1- Finally

Could it be possible to achieve one of the best summers in your life with the people that bring the worst out of you?

Well if it is, then I've clearly succeed in that, although it hadn't easy.

Friends have never been an achievable goal for me. With an awkward smile and a brain that rethinks every possible conversation before they're actually made, I've always believed it was better off for me to keep alone my longtime friend than a bunch of them.

But has thought clearly changed, ever since I was given the opportunity to socialise with people as different and singled out as I find myself to be.

So when I get the chance to go through some old belongings of mine that signifies the greatest things that happened to me that summer, I have no other choice but to jump at the opportunity.

*Sigh*

Hm, memories truly are important to us.

They're the untouchable evidence that what has occurred, actually did.

That's why I find it really hard to forget that day.

The day that marked the beginning of everything that went wrong that summer.

The sun was out, just like how it should be in July. But instead of appreciating that, I find myself counting down the minutes as I slowly go down the smooth but sharply carved stairs.

"Navareth, could you help me with these bags?" A voice ahead calls, as I struggle down with the bags I have already been assigned with.

"Sure mama, but after I'm done helping dad carry one of his. Damn what is in these? Rocks?" I look back to my dad as he works his grey tie before staring up to me.

"Rock encrusted watches," He corrects, finally taking the work load from me.

Today marks the 18th anniversary since the day they got married. It also states the number of years since I've been adopted into their lovely family of three.

They say that it was the best day of their lives while I believe it's the day they signed up for a crazy eighteenth year ride with trouble and more trouble.

That's their best way to describe me but it still doesn't stop them from loving me.

So since it's their anniversary, they're put in some thoughts and their best idea was to celebrate it at some fancy restaurant in town.

But after some mega pestering, I was able to persuade them into taking a well deserved trip to their house in London.

There they could take care of business better since the Navareth business is established in our home country and this way, I'll also be able to benefit from their anniversary.

So there I was, helping them carry their valuables but at the same time counting down the minutes before I could have the house for myself.

Turning to me, Mom cupped my cheeks. "Behave hon. And don't forget to show the pool boy where the pool is,"

"Yes mama,"

"Before I forget, just in case there's a fire, flood or even a earthquake, we've kept in store an emergency phone in your drug counter so don't hesitate to call us eh,"

"Flood? Earthquake really? She'll be living miles away from town so I believe none of that should be her problem right now," Turning to me, he continued.

"Honey don't forget to lock the doors before going to bed and make sure you don't have anyone to stay in, especially that Cole boy. Oh and except for the pool boy, we never sent anyone to hear it okay hon. Bye, I love you." He blew me a kiss but I already had the door shut.

Moving to a huge window, I watched as they left, waving back slowly whenever they looked my way, before their car went through the automatic gates.

Finally!

Pulling back the blinds, I raced across the room, more than certain that Raven was still pissed at me for hanging up on her.

But it was for a great cause, my parents were out meaning I have the beach house all to myself.

Well you know what they say, when the cats are away, the mice will play.

"Hey Raven. Are you still there?" I asked, lying on my bed.

"Sadly yes. How life can be so cruel, while you're still in Miami, I'm stuck here in London with my grandparents trying to challenge me to a game of chess. And although I love them so much, I still need my girl time you get me?" She asked.

I could imagine her locked up in a spacious room, trying to make the hands and of the clock go faster so she can be out of there.

Raven didn't really want to leave Miami, in fact most people can say she was tricked by her parents. I'll explain.

At first, her parents had explained she would be gone for London to check out the colleges that accepted her there.

But after that was over, they had to retire to their family house for the night and after that, she didn't see them again. Well physically that is.

Since she's a minor and her parents travel like crazy just like me, she has to be left with a responsible family member. By now that no other relatives were willing to take her in, Raven's parents settled on her grandparents.

Apparently they're more than happy to spend quality time with their granddaughter.

"I do think you deserve quality girl time. Like Mom and Dad just left for another continent, I mean how Lucky can a teenager get?"

"Oh shove it where your mouth is Val, bragging so doesn't fit you," I hear her scoff on the other end.

"No you've got me wrong now, I said how lucky can a teenager get, not this teen. I mean yes I'm alone, but that doesn't mean I'm exactly happy. It would totally make me feel better if - "

"Nope not gonna happen. I thought we had already established this earlier. He's also my friend, so If he changed his phone number without notifying you, then he probably didn't want you to have it," I could hear her chuckle.

"Oh Comon, he probably forgot, or is still pissed. I bet he wouldn't mind me bothering him a little,"

"Sure," She rolls her eyes sarcastically.

"Oh please Raven. I promise if you send his number, I might consider telling you what I heard Liza say about you,"

"Liza? She actually talked about me? What did she say," She asks all at once.

Liza is the girl Raven has been crushing on since the beginning of high school. She has always been into boys until Liza came along. Everyone knew that she would give anything for her, well everyone except Liza.

So any news about her brings Raven up her feet. Such a hopeless romantic, but what can I say when we row in the same boat.

"Oh Raven, you know nothing comes for free. Either you give me his number or I keep lips sealed. Your choice," I said smirking at how the situation has turned.

I thought she had hung up because the line went blank, until I got a message.

"There! I sent it, now tell me about her,"

"Oh about Liza, it took till the last minute, but she finally noticed you missed the last days of school,"

"Son of a b*tch. Valley!" I have to move the phone from my face so not to get ear damage.

"Wow calm down. I didn't say it was good news, but don't worry, I promise to give a word for you,"

"Sure, but first you have to promise me something,"

"And what is it?"

"That you try and change that aspect crazy of yourself that chased him away. Don't think I son know what I'm doing giving you this information,"

"What! Your talking like you don't know me,"

"You're wrong. I do know you, that's why I'm saying that if you truly want him back, you tone the crazy a little bit. Promise?"

"Yeah promise. Happy now?"

"Could be better," She sighs.

×××

"Hi, Cole,"

"Navareth? Is that you?"

"No it's the Queen of England calling to make your acquaintance. Of course its Valley,"

"How did you get my number? Crap totally forgot Raven is also your friend. I'm gonna hang up now," I hear him say.

"No don't, I'll be quick. Knowing how things have gotten rusty between us, I believe it's wiser to make amendments now since we'll be heading for college in a matter of weeks, instead of shunning our years of friendship over a cruddy relationship that means nothing to me,"

"You always find a way to convince people don't you? Well you're totally right, we had a beautiful friendship, so why ruin it over some nonsense,"

"Then come to my house,"

"What?"

"I said come over. My parents are out and I'll be home alone. We can use this opportunity to mend this friendship don't you think? I say this because after these few weeks, I'll have to start heading to Amsterdam so I can start preparing for first year. So what do you say?"

One thing I know that will never change about Cole is that he never let's go of a vacation such as this. So it'll be really easy to convince him into spending part of his summer with me. It's just a matter of moments.

"I say, prepare the rooms cause I'll be arriving tomorrow,"

Bingo.