Chapter 8

Jessica

-Can I ask you something?-I say to Jake as he eats his popcorn.

-Yes.-he answers with a confused face.

-Do you know if Nathan has feelings for Hanna?.- I shoved a handful of popcorn into my mouth.

-You know ... I have not talked about that with him, I only know that from the first day we arrived we approached you because Nathan was curious to meet Hanna.-He speaks and I see that he is about to tell me something else, but he seems to think very well what he will say. And I ... I liked you from the first day I saw you.

-Really?.-I say in a soft voice as I notice that our faces get closer and closer.

A noise makes us suddenly part and I see that the power has gone out.

I look out the window. It's dark outside and the rain is starting to fall and bounce off the pavement. Jake close my bedroom door and left us in stormy darkness. Aside from the patter of the rain falling on the roof, the room it's eerily silent.

I notice Jake stand behind me and place his hands on my waist, I hear his voice speaking softly in my ear.

-I'm starting to love you Jessi, more than I expected.

I turn to soak up the heat from his body. Jake takes my chin and kisses me. The kiss is soft and tender and a shiver of pleasure runs through me. Our mouths meet, Jake's arms wrap around me and they hold me up with an intensity that makes me want to freeze this moment and stay that way forever.

We were so deep in the kiss that we didn't even realize that the light had already returned.

We talked a few more things and agreed that tomorrow we would go out somewhere.

-See you.-He gives me a tender kiss on the lips and I watch him walk away as he gets in his car and leaves.

I close the door behind me and go upstairs ready to go into my room and sleep.

Hanna

I was sleeping when my cell phone suddenly rings, I reach out and feel around the table to locate it.

-Yes?-I mumble.

-Did you see the weather today?.-Jessica asks.

-What?.-I murmur in a barely audible whisper, I try to keep my eyes open but the daylight bothers me.-What time is it?.

-Clear skies, no wind, and a good temperature. So we will go to the beach. I need to get a tan, friend, I already look like a ghost of how white I am.-Jessica says excitedly, I guess we will go to Ocean Beach since it is one of the San Francisco's most famous beaches here.

I rub my eyes to clear myself and look at the time. Six in the morning. Jessica is really calling me at this time and just for that, really amazing.

I still don't answer her question and she starts talking again. How is she so active at this hour?

-Do you prefer to wear a dress or shorts? A short with ...

-Ana Jessica Rivas!-I yell into the phone before she could finish speaking.-Why are you calling me at 06:30 in the morning?.

-Is it a trick question or do I have to answer?.-I hear her laugh through the cell phone speaker.

-¡Jessi!

-Sometimes you are very lazy. It is time to enjoy the beautiful day.

I hang up and go back to sleep comfortably until... the phone starts ringing again. I cover my head with the pillow waiting for it to stop ringing but it's Jessi, she never gives up. It ringing again and again and because I know she will not give up I decide to call her back.

-What?

-What do you think will look better on me? Full bathing suit? Today you, Jake and I are going to the beach ...

-Wait. The plan is for the three of us to go? I'm not going to go to Ocean Beach to do a bad third with you and Jake!.

-And I'm not going to let you stay home all day wondering why Nathan just kissed you without saying anything.

-I don't ask myself that!

-Yes you do. You're doing it right now.

-Shut up! You just woke me up at 6 in the morning. That seems good to you?

The sky is blue, the car windows are down and a fresh wind ruffles my hair making Jessi laugh.

The air smells like salt water, it is to be expected it's the beach. Jessi is looking for parking, the street is full of cars and Jessi was right, it is a nice day.

-Why can't we have a private parking lot?-Jessi complains.-Where am I going to park the car?.-We see a free space and park.-Finally.

The sand is lined with umbrellas and the waves crash on the shore. Ahead we see a couple of cute boys.

-The normal thing would be for us to get close to flirting with those guys.-Jessica tells me.-But Jake is much more handsome, and perfect that I don't even want to.

-When is Jake supposed to arrive by the way?

-He has something to do but will be here at 3.

-Well, Jake seems to be falling in love with you, it shows, so cute.

-I know, but Nathan doesn't show any feelings.-Jessica says rolling her eyes.

Sure, the one who brought me here to forget Nathan's kiss and still remember me that every five minutes.

-I don't care, at all.-I say but of course as always lying about my feelings to that boy.

Of course I care.

-What a bummer!.-Jessi speaks with a bored tone in her voice.-It turns my guts, I don't want Jake to become like him.

-I heard it, yes. Blah blah blah.-I say while pretending to ignore her.

I hand her the bottle of sunscreen and make a disgusted face.

-Give me a little bit and I forget you said that.

-Yes, of course, at your orders.-She says sarcastically.

I place my towel on the sand and slowly i lay back and Jessica puts on sunscreen.

-I think I'll take a tan and put some oil on.-Says and I relax even more than I already am, as I look at some children in front of us playing in the sand.

-Make sure I get well under the bikini, we don't want it to look like a tomato, you know that instead of getting a nice tan my skin turns red.

-What do you think about that I already got sleepy? .- Jessi says and I laugh.

This girl is crazy.

-But you were the one who woke me up early, I am sleepy.

I spread the towel under the umbrella and sit because i don't wanna be exposed to the sun. You know, in case I fall asleep.

-Do you care if i sit with you girls?

We turn our heads and see Jake standing next to us in beach shorts and a tank top with a towel over his shoulder.

He's a handsome boy but no more than Nathan.

I have to get Nathan out of my head.