Duval was normally up first, but she likely wouldn’t stir for another hour or two. The house felt too still and quiet, with everyone asleep. I climbed out of bed and padded through the shadowy hallway to the kitchen for a glass of water. The bonfires, s’mores, and deep belly laughs all figured into my childhood memories. But there were other things about these trips I enjoyed. I supposed that’s what eventually led to us both wanting to join our high school swim team. After all, we’d dunked each other and played chicken enough times in that lake, perfected our dives and cannonballs, and engaged in friendly competitions. Maybe it was what started our love of swimming. My best friend, Bailey, began the tradition of asking me along about six years ago when we were ten going on eleven. They owned a cottage on Hummingbird Lake, which was really more like a large pond outside San Diego.

It was my annual summer trip with the Duval family. Sure, my surroundings were different, but I was used to them by now. My gaze dashed to the window, and I listened closely for whatever had made me stir, but all I could hear was my heart thrumming in my ears. It was just before dawn, but something made me sit straight up in bed. Making waves is nothing new, but the further I fall, the more I drag Alex in the deep end with me. Alex doesn’t want to disappoint his best friend, and after what my parents went through, I’m not looking to settle down. But who knew Alex would understand me in ways few others have? And I think, just maybe, I understand him too. One kiss leads to more, and before we know it, we’re tumbling into secret, no-strings-attached hookups. Alex is all grown up, and I can’t help wanting him, especially when he’s in those tiny swim briefs that emphasize everything. But as soon as my brother and his best friend show up on campus, I know I’m in trouble. I’ll take the fall for ruining our family if it means doing the right thing. My brother hates me, but that’s no surprise. I should be loyal to my best friend, focus on classes and swim team, but the more I see Remy around campus, the harder it becomes to stay away. It was easier to keep my distance the past two years, but now that Bailey and I are attending Franklin University with him, I’m only drawn to Remy more. A painter, a tattoo artist, my best friend Bailey’s older brother…and Bailey’s sworn enemy. Remy Duval was my high school crush and secret first kiss, but he’s also so much more.

Making Waves by Christina Lee