Starlight

Chapter Six

The movie ends early, so the teacher gives us some time just to talk before the bell rings. Peyton and I talk for a minute or two. He's friendly, and sweet, but he keeps trying to bring up what happened over spring break. It's nothing bad. Just a date. But he keeps questioning me about it. Like why I didn't call him again. If everything was okay.

I need to be honest with him. I know that. I can't deny the fact that there was a spark, but I also want to see where it goes with Dane. Peyton is kind, smart, funny, and would make a wonderful boyfriend. He just needs someone who would love him just as much. He's fantastic, he really is....but he's more like a brother, rather than a boyfriend.

Then there's Dane. He's sweet, relaxed, cool. My heart can't help but beat faster when I'm with him. He's different from any other guy that I've ever known. And I think that right now, different is what I need.

The bell rings, making me jump. I begin to pack my things, still deep in thought. Some about who I'm going to sit with at lunch. Others wondering if Dane will be here to pick me up from class. "Oh hey and Maylee, if you wanted to, you can sit by me during lunch." Peyton says as we begin walking towards the door. "Oh, okay thanks!" I say.

Just as I'd hoped, Dane was waiting for me. His back against the wall, one leg propped up against it, arms folded. Definitely a cool pose, one that makes a few of my class mates heads turn. "Hey May, you ready?" He asks, getting up from his incredibly cute posture. "Yep! See you in a sec Peyton." I say, waving to him. "Is it alright if we eat lunch with him?" I ask as we begin walking. "Sure, sounds good."

We soon arrive in the cafeteria, and grab some food. I spot the table where Peyton is sitting. Dane and I take a seat next to him. "Peyton, are you eating alone?" I ask, suddenly very sad for him. He laughs. "Nah, my friends are just slow." A few minutes later, Kelsey and Sadie sit down next to him. "Hey Peyton!" Sadie says. Kelsey is right behind her when she sees me. "Oh hey are you guys friends with Maylee?" She asks Peyton and Dane. "Yeah, Maylee lives next door to me. She's a really cool girl." Peyton says. "Nice! What about you Dane, I haven't heard from you in a while." Sadie asks, giving Dane a dark look. She seems kind of hostile towards him, and I don't know why. "Yeah, I saw her today in the office and she seemed really nice." He says, playing it off. It becomes very awkward and quiet as Sadie glares at Dane, and Dane tries to divert the attention. Luckily, some other girl I don't recognize comes to sit down with us.

"You guys would not believe the line for nachos. It's insane!" She says, sitting next to me. "Peyton who's your little friend?" She asks, smiling at me. "Oh um I'm Maylee, it's nice to meet you." I say. "Maylee huh? That's a weird name. I like it." She says, taking out a note book and writing stuff down. I look at Kelsey curiously, and she explains. "This is Alaska. Part time artist, part time skater. Full time journalist." She says, just as Alaska looks up. "Awe you've memorized my self introduction phrase!" She laughs.

Something about her is...unique. Like she knows exactly who she is and where she wants to go. But she's mysterious as well. Immediately I can tell we're going to be best friends. "So. What about you?" She asks, stealing one of my French fries. "Oh um. I'm Maylee. Part time photographer. Part time surfer. Full time dreamer." The whole table get extremely surprised by that. "So. You're a surfer girl huh?" Dane asks, raising an eyebrow. "Yeah. I used to live by the beach at my home in California." I say. "Interesting. How about we plan a day to go down to the beach. It's only about 3 hours from here. We could plan a weekend trip." Alaska suggests.

Everyone looks around, nodding in agreement. "Sure. When should we go?" Peyton asks. "I'm free this weekend if that works for you guys." Kelsey suggests. "Sounds good to me." I say, and everyone agrees. "Alright. Then its set." "Wait, where are we gonna meet up, who's driving, what time are we meeting, how long are we gonna stay...guys parents are going to ask questions. We need a plan." Dane says, and the room goes quiet, knowing he's right.

"Okay. Well we could all meet up at my place around 8 Saturday morning. That way we can get together in a group before we head out." Peyton suggests. "We can take my uncle's van, it seats six and we can all take turns driving. And I can just come pick everyone up so we won't have to leave our cars in Peyton's driveway." Sadie says, earning many smiles from around the table. "My grandpa owns a house on the beach, he's going out of town this weekend and told me to house sit. I'm sure he wouldn't mind a few friends tagging along. We can leave after school on Friday, and come back Sunday night. That way we get more time on the beach." Adds Alaska. "Okay, I'll just pick up everyone at their houses after school then." Sadie says. "Sounds like a plan." I say, as the bell rings and everyone leaves for class.

The rest of the week flies by in quick blur, and before I know it I'm packing my bags for the big weekend trip. School on Friday takes forever, dragging on and on. Finally the bell rings and I quickly drive home, dropping off my car and picking up my bags. I take one final look in the mirror, making sure I'm vacation ready as I hear a honk from outside.

Rushing outside, I throw my bags in the trunk and climb in the van to find Peyton, Kelsey, and Alaska already in the van. "Wow that was fast." Said says, casting a teasing glare at Kelsey. "Hey! It's not my fault that I forgot to pack the night before!" She exclaims in protest. "We were waiting for fifteen minutes!" Sadie retorts. They argue back and forth until we reach Danes house. After a minute or two he comes outside, putting his suitcase in the trunk and we're on our way to the beach.