A Summer For All Of Us
1074 Words
Thursday morning began with a buzz of excitement. Bethany’s phone vibrated relentlessly on her bedside table, and she scrambled to check it. It was a message from Evan.
“Mom said I can go, but she wants to speak to your dad to confirm it’s okay and safe for everyone for two days.”
Bethany’s heart leapt with joy, but panic hit immediately. Her dad hadn’t agreed yet! She knew she had to act fast. Without thinking twice, she jumped into the shower, letting the warm water wash away the morning grogginess. Every second felt like a race against time.
She got dressed and rushed downstairs. Mr. Martins was already making breakfast, the smell of sizzling eggs and fresh bread filling the kitchen. Bethany practically hovered, assisting him in ways she rarely did—stirring, chopping, even clearing plates with a little more eagerness than usual. Her dad noticed her unusually helpful behavior but didn’t say anything; he just raised a brow, seeing the quiet determination in her eyes.
Once they finished eating, she took a deep breath and asked, “Dad… about the trip this weekend…”
He looked at her, a small smile tugging at his lips. “I figured this was coming. Jake’s dad confirmed that the nanny will be there and taking care of everyone. You can feel at ease now, dewdrop. You can go.”
Relief washed over her, and she leapt up, hugging him tightly. “Thanks, Dad! Thank you so much!”
Immediately, she picked up her phone to text Evan. “Sure! Your mom can talk to my dad.” She sent her house number immediately.”
Moments later, Evan’s mom called Mr. Martins. The conversation was short but reassuring—everyone would be safe under the nanny’s watch. Bethany could hardly contain her excitement. Everything was falling into place… except for Sarah.
She quickly messaged Cal, Nelson, and Ava, telling them to be at her house by 12 PM because Jake would be picking them up. She admitted Sarah hadn’t replied yet, but Bethany’s main focus was clear: Evan. Everyone else was an add-on.
Later that night, Sarah finally texted that her parents approved, and with that, Bethany’s summer plans were officially set. She couldn’t sleep a wink, excitement pulsing through her veins like electricity.
Friday morning dawned bright and sunny—Jake’s twentieth birthday. Bethany heard a knock at the door. Peeking out, she saw Ava, Sarah, Nelson, and Cal standing there, all loaded with bags. Ava clutched a small cake.
“You didn’t bake me a cake on my birthday, and what’s with the luggage? Are you relocating?” Bethany teased, bursting into laughter.
Ava leaned in, whispering conspiratorially, “I need to look my best. Don’t get in my way, Bluey.”
Bethany laughed even harder, shaking her head. A few minutes later, Evan arrived, looking effortlessly handsome in a fitted blue jacket. Bethany was putting on a blue gown she’d chosen that morning—and the matching colors weren’t planned. She glanced at Evan and giggled; Ava and Sarah noticed and whispered, making Bethany laugh even more.
The doorbell rang, and Jake arrived, casually dressed, carrying his bag. As soon as he stepped inside, everyone gathered to sing him a slightly off-key but heartfelt “Happy Birthday.” Ava lit the candle on her little cake, and Jake, a little taken aback by the mix of familiar and unfamiliar faces, blew out the flame, smiling nervously.
“Thanks, Ava… and everyone,” he said. “Let’s put the luggage in the car. The journey will be long.”
Jake’s face lit up in small moments as Bethany led the teasing and playful chatter, keeping the energy alive. The car ride was chaotic, filled mostly with Bethany, Ava, and Sarah singing along to Enhypen tracks, dancing in their seats, and laughing hysterically. Evan and Jake, in the front seats, exchanged amused glances, though both were clearly enjoying the energy in their own ways—Evan more so because Bethany was near, singing along and laughing freely.
When they finally arrived at Jake’s father’s vacation home, Bethany couldn’t help but gasp. The nanny had already decorated the house with birthday streamers, balloons, and a neatly arranged table. The pool sparkled under the summer sun, pristine and inviting.
“This is amazing! Nanny really did a lot” Bethany exclaimed, dragging Evan toward the pool.
Ava immediately gravitated toward Jake, offering to help unpack and joking around, hoping to get some one-on-one time with him. Jake, initially hesitant about the crowded scene, found himself chuckling and letting loose, starting to realize that this birthday wasn’t going to be boring at all.
The day unfolded in playful chaos:
Bethany and Evan stole quiet moments by the pool, splashing water at each other, laughing, and holding hands. Their flirtatious teasing made the day feel electric.
Ava tried to spend time with Jake, teasing him about being twenty and “officially an adult now,” which made him laugh, though he protested mildly.
Cal and Nelson tried to start a game of pool volleyball with Sarah and Ava, but Bethany dragged Evan along, insisting they team up.
Laughter echoed through the house as music played, snacks were passed around, and even Jake began enjoying the playful antics he had originally feared.
Bethany couldn’t stop grinning. This was exactly how she wanted the summer to start: fun, lighthearted, and with Evan close by. Ava kept whispering and giggling to her about her crush, completely caught up in her own little summer happiness.
By evening, after a long day of swimming, board games, and endless laughter, everyone sat by the poolside, watching the sunset paint the sky in shades of orange and purple. Jake leaned back, relaxed, finally convinced this birthday was far from boring. Bethany nestled close to Evan, feeling his arm around her, hearts quietly syncing in the peaceful end-of-day calm. Ava was giggling beside Jake, clearly thrilled to have him around.
Bethany glanced at Evan, then at her friends, and let out a small sigh of contentment. Friday was perfect for Jake, Bethany, and Ava. The birthday had been fun, chaotic, and sweet, exactly what she’d hoped for.
But as the night settled over the vacation home, a tiny thought crept into her mind: Will the summer continue to be this sweet until the weekend is over, or is this just the calm before something unexpected?
- Writer
