Serenity Falls(57)

“Water.”

Soft mud sloshes beneath my feet as I walk around the pond to where Sarah is sitting in a chair. Her blonde bob is pulled back into a half ponytail emphasizing the almond shaped, green eyes that sit perfectly on her face. When she smiles at my approach, her high cheekbones raise even higher. She tugs an empty chair over next to her.

“Hey,” I say as I walk up.

“What’s goin’ on?” Her eyebrows rise as she cocks her head at the chair.

I take a seat and lean back into the rough, polyester material. “Not much.”

She notices that I avoid answering what she really wants to know. I would not mind sharing with Sarah, but I don’t feel like sharing what’s going on between Wes and me just yet. “So, how’s camp going so far?” She asks.

“Good. Bailey was a little, um… closed off at first, but I think she’s starting to come around.”

“She suffers with depression, right?”

“Yeah, that’s her.”

“I remember Mrs. Sandy saying how her brother died in a car accident. Poor girl.” Sarah shakes her head and looks away. “I don’t know what I’d do if I lost one of my brothers.”

“How’s Isabel?” I ask.

Isabel is Sarah’s kid for the duration of camp. We were given a summary of each of our kids the day camp started, and Isabel has Asperger’s Syndrome. At the mention of Isabel’s name, her face lights up. “She is such a sweet girl. It’s hard for her to focus most of the time, but when she does, it’s like she draws everyone into her. Like a ray of light that you can’t help but gravitate toward.”

“How old is she?”

“Eight.” Sarah unscrews the lid of her water bottle and takes a drink. “At first, it was a little difficult because she is so used to her routines at home. But when I explained that we could make a brand new routine here just for her, she was open to giving it a shot, and I couldn’t have asked for anything more,” she says, dropping her water bottle into the built-in cup holder. “So you and Wes, huh?”

And… there it is. At least she gave me a few minutes before asking what I’m sure everyone wants to know. A smile creeps onto my face at the mention of his name. I look up to search for him. My smile broadens when I catch him walking in my direction with a bottle of water in his hands, his eyes locked on mine. A blush takes over my face. I break our gaze, my smile huge, and my face heated as I turn to look at Sarah. “Yeah.” I don’t know if I should really talk about it. By the stares that I caught from some of the other girls, our budding relationship isn’t really welcome. Out of the corner of my eye, I spot Jackie. If looks could kill, I’d be six feet under right now. She’s leaned up against someone’s Jeep, her arms crossed over her chest with a pissed as hell look on her face.

“I know it may not seem like anyone else, meaning the girls, is happy about it, but I’m happy for you.” Sarah looks around with a disappointed look on her face, before she turns to me. “Liam and I have known Wes for a few years, and this is the first time I have ever seen him kiss someone in public.” Smiling, she adds, “He’s a good guy, you know.”

“I do. I didn’t plan on coming out here this summer and finding someone, but I’m glad I did.”

“Just remember, even good people make mistakes and have their downfalls.” Her tone is serious, and with her sudden change in demeanor, I don’t really feel welcome by her anymore, either.

I don’t know what to say, so I just nod. I’m not sure what she means. I know, better than anyone, that no one is perfect. I came out here today hoping to have fun. Between the stares from most of the girls standing around, and now, the uncomfortable silence between Sarah and me, I decide ‘fuck it’. I look over at Sarah, feeling defeated. “I’ll see you later, okay. Enjoy the rest of your weekend.”

“I’m sorry, Kenleigh. Please, don’t leave.” She places her hand on my arm.

“It’s fine.”

“No. No, it’s not.” Sarah shakes her head, looks down for a second, and then back up at me. “I’m not sure what you’ve heard about Wes, but just keep in mind what I said if you do hear something about him.”

“What are you getting at, Sarah? Is he married or dating someone or something?” I ask, slightly irritated.

She chuckles, shaking her head. “No, nothing like that. I want to tell you, I do, but it’s not my story to tell. You’re a nice, genuine girl, and honestly, I think you’re good for him. So please, don’t think that I’m against you. If anything,” she looks around at all the other girls before continuing, “I’m probably the only one rooting for the two of you.”