the beach | noel miller

xviii

"...."

"For fuck sakes. Are you coming tonight?"

"I thought you'd never ask."

"I'm hanging up now. See you later."

"You will."

If she saw herself right now, she'd want to punch the stupid smile that's plastering her face. She hated that her favourite thing about this day was hearing the way he was smiling at her unwillingness to invite him out.

It's making her sick.

"Who were you talking to?" Devon asks, curious.

Rose jumps at his voice, "oh, mom"

He nods and asks about how she's going, Rose lying through her teeth before he finally changes the subject. The sun was starting to set before everyone finally arrived, drinks in mostly everyones hand.

Rose spots Kelsey looking like she needs help, but before arguing with herself over if she should help or not, remembers their last conversation but pushes the embarrassment down and walks over to her.

"Need a hand?" she asks the struggling girl.

Kelsey laughs, letting out a desperate "please."

Rose takes a chair out of her hand and subconsciously places it next to her towel knowing they'd probably stick together anyways.

Kelsey notices it, smiling at non verbal welcome.

"Have you been in the water yet?" Kelsey asks, making conversation.

"I washed my hair today, otherwise I would."

"You could always tie it up?" she says, grinning.

Rose contemplates looking back in forth between the girl in front of her and the water.

She thinks about how most likely her brother or one of the guys will come and dunk her under water but also thinks that Kelsey is extending a branch.

She sighs at Kelsey who's already taking off her shorts, "fine." The girl squeals in excitement, already having fun.

Rose throws off her shorts and t-shirt and catches up to Kelsey.

"I think we should just run in, you know? Bite the bullet" she explains already feeling how cold it is.

Rose laughs putting her feet in, "it's not that cold. Kelsey gasps at her statement, "push me in."
Rose looks at her, "what?"

"I'm not gonna go in otherwise just give me a shove."

Rose starts to grin, "but wha-" she starts before catching Kelsey off guard and shoving her in. She laughs, really laughs at Kelseys reaction before watching her resurface.

"I meant on the count of 3 or something!" she says, laughing along too. The two girls stand in the water giggling like little kids at their own antics, as Cody watches along.

After probably half an hour in the water, splashing around like kids the girls decide to get out agreeing on how it was getting cold.

Rose hasn't even had time to think about how much fun she's having because of the fun she's having.

She feels light.

And even better when she spots Noel around the fire talking with some of the other guys.

Wrapping a towel around her she makes sure Kelsey isn't alone before wandering over to Noel.

She waits for the conversation to end before bumping her shoulder with his, like an idiot.