up our area by laying down blankets and chairs.

"Brayden," Collie called. "I have to go to the bathroom."

"I'll go with you."

She smiled, relieved. Turning to my mom, I hooked a thumb over my shoulder towards Collie.

"Collie and I are going to go to the bathroom."

"Stick together!" she reminded.

Greg nudged his oldest. "Do you need to go?"

Ursa frowned. "Yeah, but I'll go when Bella gets here."

I pressed my lips together and nudged my head towards the bathroom, but she shook her head. Shrugging, I followed my girlfriend. It was a good thing she knew where she was going because I sure didn't.