"D oes everyone have a towel?" The question about towels came from JAMIE as we boarded the boat.

As he started to unmoor the boat, we all responded affirmatively. He boarded the boat then proceeded to the steering wheel. As he started pulling the boat away from the dock, I quickly took the front seat.

Today was extremely hot. The clock showed just after twelve and the sun shone brightly as the sky remained cloudless. The conditions today made it the ideal day to visit the ocean.

This time Felix took responsibility for the cooler which he loaded with drinks. We thought about returning to the marina in case we started feeling hungry.

After a brief journey along the Savannah River, we arrived at Tybee Island. After reaching Tybee Island JAMIE drove his boat directly into the sea. Numerous individuals share our current plan.

The number of speedboats appeared to be significant.

Hazel moaned about the intense heat and rested her head against my shoulder.

I carefully removed the small sweat droplets from my forehead. "I know. Even the breeze is barely helping."

I collected my hair between my fingers and shifted it across my shoulder to expose my neck in hopes of finding relief from the heat.

My attempt at cooling down worked but only gave me a brief period of comfort. I saw Felix over by the cooler. "Felix," I called out his name.

"Yeah?" he replies.

Would you be able to hand me two glasses of water? I ask for glasses of water while shading my eyes with my hand.

He gave his consent through a nod before reaching into the cooler to extract two water bottles. He threw me one bottle followed by the second one. I opened the water bottle that I held in my left hand and took a necessary sip.

The remaining water bottle found its place on Hazel's forehead. She whispered "Oh my god" while grabbing the bottle from my hand.

"Tristan, where's the music?" Jaxon asked.

"Yeah, c'mon man this boat is silent!" Felix mentioned.

I pulled my shirt over my head while laughing. I really wanted to achieve a decent tan throughout today's outing. The school has failed to serve its purpose because

I normally wear T-shirts and shorts that result in visible tan lines which I must now correct.

Immediately.

Nolan and Tristan were busy making a playlist on their phones while Elijah and Kylie claimed the shade and JAMIE took control of the steering wheel.

Hazel and I were honestly overheating. We put sunscreen on before departing but I experienced a burning sensation.

I'm uncertain how much longer I can maintain this sitting position.

JAMIE successfully anchored the boat after a few minutes. Kylie rushed over and took a seat beside me with annoyance in her eyes.

"What's with the face?" I ask.

She complains in a low tone about her brother's behavior that annoys her. I laugh. "What'd he does?" She states succinctly that he hasn't told her about our destination for tonight.

So, you two have plans for a date tonight? I ask you to clarify. My brother announced to me that he planned to take me to a location. She stressed her need for additional details to decide on appropriate attire, so she won't appear foolish.

Since I don't know how much cash he has, casual clothes will work perfectly. I smile.

She agrees with me and starts laughing.

I shift my gaze away from her to take in the boat's surroundings. My smile faded as soon as my eyes met Jaxon. I quickly looked away and then turned my gaze over the boat's edge.

Our last encounter was at prom and I'm happy about it. Although Lily forced me into work yesterday, she was fortunate because he stayed away for no apparent reason.

At school I steered clear of his presence completely and paid no attention to his provocations during lunch or hallway encounters. The moment my eyes met his mind flashed back immediately to Thursday night.

I realize it's awful, but I believe no one has noticed this yet. Both thinking of him and seeing him in person makes my stomach twist until I feel sick.This describes exactly how I am feeling at this moment.

I look out to sea to avoid seeing him while simultaneously soothing my queasy stomach.

I heard gazing at the horizon helps.

Tristan and Nolan succeeded in starting the music after Hazel moved away from my side. JAMIE stepped into the water before Camden and Elijah who entered the water after him.

Hazel moved into the water shortly after, but I remained stationary. My stomach was in terrible pain, and I sensed that someone was watching me closely.

"Are you going in?" Kylie asked as she stood up. "In a minute. My stomach's hurting a little bit." I admit.

"Well, you can't stay in the sun!" she panics. She gestures toward the vacant seats and directs me to sit in the shade.

I acknowledge with a nod before rising to approach the shaded seats. Not long after I settled into my seat, I hear another splash.

I felt reassured that Jaxon was nearby, but I couldn't ignore the noise from the trash can area where someone was standing.

And my stomach dropped.

Jaxon tossed his drink away before he turned to look at me. Again, I looked away.

God. Suck it up, Em.

You're fine.

"Em."

You're fine.

"Emerson."

You're fine.

"Hey! Ugly!"

I emerge from my thoughts to take in my surroundings.

"What?" I respond.

Do you plan to go inside the building or just stay here on the boat? Jaxon tries to compel me to give him a response.

But I didn’t give him one. I turn away with a scowl and an eye roll while wishing for him to stop bothering me. I want him to understand that I have no interest in speaking with him.

He doesn't get the memo. Do you really need to stay here just because you have a minor stomachache? His voice now reaches me more directly than before.

"Yep." I gave him a short response.

"No, you're not," he says.

Before I can finish my sentence, he pulls me out of my seat. "Jaxon!" He chuckles as he keeps pulling me toward the rear of the boat. I attempt to resist strongly yet find myself doing nothing effective.

He's stronger than I thought.

The outcome is obvious to me. I need to stop this before I become completely drenched.

I pull my arm back and spin him around so we both come to a halt. I slap him before he can say anything. Hard.

I already made it clear I won't go in at this time.

I sternly get my point across.

I turned around and went back to the shade while his head remained turned aside.

God, if he could be any worse–

A deep breath escapes me when I detect his hands moving across my stomach. His pull brings me backward, taking my feet off the ground. "Put me down!" I fight his grip.

My legs drop from time to time, yet I lack any opportunity to establish my balance. He lifts me partially while simultaneously dragging me back to the stern of the boat.

My hands burn as they touch the railing in direct sunlight while I try to escape him.

Ow.

"Jaxon, I'm serious!"

Silly stomach pain shouldn't make you act like a coward. I hear him laugh behind me.

I reached the boat's edge and watched everyone below swimming in the water.

The pain in my stomach had disappeared yet I continued to resist his push to enter the water.

He released me but I had already reached the edge where I stood. Like I expected, he pushed me in. A brief scream escaped me as I fell until my body hit the water.

My anger flared as I surfaced from the water. My ears were experiencing slight ringing while my head felt mildly painful. I've been dealing with this concussion for a month, but some symptoms are still persistent.

I push my hair back from my face while listening to their laughter. "You're such an asshole!" I shouted at him.

I watched him jump off the boat and splashed away from the water. "Oh no! My diamond earring!" Felix mocked my insult.

"Shut up." I fired at him, sniffling.

Why is my nose running?

"Uhm Em...?" Felix looked a little worried.

"What?" I asked him, confused, sniffling again.

"Your nose is uh–bleeding," he mentions.

I rubbed my finger beneath my nose and realized to my surprise that what appeared to be mucus was blood staining my skin red.

My finger was covered in it. I needed to wash off the blood under the water before it reached my bathing suit.

Why the hell is my nose bleeding?

After swimming to the steps, I climbed up again onto the boat. The memory of our tiny food display led me to locate some napkins in a bag which I then pressed against my nose.

Footsteps approached me from behind, so I turned to see my brothers moving closer.

"Are you okay, Em?" El asked.

"Yeah," I nod. "Just a nosebleed. I'll be okay again after a few minutes. To reduce their concern, I press my nose and replace the napkins.

"How'd it even happens? I didn't see how you ended up in the water. Tristan stressed.

"Jaxon pushed her in." Elijah gave him a short answer.

I don't have a better explanation than my concussion although it doesn't seem especially logical. I shrug. "It's not that big of a deal. It's not like I'm dying." I joke.

Tristan rolls his eyes at me. If you're telling me, you're okay then I don't need to be concerned. I'm puzzle something to worry about. I laugh.

I learned my sister is bleeding so it's fair for me to feel worried. Elijah defends both.

"It was a nosebleed," I emphasize.

"Whatever." They both say before walking away. With my head low I walk toward my belongings. My phone is in my bag, so I remove it to view my notifications. I had one text from

Lily.

Lily: Hey, hun. Could you watch over Rory tonight? I have plans with some parents tonight and won't be back until late. Jaxon mentioned he has prior commitments, so my presence is needed only until he gets back. I will handle his payment when he returns, but please don't worry if you cannot attend.

I read the text with great interest.

Me: I'd love to babysit Ro! I don't need payment because I'm okay with helping. What time do you want me there?

Her response came shortly after.

Lily: 7 is good. She needs to be asleep by 9:30. Thank you so much, Em!

Me: Don't worry about it. I'll be there.

I cleared my message screen and placed my phone aside. Somehow, I found myself thinking again: What could Jaxon have to do?

I shook my head and decided to leave the matter behind. I shouldn't care, and I don't.

When my nose stopped running, I wiped away any blood that had formed. I rejoined the group and spent the rest of the day having fun.

And I have plans for tonight.