(Elle’s POV)
After dinner, I lied to mom, telling her I was not feeling well, but I only wanted to escape and go to the beach. Caleb did not come home, and it was only the right thing for him to do because if Billy and Mom had seen his face, it would be another long discussion over dinner, or maybe the peaceful family dinner would not happen.
I went back to my room quickly as I decided to go for a swim. I took off my clothes, pulled on the two-piece swimsuit Apple gave me last year, and then put on a bathrobe. Not wanting anyone to see me, I used the hidden door to go to the beach.
Walking in the dark, with only the moon, was my guide; I went to the hammock I had seen earlier. As I reached it, I spread the fabric wide, took a small step back, and sat down, swinging my legs and burying m
