Diving In

Once they were a bit farther out, Alex turned to Amelia, his expression thoughtful. "So, Amelia," he began, "I actually wanted to ask you something earlier, but it got kinda crazy with the waves and all." He grinned, gesturing towards the surf behind them.

Amelia laughed softly, the sound carried by the gentle waves. "Yeah, it did get a bit hectic out there," she agreed.

Alex leaned on his board, his gaze on her. "I was wondering if you'd like to catch a movie with me tonight. You know, once we're done here."

Amelia paused for a moment, her expression one of genuine surprise.

"Oh, I mentioned it in my text to you earlier today." He added

In her mind, she was trying to recall if she had missed any earlier messages from Alex about this plan. But nothing came to mind. Unbeknownst to her, Lucas had deleted those messages in a fit of jealousy and protectiveness.

After the brief silence, Amelia smiled and nodded. "I guess I didn't get it... But that sounds like a great idea, Alex. I'd love to."

As they continued to paddle in the calm waters, the conversation flowed easily between them. Alex was a charming and easygoing guy, and Amelia found herself enjoying their talk. They discussed their favorite movie genres, shared anecdotes about their summers, and even exchanged a few laughs.

Amelia couldn't help but feel a sense of warmth and comfort around Alex. He was easy to talk to, and his presence seemed to make the ocean feel even more inviting.

Eventually, the conversation turned to the events of the day, particularly the dynamics within the group and the surf session with Lucas. "I noticed you and Lucas are pretty close," Alex remarked, his tone casual.

Amelia nodded, a thoughtful expression on her face. "Yeah, we've been friends for years. Summers on this island have always been our thing."

Alex nodded in understanding. "He's a good guy, isn't he?"

Amelia's response was immediate and sincere. "Yeah, he's the best. Always looking out for everyone."

As the sun dipped lower on the horizon, casting a warm, golden glow over the sea, Alex and Amelia continued to chat. Amelia couldn't help but feel a sense of camaraderie with him, a connection that extended beyond their shared summer experience.

Despite her growing friendship with Alex, Amelia couldn't shake the underlying confusion and uncertainty that had been sparked earlier in the day. Her feelings for Lucas were complex and deeply rooted, and the events of the day had only added layers to her emotions.

As the conversation continued, she decided to confide in Alex. "You know, today has been a bit... different," she admitted, her voice tinged with uncertainty.

Alex looked at her with curiosity. "Different, how?"

Amelia sighed, struggling to put her feelings into words. "I've known Lucas for so long, and today, something just felt... off. I can't quite put my finger on it."

Alex listened attentively, his gaze steady on her. "Do you think something happened?"

Amelia shrugged, her brows furrowing in thought. "I don't know. Maybe it's just me overthinking things."

Alex smiled reassuringly. "Well, it's not uncommon for friendships to have their ups and downs. Maybe it's just a little bump in the road."

Amelia nodded, appreciating his perspective. "You're right. I should talk to him about it."

As the conversation with Alex continued, Amelia couldn't shake the feeling that there was something important she needed to share. Her impending departure from the island weighed on her heart, and she felt it was time to confide in her new friend.

"Alex," she began, her voice taking on a more serious tone, "there's something I need to tell you."

Alex looked at her with genuine concern, ready to listen. "Sure, Amelia. What's on your mind?"

Amelia hesitated for a moment, choosing her words carefully. "This summer... it's actually going to be my last one here."

Alex's eyebrows furrowed in surprise. "Your last one? Why's that?"

Amelia sighed, her gaze fixed on the tranquil sea around them. "It's because of my parents' work, and, well, I'll be heading off to college after this."

Understanding washed over Alex's face as he processed her words. "Wow, that's a big change," he replied sympathetically. "I bet it's not easy leaving this place and your friends behind."

Amelia nodded, a mixture of sadness and nostalgia in her eyes. "Yeah, it's bittersweet. I've spent so many summers here, and I've made incredible memories. But it's time for a new chapter in my life."

Alex reached out to gently squeeze her arm in a gesture of support. "Well, Amelia, I'm really glad we got to meet this summer. And I promise we'll make the most of the time you have left here."

"I'd like that." She would say with a smile as she laid a hand over his.

The friendly smile on his face faded into one of disappointment, and his gaze became somewhat distant. It was clear that he had hoped for something more, and now those hopes were dashed.

"Alex...?"

"Mahn... its just hard to believe this is our last one." Alex repeated, his voice tinged with regret. "I mean, that's... That's a real bummer, Amelia."

Amelia picked up on the subtle change in his tone, and she felt a pang of guilt. She hadn't expected Alex to have romantic feelings for her, and now she realized that her departure was affecting him in a different way.

"Yeah," she replied softly, "it is."

Alex nodded, his disappointment evident. "I'll miss you too," he admitted, his voice low. "Actually, there's something I wanted to say."

Amelia looked at him, her curiosity piqued. "What is it?" she asked lowering her hand from him and gripping her surfboard. The water shifted them as they floated next to eachother.

He sighed, rubbing her arm gently as if to offer comfort before speaking. "Well, I... I kind of had hoped that maybe we could, you know, spend more time together this summer."

"And we will." She said with a light laugh.

"No I mean like time for just US...I really like you, and I was hoping maybe we could be something."

Amelia was taken aback by his confession. She hadn't anticipated this turn of events, and she felt a mixture of surprise and empathy for Alex. She appreciated his honesty but also knew that she had to be upfront with him.

"Alex," she began gently, "I'm truly flattered, and I've enjoyed getting to know you But I want to be clear that I value our friendship, and I hope you understand that it won't be anything more than that."

Alex's disappointment was palpable, but he managed a small smile. "I get it." He says, his eyes drifting to Lucas as he catches him in a glance. His hand soon trails down Amelia's arm and into her hand as he looks back at her. "Let's still plan do that movie, yeah? Make the most of the summer, even if it's as friends."

Amelia agreed with a warm smile, "Of course. I wouldn't miss a chance to hang out with Mr. BeachBoy AND watch Castaway for the 50th time in Guanna Bay's dusty cinema."

They both laughed at the thought as the movie was constantly played for tourists in the old two-dollar theater.

Feeling relieved that they had talked openly about their feelings, Amelia relaxed and nodded her head towards the group, who appeared to be moving to the shore. "We should get back." She would say softly.

Alex moved his hands to his board and nodded. "Yeah, okay." He agreed reluctantly before paddling back behind her. Their conversation slowly shifted to silence.

Unbeknownst to them, Lucas had been watching their interaction closely. His protective instincts had kicked in, but he couldn't quite put a finger on the tumultuous emotions brewing within him. As he saw Alex rub Amelia's arm in comfort, a wave of jealousy washed over him, though he didn't fully recognize it as such.

He placed a hand to his chest, trying to calm the strange, possessive feeling that had surfaced. It was an unfamiliar sensation, and he couldn't understand why he felt this way. Lucas had always been there for Amelia, the one who looked out for her, the only one who touched her. And now, seeing someone else in that role was unsettling.

Before he could delve deeper into these emotions, Lucas was pulled back into a conversation with his friends, who had noticed his distraction. As they chatted and laughed, he pushed aside the confusing thoughts and focused on enjoying the rest of the day at the beach, all while keeping a vigilant eye on Amelia.

As Amelia and Alex rejoined the others, Lucas glanced up, a mixture of relief and curiosity crossing his face.

"Everything okay?" he asked as they approached.

Amelia nodded with a warm smile. "Yeah, just making plans. We're going to catch a movie tonight," she explained, hoping to put Lucas at ease.

Instead, it did the opposite.

"That's right, we've got a movie night in the works." Alex chimed in with a grin. "Me and her will probably head out once it gets dark."

Lucas looked between them, and his smile faded. "Just the two of you?"

The rest of the group noticed the change in dynamics, their eyes darting between Amelia, Lucas, and Alex.

Emily, still riding the high of the beach day, seemed oblivious to the undercurrents and bubbled with excitement. "Hey!" She yelled. Her tiny body squeezed into the middle of the group of teens. "Hey, guys, should we build a bonfire!"

The group was silent, the only agreement coming from a group of girls Emily had come to hang out with in the distance.

"Or not?" Lucas' sister would look around them in confusion. There was a heaviness in the air.

Suddenly, Lucas lifted his board and left the group. His exit was silent and without any explanation, leaving his friends and Amelia looking between themselves.

Emily ran to her brother in worry after seeing no one else move. "Wait up, Lucas!" She called out to him.