My Firsts With You

Chapter 16

RACHEL'S POV

Last night was so special because I spent it with my family and friends. We kept everything simple. We ate snacks and desserts, drank wine, played in the pool, and ate my cake. Ryan was so excited about coming home and staying for good. He got Kenneth playing with him all night, and honestly, I was jealous because Ryan chose Kenneth over me. It was my birthday, but Ryan's arrival was more important, so I let him play with whoever he wanted. "Why is Kenneth early?" I asked when I heard a honk outside. "He promised to take me to school today," Ryan answered and ate the last bite of his toast. I did the same and checked if I had everything ready. We kissed our mom's cheek before going outside our sweet home.

"Hey, kid! Are you ready to go to school?" Kenneth asked from the driver's seat. Ryan excitedly nodded and went straight to the backseat. "Hop in, princess," Kenneth instructed me. "Don't call me that," I rolled my eyes and went to the passenger's seat. Kenneth shrugged his shoulders, and off we went. On our way to Ryan's school, we talked about everything Ryan did when he was in New York. Ryan mentioned how dad's driver was the one talking to him most of the time. Dad only focused on Ryan every weekend, but unfortunately, it was only for 4 hours. Poor Ryan. Dad confidently took Ryan with him, but he couldn't even give enough attention to the kid.

"We're here!" Kenneth parked in front of the private school that looks like only the wealthiest kids in Chicago attend. "This place looks..." Kenneth started as we looked at the school. "Very expensive," I finished his sentence to which he agreed. "Are you sure you're going to be okay, Ryan?" I asked my brother, who was looking at the big school. He nodded and took a deep breath. "If someone hurts you, call us, okay?" Kenneth informed him, and Ryan nodded. He left the car, and we watched him as he walked inside the school gates. Ryan looked back at us, and we waved at him like we were his parents, which is gross. I wouldn't want a child with this guy beside me. Why am I even thinking about that?

"We're going to be late," I told Kenneth as soon as we saw Ryan enter the school. "Yup, we are," Kenneth responded and started the engine. He drove fast enough to get us to school on time but not enough to get pulled aside for overspeeding. We arrived at school 15 minutes before the bell. "You were almost late. Where have you two been?" Jessica asked as we entered our room. "We took her brother to school," Kenneth explained and sat down. I also sat down and took out the water I carried with me. We practically ran on our way here because we didn't want to walk in those 15 minutes left. "Okay," Jessica gave us a suspicious look. "Don't give me that look," I warned her, which made her smile sweetly.

Jessica and Jeremy had slightly eased up last night, and I was glad to see them talk. "Oh, before I forgot. Make sure you have a swimsuit available later," Jessica winked at me, and I widened my eyes. Is it what I thought it was? "Beach?" I asked, making sure that I was thinking the right thing. "Until the end of tonight," Jessica said lowly, and Claire giggled. I silently shrieked excitedly. I can't wait for tonight.

== AFTER SCHOOL ==

"Where are you girls going?" Martin asked as we walked out of the classroom. The school was boring because all our teachers were present, meaning I had to listen to their discussions. "We are taking our princess to her birthday present, and you boys are not allowed to come," Jessica answered sassily. "Martin was just asking, he didn't say that we would come," Jeremy sassed back, and Jessica rolled her eyes. Claire and I giggled, and we said goodbye to the three boys. We ran excitedly to Jessica's car and drove off to our house.

"You could've told me last night that we're going to the beach. I could've prepared earlier," I said as I looked through where my swimsuits were. "It was a surprise for TODAY. Of course, we'll only tell you now," Jessica answered while also looking at my swimsuits. "How about this? It's your favorite color," Claire suggested while holding up my red triangle thong bikini and flowy beach skirt. "That looks cute," I commented with a smile. It was the two-piece swimsuit I bought when we went on a vacation in the Maldives. "And sexy," Jessica continued while wiggling her eyebrows teasingly. We laughed at her, and I took the two-piece swimsuit from Claire. "Shall we go, girls?" I asked as I finished packing the things I needed. "Let's go!" Jessica exclaimed, and we walked out of the house while laughing.

After an hour of driving, we arrived at a local beach, and we immediately left the car as soon as Jessica parked. We're excited, okay? "Rachel, since we love you very much, we asked some staff to set up a tent. We will stay until your favorite part of the day," Jessica explained while holding my shoulders. "Sunset!" I exclaimed happily, and she proudly nodded. Sunset is my favorite part of each day! I love the vibe it gives off. Romantic, relaxing, satisfying, anything beautiful! "Let's go then!" I excitedly said. "Okay, calm down, miss," Jessica teased, and we went to where our tent was. A bit far from the sea is a large teepee tent that can fit us inside. "I like that," I commented as we ran towards the tent. "We knew that," Claire responded and shrugged her shoulders.

The "door" was kept open, so we went inside and sat down. The air is very refreshing, and it helps me get my mind off things. "We should go to the beach bar after watching the sunset," Jessica suggested, and we nodded in agreement. We talked about fun topics while waiting for the perfect time for the sunset. After an hour of talking and waiting, we watched the beautiful sun as it set. "Thank you, girls," I thanked them, and they hugged me tightly. What would I do without these girls? *Sniffs*

"Shall we go to the beach bar?" Claire asked as they let go of the hug. "What are we waiting for? Let's go!" Jessica exclaimed and pulled us towards the bar. This girl is getting excited again. "Rum punch, anyone?" Jessica asked as we sat down on the bar stools. Claire and I raised our hands, and Jessica ordered our drinks. "So, Rachel. When will you introduce your boyfriend?" Jessica teased. "When did you plan to introduce Jeremy as yours?" I teased her back, and she rolled her eyes. Don't worry. Jessica is okay talking about it. I'm still hoping that Jessica and Jeremy will work it out. I shrugged my shoulders at her, and we received our drinks. "Rachel?" I heard someone call, and I turned around to see- "Caleb?" I was surprised to see him here.

"Hey! You're hanging out here too?" he asked as the girls waved at him. He smiled at them and looked back at me. "Yeah, Jessica and Claire made a surprise for me," I chuckled. "How about you?" I asked and looked around to see if his friends were somewhere. He noticed me looking around and said, "They're at the restaurant. I excused myself to get some fresh air," I nodded in understanding and chuckled awkwardly. "Do you girls want to join us?" he offered. "Oh, no. We're fine here," Jessica answered as friendly as she could. "The boys wouldn't like that," Claire mumbled, but we still heard her. "I understand," he said, and I laughed awkwardly. The boys always tell us to stay as far from them as possible.

"Do you mind if I walk with you?" I offered to avoid the awkwardness at the moment. "Sure, I don't mind," he agreed, and I turned to the girls with an "I'll be right back" look. Jessica winked at me, and I looked at her in disbelief. I took my drink with me and started walking with Caleb. "Belated happy birthday," Caleb said once we were far enough from the beach bar. "Thanks," I smiled at him, and we became quiet again. Why is my heart like this? Do I like this guy?! Oh no. "Are you free this weekend?" Caleb suddenly asked after minutes of silence. "Why'd you ask?" I asked him back. "I was wondering if we could hang out. If it's fine with you," he explained a bit nervously. Why does he sound nervous now? "I mean, yeah. I'm free this weekend, and it's fine with me if you want to hang out," I responded, and he sighed in relief.

"I thought you would hate me if I asked that," he said, and I looked at him, surprised. "What? Why would you think that?" I laughed. "I saw how you rejected those guys who asked you out," he explained, and I stopped laughing. Those guys who asked me out? Asked me out? Wait. "Are you asking me out?" I asked straightforwardly. He looked at me and laughed a bit. "If you want to consider it that way, I don't mind," he answered, looking straight into my eyes. We looked at each other for a few seconds until I turned away. My heart is beating fast now. What is this?! "So... Saturday?" he asked again. "Yeah, sure," I answered without looking at him, and I heard him chuckle. We walked for a few more minutes until we decided to go back.

When I came back, Jessica handed me my phone. I saw Kenneth calling. What now? "What?" I said as soon as I answered the call. "Were you with Caleb?" he asked, and I furrowed my eyebrows. "How'd you know?" I asked, knowing that Jessica was the only person who could possibly tell him. "Jessica," he answered, and I immediately glared at Jessica. I knew it. "So what if I was with him?" I asked sassily. "I already told you!" he frustratingly answered. "Kenneth, he's harmless!" I yelled back. When I talk to a guy other than the three, they act like this. That is also why I don't want to date. "Of course, he'd act like that in front of you!" he scolded. Why do I feel like I'm talking to my dad?

"Why do you even care?" I complained. "Because he's trying to play with you! You could date any guy, but not him," he explained. "Can we not talk about this?" I asked after calming down. "I will if you answer me. Do you like Caleb?" he asked. "Maybe," I mumbled, and I heard Kenneth sigh. "I warned you, okay? Bye," he said. "Bye," I ended the call after saying goodbye. What is wrong with Caleb? What is it about him that makes Kenneth stressed? I mean, why does Kenneth even care? Sabrina was throwing daggers at me with the way she looked at me before, but I never said a thing to Kenneth. Can't he just do the same?

Okay, you know what? I don't care about what Kenneth says. I like Caleb.

END OF CHAPTER 16