Torn [J.Barber]

[20] NEW YEARS

After water rafting with Hope the day before, Jacob and May now sat with Jacob's parents, telling them about the party Hope had invited them to.

"So it's a party?" Laurie furrows her eyebrows. "It's more like a bonfire, I think. It's just down the beach." Jacob explains.

"But past the hotel?" Laurie inquires. "Yeah, but, I mean, just past." Jacob explains. Laurie turns to look at Andy, checking what he thought about it.

"Hope says it's really close." May chimes in, attempting to convince them. "Her parents are okay with it?" Andy raises his eyebrows.

"Yeah. I don't think we'll be out that late anyways." Jacob confirms. "Oh, I know you won't." Laurie responds.

"So, then... yes?" Jacob smiles. Laurie and Andy share another glance. "You need to text us when you get there and when you leave. Understand?" Laurie instructs.

May and Jacob grin. "Okay." Jacob nods. "I mean it." Laurie repeats. "Yes. Thanks." Jacob chuckles.

"Thank you." May adds, standing up as Jacob does, and walking off to tell Hope the news.

***

"Hey, May, Jacob! You guys made it!" Hope says excitedly as the two arrive at the bonfire. "Sure did." May chuckles, leaning into Jacob's side.

"Well, it's just getting started. Oh, May, I need your help. Mind if I steal you for a second?" Hope requests, looking up at Jacob for a moment. May nods, then glances at her boyfriend, walking off.

"Okay, can you maybe— Uh, hype me up in front of this guy? I met him yesterday, he's super nice, super cool, and super cute." Hope whispers. "Sure." May chuckles.

"Okay, he's right there. His name's Joey." She quickly adds, then takes a deep breath, pulling May towards the tall boy. "Hi, Joey." She smiles.

"Oh, hey, Hope." He nods, taking a sip of his drink, which May could have sworn had alcohol in it. "This is May. She's that girl I was telling you about earlier." The blonde explains.

"Oh, the one who's brother was murdered?" He asks, causing Hope to sigh. May clears her throat, awkwardly pursing her lips. "That's me." She mutters out.

Hope takes a deep breath in. "Okay! Um, I was actually wondering if you wanted to go water rafting with me tomorrow? I did it with Jacob and May yesterday and it ended up being super fun." Hope offers.

"Yeah. Hope's a natural. She even managed to teach me. And that takes some skill." May chimes in, nudging the girl. "Oh, cool. Hey, Ezra, we're going water rafting tomorrow!" The boy call out to his friend, who nods.