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The sound of snoring flooded my senses; spiking the dull pain that had taken refuge behind my eyes. I already knew who it was; it was Kevin. He’s always been a snorer and I hate him for it; especially now. Seb was one of the heaviest sleepers you will ever meet. I swear to god that he could sleep through a fire alarm. Let’s just say I hate both of them right now.
I know I didn’t drink too much last night. Even though my head wasn’t on the best terms with me right now, I didn’t feel nauseas and I’m pretty sure I can recall everything that happened last night. I was drinking, then I was talking to Chase; then I was dancing with Imogen. We were flirting and touching a lot of the time but I remember asking her if she wanted to go for a walk, maybe be alone for a little; she declined with a flirtatious giggle, saying it was “too cold out”. I couldn’t really blame her because it was. Besides, I still have plenty of time.
I rolled onto my side; pulling my blanket higher to cover my ears. It didn’t help at all. “Shut up” I groaned, my voice dry from the previous night. I refused to open my eyes because once that happens its official and I just wanted more sleep.
A few minutes passed but with my dry throat, slight headache and Kevin’s snoring it was almost unbearable. “Fuck it” I muttered, rubbing my eyes and sitting up. I opened my eyes, squinting a few times to adjust to the light. I looked around the tent, searching for a source of water for my burning throat. With little success I stood up, throwing my blanket to the side; maybe I just some fresh air? Besides, there’s no way I can stay in here with Darth Vader any longer.
I opened the flap and stepped outside, closing my eyes and stretching out my back with a yawn. My back was a little tight but it’s not too bad considering I slept on the ground. Without paying much attention to my surroundings I walked over to the small camping table; picking up a half empty bottle of water. I twisted the cap and raised the bottle to my lips, sculling whatever was left in the container. I didn’t even care who it belonged to; my throat felt like a desert.
I placed the empty bottle back on the table before turning around, finally acknowledging my surroundings. It wasn’t until then did I realise I wasn’t the only person awake. A figure was laying on their back on the log near the fire; its embers still radiating a faint glow. It was Chase. His eyes were closed, slightly moving his head to the music that was most likely coming from the earphones in his ears. He had one arm behind his head, the other on his torso holding his phone. Each of his legs were bent over either sides of the log, tapping a steady rhythm on the ground.
I was about to walk over when I stopped myself. Would he be annoyed if I bothered him? I couldn’t help but notice the relaxed look on his face; the slight smile that played on his lips as he subtly mouthed the words to whatever he was listening to. I shook my head before walking over, why would I even think it would bother him? I took a seat in one of the deserted seats by the fire before leaning my head back and closing my eyes; stretching my legs out in front of me.
“How are you feeling?” I heard a voice ask beside me. I opened my eyes and looked over at Chase. He’d removed one of his ear-buds and had his head tilted towards me. This was the first time I noticed the colour of his eyes. They were a pale shade of blue with hints of grey tinting the edges; reflecting the glow of the morning sun behind me.
“It could be worse” I chuckled, shifting my gaze after realising that I was staring. “How about you?”
“Yeah good” He yawned, “How nice is it out here?” He sighed, looking up at the sky and taking a deep breathe. I took in the environment once more; this time noticing things I hadn’t before. Last’s night dew that settled on the grass, creating a glossy sheen amongst the patches of dirt. The faint, yet unmistakable sound of birds singing in the distance. The warmth of the sun as it heated my skin.
My eyes found their way back to Chase. “It really is isn’t it?” I mumbled in approval, more to myself than to him. A silence settle amongst us for a few moments. “I’m sorry about last night” I sighed thinking about when I left him alone.
“What for?” he frowned.
“When I went to get another drink and never returned”.
“Oh that” he laughed, “Don’t even worry about it. I assure you I’m old enough to keep myself company. Besides, I prefer to observe”.
I turned my head to face him, noticing that he was still facing me. “Why’s that?” I asked, suddenly curious.
He looked up before answering. “I dunno” he shrugged, “I guess I just like to understand things”.
“What sort of things?” I pressed. I don’t know what it was about him that intrigued me so much. I guess that’s what I was trying to figure out?
“Um…” he paused for a few moments, “I guess I just like to try to understand why someone is the way they are. Try to figure out what they’re thinking about, get inside their head in a way.” He paused, picking at a spot on his shirt. “I find it interesting to watch someone’s habits, read their body langu- god I sound so weird” he groaned, burying his face in his hands; a soft pink hue tinging his cheeks.
I couldn’t help but smile. “It’s not weird” I chuckled, “I think it’s interesting. I’ve never really been someone to take the time to observe, get a good look at something before rushing in head first”.
He turned his head back to me. “Yeah I was getting those vibes,” he admitted with a chuckle.
“Is that so?” I mused, “What other vibes have you been getting?”
He thought for a second before frowning. “I’m not too sure. I thought I had an idea at first but now I’m not too sure.” He paused, chuckling before continuing, “You sir, are a little confusing.”
I couldn’t help but frown myself. “Is that a bad thing?”
“No, not at all,” he laughed “I just like to understand people and you’re not as straight forward as I thought. Just bothers me a little is all”.
I sat there for a moment thinking about what he said. What did he mean that he thought he understood me at first but now he doesn’t? I don’t feel any different?
“Can we change the subject?” The question startled me a little, pulling me out of my thoughts.
I nodded my head and glanced over at him, taking interest in the phone still wrapped in his left hand. “What are you listening to?”
He chuckled. “Nothing that you’d be interested in”
“Try me” I grinned. This should be interesting.
“Have you ever heard of Alt-J?”
…
I cringed as the cold sensation ran up my leg and settled in my spine; pulling my foot straight back out of the water. “It’s cold” I whined, crossing my arms over my bare chest. “How the hell are you in there right now?” Kev and I are down by the river, the others said they will join us soon. The sun was hot against my skin and it felt great; refreshing even. If only I could say the same about the water.
“It’s not that bad once you get used to it” Kevin shrugged; standing waist deep out in the water.
It was around 11am and almost everyone was awake by now, everyone except Seb. Kevin was the first one to join us, sitting on one of the seats before practically falling back to sleep with an exhausted groan. Chase and I were alone for about hour before then, talking and getting to know each other. I still couldn’t believe I found someone who shared my interest for good music. The girls were awake a little before then but they didn’t leave their tent. We couldn’t help but chuckle at the sound of them complaining about their headaches and being awake in general.
“Yeah but that means I have to get used to it” I groaned, glaring at the freezing liquid at my feet.
“Don’t be such a pussy! Just get your arse in here!”
“I’m not a pussy!” I stated defensively, “I’m-“
“Then what are you waiting for?!” He shouted, cutting me off. I should have noticed the smile tugging at his lips, or the grin that consumed his face in the last few second before it was too late. But I didn’t and I was pushed from behind.
I fell forward, lifting my hands to brace my face as I broke through the water’s surface; the sensation of tiny needles erupting all over my body; flooding my nerves. My body felt numb as I lifted myself up, wiping the water off my face before turning my head around to see the culprit. Chase stood there shirtless, a triumphant grin on his face. “Thought you needed a friendly push” he laughed. I could also hear Kevin’s laughter behind me.
I lifted myself up and turned around. I was shaking and I could feel the Goosebumps as they covered my skin but that was the least of my worries right now. I laughed as Chase’s grin dropped when I ran at him. He tried to turn and run but he was too late. I wrapped my arms around his frame and lifted him onto my shoulder.
“What are y- OMG you’re freezing!” he shrilled, squirming as his heated skin pressed against mine. I carried him out towards Kevin who wasn’t laughing as hard as before but laughing none the less.
“Don’t worry” I chuckled, “You will be too in a second”. He didn’t object, most likely already aware of his fate. I walked out a few more metres before carelessly dropping him in the water.
He thrashed around in the water for a second before finding his feet and standing. I threw my head back and laughed as he wrapped his arms around his body, “Its freezing!” he exclaimed, his whole body shaking.
“You should have thought about that before pushing me in!” I laughed. I leaned back, wading my arms as I slowly lowered myself further into the water. Might as well try to get used to it.
“I didn’t know it was this… cold” He muttered, pulling his arms tighter around him. I couldn’t help but notice the way his hair turned a darker shade of brown when it was wet, or the way the stuck to his face; just past his eyes.
I was about to say something when Kevin spoke up. “It’s not even that bad” he laughed. I looked over at him, then back to Chase to see a mischief glint in his eyes; a smirk playing at his lips. I think we had the same idea.
I turned to face Kev “Is that so?” I mused. Chase did the same, unfolding his arms and placing his hands in the water. Unlike us, Kevin was still dry from the top up. I nodded at Chase one last time behind splashing water at Kevin, relishing in the sound of his cries for us to stop.
A few minutes passed before I saw people approaching from the small pathway leading from our camp. Seb came into view first, closely followed by the girls. I laughed as Seb started running towards us, only to stop and turn around when his feet hit the water. “What the hell!” he yelled; staring down at it like it was lava. Kev and Chase turned around at the sound. We were far beyond that point.
I looked back to the girls as they slowly made their way down the sand. They were wearing nothing but bikinis and I couldn’t stop the smirk that formed; my eyes focusing on Imogen a few seconds longer than the other two. Her skin was practically glowing. They waved at us before laying out their towels and sitting down on them. They passed around a bottle of tanning oil that Skye was holding before rubbing in into their skin.
I stepped forward, focusing my attention back to Chase; a mischievous glint in my eye. I jumped forward, tackling him into the water from behind whilst he wasn’t expecting it. He thrashed around before managing to push me off him. He stood up, turning to face me.
“Oh it’s so on” he grinned before tackling me into the water.
-End of Chapter 4-
A/N- There we have chapter 4. Thank you so much for reading!
The attached photo is Jack Falahee; my idea of what i wanted Seb to look like! I don’t know what it is but i find something so very cute about him..
The attached link is “Something’s Gotta Give” by OneRepublic. Beautiful song by one of my favourite bands. I think it relates to the chapter.. to an extent haha 😛
Once again, thanks for reading 🙂
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