Achlys Academy

8

The next few days fly by and we only have two more days before classes start. First years decided to hold an initiation challenge by the lake. There is a cliff and everyone must dive off. It is silly and childish but we are only young once right?

Justin and I might have cleared the air but Jobey has been avoiding me since the bonfire. It is starting to piss me off and I have decided to get over it. Starting with this jump and ending with finding someone to kiss at the party after.

I pull my phone out and record myself walking up the cliff side. Jack is going to love this video when I send it over to him.

I start recording, ‘watch this b***h!’ I run and jump off the cliff. A scream escapes as I fall and my free hand flies across my chest to hold my bikini top up. As the water approaches I slam my legs together and point my toes. The descent under water is crazy for a moment before I manage to push up to the surface. The crowd on the beach roars with cheers before a jet ski approaches me. A guy holds out his hand and I take it before being pulled up. I sit on the jet ski behind him as he starts toward the shore. I check my phone in the water proof pouch and it is still working fine.

“That was awesome, I don’t think anyone has jumped from as high as you yet.” The guy driving says to me over his shoulder.

“Thanks, that was fun.” I shout back as he approaches the deck.

I climb off and turn to thank him. He holds his hand out to me, “Carson.”

I smile and shake his hand, “Ally.”

“I will see you around the bonfire Ally,” he smiles at me before pulling away from the deck.

-

I drop onto the sand beside Megan.

“How scary was it?”

I laugh at her question, “not at all actually. I loved it.”

She sighs before standing, “must be my turn then.”

“Wait, I will come too.” Matt stands to go with her.

Justin passes me a drink as I pull up the video. After slightly editing it I then send to Jack.

-

It takes hours for everyone to jump and be ready to party. The sun finally starts to set and the smell of bbq fills the air.

I walk over and start looking at the food.

“Hey Ally.” I turn and see Carson walking over to me. “No one jumped from as high as you today. That means you are officially this years badass.”

I smile at him, “who were the previous badasses?”

“Last year was a guy named Presley, he still did not jump as high as you thought. I think only the third year badass got as high as you did.” He looks around at my friends. “You probably know him, he is Justin’s brother I think.”

Jobey. My face drops but I turn away and take a hotdog.

“Do you want to join me down the beach, there is a quieter spot we can talk?” He asks hopefully.

I glance at my friends and they are not looking for me so it would not do any harm I guess.

“Sure,” I gesture for him to lead the way. He grabs two hotdogs for himself and starts walking away from the crowd.

We make it to a quieter spot but the bonfire is still in full sight. I sit and finish the last bite of my dog.

“So…” I begin as I stretch my legs out. “The jet ski?”

He smiles at me, having already finished both his hotdogs. “It is mine, my parents have a lake house not too far away. I just rode it over here. Figured it would help people to the shore quicker.” He shrugs as though irrelevant. “What’s your story anyway?”

“Mine?” I scoff at that. “Nothing more than absent parents who are in high leadership. All bullshit if you ask me.”

The conversation flows easily with Carson and I find myself enjoying his company.

The music is blaring away and people are getting drunk but Carson remains here talking to me.

His eyes flash to my lips for the hundredth time so I sigh and sit on my knees.

“Are you going to kiss me Carson?” I ask him with a smirk.

“I was definitely thinking about it,” he says with a chuckle and glances at my mouth again.

He places his cup down and then pulls my face to his before pressing his lips to mine. It is a slow kiss to start but then he starts to warm up. He pulls me a little closer so I move nearer.

Someone abruptly grabs my arms and pulls me backward at the same time a fist flies at Carson’s face. There is a sickening crunch and my shocked eyes move to Jobey. He goes to swing again but I jump in the way. I realise it was one of Jobey’s friends who moved me. Jobey stops and looks at me with a glare.

“What the f**k Jobey?” I snap and scramble toward him. I pull him away from Carson a little.

I look back down and offer Carson a hand, “I’m so sorry. Are you alright?”

Carson stands, “I’m gonna go find some ice.” He holds his hand to his nose as he walks away.

I spin back to Jobey who is still looking at me with anger. His friend wisely heads back toward the bbq.

“Jobey. What the f**k?” I say again.

“What do you mean what the f**k? You were just kissing another guy,” he gestures to the floor.

“And what?” I stamp my foot, “you have been avoiding me since the bonfire and made it clear you don’t want this.” I gesture between us.

The anger leaves his face as he steps forward and caresses my face. “Of course I want this. I was just trying to give Justin some space.”

He kisses my forehead but I am still glaring at him. He pouts at me, “forgive me?”

I try to bite back the smile but it fails considering he is now smiling at me too. He leans down and kisses me. “Let’s get out of here.”