Vacation Time

(Jayden)

School was harsh to me, it felt like hell but with more than one devil. Luckily, I joined pretty late into the school year, summer came just like that.

One summer night, I sat alone in my bedroom down in the basement. I didn't know what to think about what I saw. I remembered it vaguely but I remember seeing my father. I was staring into his deep cold eyes. I saw them darken like the pits of hell opening up inside. It was horrible, I felt every single whip hit my body.

Sydney and Sean both came downstairs. From what it looked like, they had good news.

"So we're going to our vacation home tomorrow for our cousin's birthday," Sydney said.

"Oh, that's great," I said sarcastically.

"Jay, you don't have to be excited, but just enjoy it," Sydney said. "There's a beach."

"Do you want me to pack or something?" I asked.

"Go on ahead," Sean gestured to my suitcase.

I rolled my eyes and hobbled over to the suitcase. "Ok, let me just pack."

Sydney and Sean left me alone which I was rather grateful for.

I quickly took a stack of clothes and placed it into my suitcase.

"By the way Jay, try to keep your cool," Sydney called out. "Don't freak out at anyone ok?"

"Fine," I groaned. I took my writing supplies and placed it on top of my clothes. I immediately realized that I no longer had the urge to write. My self esteem was gone and I didn't know what to do. I heard a knock on the door to the basement. "Coming."

However, it wasn't Sydney.

I opened the door and was instantly pulled out of the basement.

"Come with me," A familiar voice said to me.

I recognized that brown ponytail and white dress, Bianca.

Bianca placed me on the leather couch and began ranting on about how I didn't call her.

"It's not like you're my girlfriend or anything, just chill for one sec," I said, trying to calm her down.

"I'm not finished, you could have not ignored all my messages," Bianca shrieked. ��Jay, you're better than this."

"Fine, so what do you want?" I asked.

"I hope you don't mind, but I took your Black Mist draft and sent it in."

"You what!?" I said. "How, it was destroyed."

"You obviously don't remember that you sent me a copy on your computer," Bianca laughed.

She was right, I didn't remember giving it to her.

"Anyways, your editor said he would edit it for you and publish it," Bianca put on an accomplished grin.

"I, I don't know what to say."

Bianca smiled sweetly.

I felt a warm glow start as she laughed.

She had that smile to her, she was an amazing person, full of so much energy. "I should be going, I'll see you."

I smiled to myself, I never would've thought that Bianca of all people would make me smile again.

The plane ride was slow, it felt like forever.

Sydney and her mother began to talk about fashion and all that boring crap.

Sean was ranting on about how he couldn't wait to see his cousin. "And he's really into your books Jay."

I was surprised, a fan? I hadn't had one of those in a long time. Once I moved from romance to fantasy and action, all my fans stopped liking my work, which is understandable.

"He's a simp for Breeze, he made so much fanart of her," Sydney laughed.

"Really, well I can't wait to meet him," I said.

Sydney winced.

"Is there something wrong?"

"Well, he's one of those really talkative people, and since you're an introvert and all I assumed that you wouldn't get along," Sean and Sydney both said in unison. "Wait, you did too?"

I couldn't help but laugh.

Both cared way too much about me.

"It's totally fine, don't worry about it," I said, still trying to keep it in.

Sydney told me about all the different rooms in the vacation home. From what I was told, it was a beautiful place. Right next to Falmouth. It would be a long flight however, we lived in Manchester so that was at least an hour and a half plus Sydney's family members had to pick us up at the airport, so at least fifteen minutes of waiting plus another fifty to actually get to the house.

"So, join any clubs at school?" Sean asked.

"Well, not yet," I told him. "I was hoping to join the literature club."

"I heard the club president is super hot," Sean smirked.

"Stop it," Sydney laughed, slapping her brother on the arm.

"Hey, I'm just saying that Vienna is pretty, that's all," Sean sighed.

"Sure, so basically you have the hots for an eleventh grader?" Sydney asked. "You're at least four years older than her."

"I'm not that much older than you, I started high school a year before you," Sean stated. "Anyways, I think you should ask her out, for me."

"Well, I did get her number," I sighed.

"You did, lemme see!" Sean reached for my phone.

"She said she would consider it so she would give me a call, so no you can't call her," I told her.

Sean sank in his seat. "Fine," He took one of the magazines and placed it over his face.

"Oh come on, don't be like that," Sydney said.

Sean answered with a snore.

"He's asleep?" Sydney gasped.

"You shouldn't be surprised, I mean you're his sister," I said to myself.

"I heard that!"

(Sydney)

The plane came to an abrupt stop on the runway. I could smell the sea air from the plane's cabin. Then I realized that it was just Sean and his air freshener. Wow, how could I be fooled so easily.

Jay and Sean hobbled off the plane. Both seemed rather jet lagged.

Jay and I were given some spending money, so I decided to take a look around before we got picked up. I noticed a black baseball cap with a cute little puffin on it. I knew that puffins were Jay's favorite bird so I called Jay over to see if he wanted it.

Jay looked at it with interest, he looked from the brim to the price. "nine pounds, pretty cheap, plus I have some money I made from Black Mist."

"How much do you have?" I asked.

"About two hundred pounds," Jay chucked.

"What, how did you manage that?" I asked. He was a legend,but how did he manage to make that much in a day.

"Looks like people were really excited for it," Jay smiled.

"So, you going to get it?" I handed him the hat.

"Yeah, might as well, they're not found here right?" Jay asked.

"I don't think so," I told him.

"Oh well," Jay took the hat to the front desk where he paid for it.

"Sydney, Jayden, time to go," My mother called.

We walked through the glass doors and finally, we arrived.

I sighed with relief as I placed my foot on the warm pavement. I could smell the ocean from here. But realization hit me, just Sean and his stupid air freshener, again.

I saw a titanium grey Sienna pull up right in front of us. To be honest, it looked more of a rose silver than titanium grey. I hopped into the back seat right behind the driver.

"Oh, she so skinny," My grandma said in a thick chinese accent. "Not enough rice ah?"

My grandma was a short and plump woman with smooth and shiny black hair usually done up in a bun. "Later, your gong gong (Grandfather on mother's side) will make you the good meal, curry with the salmon."

My grandfather nodded. He was a balding man, his face was wrinkled and always had a tired expression on it.

"Go gong gong, the family is waiting," My grandma urged.

Jay winced. "Are they always like this?" He whispered.

"Humor them," Sean said.

"Oh, you must be the Jayden, we hear so many good things about you," My grandma said boisterously. "Isn't that right gong gong?"

My grandpa nodded again. He was usually louder than this. Was it because he wanted to make a good impression?

We arrived at the house about a thousand years later.

We were greeted by my cousin who excitedly ran past me and my brother and tackled Jay to the ground. "Nǐ hǎo" (Means hello in chinese).

"Um, hi?" Jay said brushing off his pants.

"My name is Xiao, it's nice to meet you Jayden Davis." Xiao smiled and shook Jayden's hand.

"Hey, um it's great to meet you," Jay said.

"I have something for you," Xiao reached into his bag and took out a drawing of Crystal from the Magical Conflict.

Jay was in awe. His mouth hung open as he took the drawing.

"I was wondering if you could use this for cover art," Xiao smiled.

"I sure can, thank you Xiao."

I smiled to myself, "Can we go inside now?" I asked.

"Yes, come come." My grandma took Jay by the hand and brought him in. "What kind of rice do you want, we have the jasmine rice, the brown rice, the basmati rice-"

"Mom, I think he gets it," My mother said.

"Jasmine rice sounds good," Jay said sweetly.

"Oh such good manners, let me grab some jasmine rice, Xiao Xiao, please get the rice cooker."

"Yes Nai Nai," Xiao said, taking the rice cooker from the cabinet.

I looked around the house, the kitchen, still had the mold from a month ago, the solarium was beautiful and had a nice view of the beach, and the hallway leading to all of the bedrooms had been swept.

"Ai Ya, Sydney, what is with that british accent, you are the chinese, not the english." My grandma said.

"Sorry grandma, but I'm so used to being around white people that I adapt to sound like them." I sighed.

"Look at your friend, so handsome and has american accent," My grandma laughed.

"Po Po, stop!" I shouted.

"Wa, such short temper, Xiao, go downstairs with cousins and play your games."

"Yes Po Po," Xiao led us down the carpeted stairs where the shower and pool table were.

"So where's auntie Anika and uncle Pablo?" I asked.

"Out, they wanted some alone time before you came over," Xiao responded.

Sean sighed, I guess they didn't want to see us."

"Stop moping around, just have some fun," I demanded.

Xiao opened the door to the family room, "Make yourselves at home."

"Thanks Xiao, and I can't wait to meet your penpal, what did you say her name was?" Sydney asked.

"Ito Jakashitsu."

(Chloe)

I sat there waiting for Sydney to pick up. We hadn't had a normal conversation since that day when Jay canceled on Rachelle. I took my copy of Jay's latest book and flipped through it. Goddamit Bianca, you're a real jerk.

Bianca had taken Jay's book and published it for him.

Rachelle almost had him, but now he hit number one trending.

I had an idea but it was risky. One more chance to ruin his self esteem. I dialed Rachelle's number to see if she agreed.

"Hello?" Rachelle answered immediately.

I wanted to ruin Jay's life so badly, he was a jerk, no a idiotic little brat. "I have a plan."

Rachelle sounded excited, "What is it?"

"Since his book has surpassed you, I think you should write a book two," it was a genius plan. She got good reviews for the first, so why not the second.

"Ooh, yes and let's take some things from his book." Rachelle laughed.

I thought of some story ideas, "Maybe you could make it so that it relates to the reader."

"Yeah, that sounds like a great idea," Rachelle laughed evilly.

"I'm going to call Sydney, see what she thinks."

"No Chloe, she's on Jay's side," Rachelle said with a concerned tone.

"What do you mean?" I asked. "She's our friend."

"I know she's our friend, but have you talked to her recently?" Rachelle asked.

"No, why?" I asked.

"Exactly," Rachelle exclaimed. "She's drifting away!"

"What!!" I gasped. It couldn't be true.

She couldn't drift off from us, we were her friends after all. How could she fall for Jay's spell?

"Jayden Davis, I will kill you," I scowled.

"Yes, I agree!" Rachelle said.

"Do you know where Bianca goes to school?" I asked.

"Why?" Rachelle seemed confused, didn't she know?

"We're going to crush Jay's spirit by sending Bianca to the darkest pit of hell," I laughed.

"Isn't that too far?" Rachelle asked.

"Pfffft, no!" I said.

"Ok, she goes to that school near choir, the one that we always pass," Rachelle declared followed by a long sigh.

"Ok, thanks," I hopped out of bed and rushed towards the door.

"Don't do anything stupid," Rachelle warned me. "You don't want to get on Jay's bad side."

The next day, I hurried out of school as fast as I could. Hopefully, I could find Bianca before she left. I raced through the busy streets and slid past the shoppers. I bolted to the school where I found Bianca sitting on a park bench.

But she was with somebody, somebody I didn't recognize.

"Then to get back at Jay, she published a book with horrible grammar, I mean how stupid is that?" Bianca laughed. "I mean come on, you get it right Elliot?"

"Sounds interesting, but shouldn't you make sure Jay's ok?" Elliot asked.

Who was this guy, and why was he acting so nice to Bianca. I had to intervene. "Excuse me?"

"Oh, can I help you?" Elliot asked.

My jaw dropped. He wasn't just an idiot, he was a super cute idiot. "Um, well, why are you hanging out with her?" I pointed to Bianca. "Are you dating or something?"

"What, no!" Bianca looked at me with eyes of annoyance.

"Well, you did invite me to ramen," Elliot said.

"I, I did not!" Bianca squeaked.

"You asked him out, you'll break Jay's heart." I said trying to get Bianca to feel ashamed. She was pretty easy to break. She was shy and a scaredy cat.

"He doesn't like me, he likes Sydney," Bianca quickly covered her mouth, "I said too much, excuse me." Bianca ran off leaving me and Elliot alone.

I looked at Elliot and he looked back.

"You know, from what Bianca has told me, you're not a very nice person," Elliot said. He stood up and walked off.

What did he mean? I was a caring, loyal and kind person. I only get defensive if people like Jay took advantage of my friends.

Bianca was no different, she didn't listen to anyone and would just take her friends' side.

Sydney was the only reasonable person out of the three. But still, how could she betray us like that.

We were friends, not her enemies.

I was all Rachelle had left. She had nothing, just me and her parents.

Sydney, Jay, Bianca, all three had betrayed us. They shouldn't neglect what they've done. They needed to apologize.

(Ito)

"Ito, you're going to be late for your flight!" My mother called.

"Coming mother!" I said. I handed my passport over to the customs officer.

"Your name please?" He asked.

"Ito Jakushitsu," I responded.

He looked at me, my long black hair, the bow that kept my pink hair band that kept my hair from covering my face. "You're all good."

"Thank you so much," I said.

"No problem," The customs officer blushed.

I walked past him and towards my mom, "I'm so excited to meet Xiao, I've been writing to him for years."

"Yes, it should be quite the trip, I've always wanted to go to the U.K." My mom said.

"Off we go?" I asked.

We walked into the cabin of the plane and took our seats.

"I heard that Xiao has family over as well so be nice."

"I know mom, where are you going again?" I asked.

"I have friends in London so I'll be taking a second flight, Xiao's father will be picking you up," My mom said.

"Sounds good," I smiled happily.

"Now listen Ito-Chan, be careful, even though you speak perfect english, know the entire area by heart and have Xiao and his family there, it's still not safe," My mom sighed after finishing her list, "That sounded more threatening in my head."

"Mom don't worry, just go have fun with your friends," I reassured her.

"I'm just so nervous, this is your first time alone, and in such a far away place," My mom cried.

"Didn't you run away when you were fifteen?" I asked.

"I was eighteen and I was legally able to drive and was an adult, so I wouldn't call it running away," My mom stuttered trying to think of a comeback.

"I'm fourteen mom, I'll be fine," I said trying to get her to calm down.

"Remember, no boyfriend and I want you to still be a virgin when we get back," My mom demanded.

"What, why would you say that, and in a public place."

"No boyfriend, you're there for two weeks, how am I supposed to know what happens." She patted me on the back and instantly fell asleep.

We arrived in Falmouth after twelve hours, it was exhausting.

I looked around the airport, where was Xiao? I thought. I saw somebody running towards me, but Xiao was Asian, this boy was white.

"Are you Ito Jakushitsu?" The boy asked.

"Yes, why?" I asked.

"Ok, for a second I thought you were just stranded here, you look tired, let me take your bags."

"Who are you?" I was still really confused.

"Jay, I'm Xiao's cousin's friend,�� Jay smiled at me.

"Oh, so you're that friend he said was coming.?" It was starting to make a bit more sense.

"How about I explain in the car, come on." Jay took my hand and dragged me and my luggage outside.

"Smell that beautiful sea air?" Jay asked.

I took a big whiff, it was beautiful.

Jay turned around, "Goddamit Sean, you and your air freshener, stop milking the joke."

The boy behind us, winked, "hey sweetheart."

"Ew, who's he?"

"That's Sean, Xiao's cousin," Jay explained.

Sean ruffled his dark black hair and smiled.

"Stop flirting with her Sean, where's your uncle?" Jay asked.

"Over there," Sean said.

I turned around, there was a silver Sienna parked right behind us.

"Sean, come on let's go!" His uncle called from the car.

"Coming," Sean hopped into the front seat.

"I guess we better go umm," Jay stuttered.

"What's wrong?" I asked.

"What exactly would I call you?" Jay asked.

"Ohh, so in Japan, you would call me Ito-san," I told him.

"Ok, that makes sense," Jay seemed nice, Xiao always said how Jay wrote books which was really cool. Jay put his hand out and I grabbed a hold of it.

I could feel the warmth in his palm vent out as it rested on mine.

He took me over to the car and placed me behind the driver. What a sweetheart, he was so nice and his sense of humor was great.

"You'll be sharing a room with my sister Sydney," Sean explained.

"Ok, sounds good," I said.

"Your english is exceptional, why don't you have an accent?" Jay asked.

"You see, my mom was born in the states so she didn't have an accent, my father was born in Dominica and their main language is english."

"And you develop your accent due to how your parents speak and your first language," Jay said.

The car ride was fun. The beaches were beautiful and the scenery was just amazing.

"So Black Mist, you said you're writing a sequel right?" Sean asked.

"Yeah, but Rachelle might not approve," Jay laughed.

"You're talking like she's your girlfriend," Sean snickered.

"Rachelle, who's she?" I asked.

"Oh, she's Jay's girlfriend," Sean said with a wink.

"Oh shut up Sean, she's this girl who liked me and now we're enemies," Jay sighed.

We arrived at their house. You could hear the waves crashing onto the shore.

Jay walked me inside, "Xiao, she's here!"

Xiao ran up to me, "Oh Ito-Senpai it's so good to see you!"

"You too Xiao Xiao," I smiled.

Xiao took my bags into the house. He was humming some chinese song as he did so.

"So, want to meet Sydney?" Jay asked.

"Sure, I'll be sharing a room with her," I said.

Jay took me to my room where I found Sydney.

"Oh, you must be Ito Jakashitsu," Sydney said.

I nodded, "And you must be Sydney, Xiao has said many good things about you," I smiled.

"I'll leave you two be," Jay said, "I'll be writing in my room, bye."

"He's weird, but nice," I commented.

Sydney chuckled, "He's like that when he likes somebody."

"So he's got a, how do you say, a secret admirer," I chuckled.

"I guess, might be you, I mean what's not to like you're from japan, you're cute and funny," Sydney smiled.

"I noticed that you don't have a chinese accent, you sound more white than asian."

"True, it's because most of the people here are white, like Jay," Sydney explained.

"But he sounds american," I commented.

"He is, he's from Nevada but he moved here when he was twelve."

"Ito-Senpai!!" I heard Xiao call from the hall, "Do you want some rice?"

"Coming Xiao, It was nice talking to you Sydney-san now let's go and eat some rice, I'm starving."

I walked over to the solarium where Xiao, Jay and Sean were sitting.

"Ito-Senpai, come sit with me," Xiao said.

I took a seat next to him but part of me wanted to sit next to Jay.

"So, how was your flight?" Xiao asked.

"It was great, my mom dropped me off here, she's on her way to London now," I told them.

Jay sunk in his seat a little.

"Did I say something wrong?" I asked.

"I know I said that I wouldn't tell her, but she needs to know," Jay shouted.

"Jay, don't you dare say anything," Sydney threatened.

"My name is really Jayden Davis, I'm Sydney's foster brother."

Jayden Davis, I thought, "You're the kid whose parents were part of that giant scandal."

"What scandal?" Jay asked.

"You didn't know, your parents were part of a gang who were notorious for robbing brand new banks with almost no security," I explained.

"I, what!" Jay was so confused.

"Of course, you did nothing wrong, you were adopted after all," I said.

"How did you-."

"It was on the news, Jayden Davis adopted son put up for foster care."

Sydney, Jay, Sean and Xiao were speechless.

"Was it something I said?"