Since 1998

The Omen

"Bro, I want to ask you something."

Sam and Devin were sprawled out on the rooftop of the beach house, the midday sun baking the tiles beneath them.

Sam’s phone wouldn't stop buzzing in his pocket. It was Anna. “You coward. Just ask him and be done with it." The screen read.

Devin didn't even open his eyes, but a smirk played on his lips. He could clearly hear the vibration.

You haven't even opened your mouth, and you're already shaking," Devin teased. "Just say it.”

"Have you... you know... actually asked Allison to be your girlfriend yet?" Sam chuckled.

"Not yet. I have this letter—I’ve kept it for years." He trailed off, his gaze drifting toward the horizon.

While Devin was lost in the past, Sam’s thumbs were a blur. “Baby, he’s got a confession letter from years ago. He never sent it.”

Devin’s eyes flicked over, catching the rapid typing. "I’m trusting you with this, Sam."

Sam became rigid.. He scrambled to delete the text and shoved the phone into his pocket with a guilty nod.

"It’s a confession," Devin continued. "I just couldn’t send it back then. I didn't realize how heavy those three words would feel once I actually had to say them."

Sam let out a loud, forced laugh to break the tension. "Man, you’re overthinking it. Just tell her. That's it."

"Easy for you to say. But I have a plan. I’m going to tell her on her eighteenth birthday."

"Oh," Sam said, the pieces finally falling into place. "So, when is that?"

Devin shook his head, a genuine laugh escaping him this time. "September 28th."

"Right in the middle of the school year," Sam noted.

Meanwhile, Anna was losing her patience. Since Sam wasn't giving her a clear reason for the delay, she decided to force the issue. She’d planned a surprise for the next day, but then Allison walked into the room.

"I miss him already, Anna. Wait, who are you texting?" Allison sighed, flopping onto the bed.

Anna realized she couldn't wait. It had to happen today.

"Just Sam," Anna lied. "Look, I’ve got a plan. Let’s go out, just the two of us. You need to get your mind off him for five minutes."

"Forget him?" Allison looked at her like she was crazy. "Why would I do that when his house is right there?"

"Allison, listen," Anna stumbled. "You can’t just keep showing up. You’re the girl. Don't act like you're desperate."

"Desperate? Do I look desperate?" Allison walked to the terrace doors, leaning out into the warm air. "We’re best friends, Anna. It’s pretty normal."

"It was different when you were kids," Anna replied. "But now? People talk. There are expectations for families like yours. You have an image to protect."

Allison went quiet. She hated that Anna was right, but the reminder of her family's strict rules made her stomach twist.

"Fine..."

Anna got behind the wheel and drove toward the coast. After a few miles, she pulled over, grabbed a silk handkerchief, and turned to Allison.

"Okay, what is this? This smells like one of your 'surprises,'" Allison laughed as Anna tied the fabric over her eyes.

"Just trust me. I’m going to show you something you’ll never forget."

At the same time, Sam was playing his part. He’d dragged Devin down to the dunes with an old kite they hadn't touched in years.

"So, this is the legendary kite," Sam said, holding the frame. He looked at it, feeling a strange surge of emotion. "Why does this thing feel so heavy, man?"

"You're being dramatic. Let's go," Devin said, heading for the sand.

Sam watched him walk away. For a second, his throat went tight with an ominous feeling he couldn't quite explain.

By the time they reached the flat stretch of beach, Anna was guiding a blindfolded Allison across the sand.

"I got a feeling, Anna! We’re at the beach, aren't we?" Allison giggled, stumbling slightly. Her heart started to pick up speed. She could hear the distant crashing of the waves and the familiar scent of salt water.

"Yeah, so what? It’s the coast. Just keep walking, Ali."

From a distance, Sam watched them approach. Devin started to say something, but Sam clamped a hand over his arm.

"Bro, just go with it," Sam whispered.

Devin wanted to laugh at the absurdity of it, but as he watched Allison walking toward him, blindfolded and laughing, he felt like running away.

"Almost there," Anna cheered, glancing at Sam and smiling.

Finally, Allison was standing right in front of him. Devin went silent. He wanted nothing more than to just reach out and pull her into a hug.