❝ You make this messed-up world look so much more beautiful. ❞ Gathering me in his arms, he pulled me close -- his lips seeking mine hungrily.
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The only thing Summer Hale has ever wanted was to live peacefully away from her secrets...
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And I just took my very last pill Need something to numb the pain Demons knocking on my brain I think they're coming in for the kill — 911 by Ellise
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"Summer!"
I raised my head, spotting Victoria running towards me with a large grin on her face, her hair bouncing gracefully with her every move. Nick was right behind her, laughing hysterically.
"I didn't know my presence was much anticipated," I teased as Victoria perched herself on the armrest of the couch I was seated on and hauled me into a hug. She was giddy with excitement.
"You ready for tonight?" she squealed.
"I never turn down a party, Vee," I drawled, rolling my eyes playfully. "Oh wait, I always do. But I love you both."
"We love you too."
"How's Gray?" asked Nick.
"Still annoying."
"Well, we better get going."
I jumped to my feet with a salute, and we laughed.
Coming back to school after a rather daunting, dramatic-filled summer vacation was exhausting. With everything going on, I almost forgot that I was still just a student, and I was only turning twenty-one next month. Gray was particularly enjoying the sight of me suffering with whatever work our professors decided to dump at us. But I couldn't deny that it was a breath of fresh air to be back.
Everything felt normal.
We strolled to the soccer house, taking our time as we complained about the heap of schoolwork we were given. Normal. Everything felt normal. Nick showed me the videos and pictures he took at the resort, including a photo of Gray and me laughing on the beach. I asked him to send it to me.
As we continued down the sidewalk, Victoria started to drill Nick about his relationship with Jordan.
"I don't know," Nick groaned in exasperation. "Everything was going fine until he started being distant. I can't even talk to him, and I know he's hiding something."
