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AJ's POV

"What about shopping. That makes everyone feel better. Right?" Willow chirped while Noah gagged.

"We can go to an arcade or a casino and just get lost in all the fun. We won't even know the time and we could just stay there for three days or something."

"Noah that's not a good idea." Cora mumbled. I wanted to disagree with her but we were doing this for Cora in the first place.

"Yeah that's terrible Noah. What if you get robbed and molested in there? And like not know about it. Imagine not knowing you were actually robbed or molested." Cora, Noah and I just gaped at her.

"Willow! Have you ever been to a casino? Why do you have to imagine the worst of the worst?" I scolded her. She shrugged and muttered something about it being a huge possibility.

"I would suggest a resort by the beach." I firmly suggested. I knew Cora needed to relax. We could get massages, sooth ourselves to the sound of the waves or just sleep in the hotel rooms.

"I would love that." Cora smiled at me. Willow agreed after a while but Noah just rolled his eyes and said his idea was way better.

That night, the three of us packed our bags for a relaxing weekend at the Santa Cruz Beach in California. Noah insisted on it because if they had an amusement park there.

Once we packed, Willow, Cora and I watched a few episodes of Stranger Things and fell asleep. That night I expected to be dream of aliens and a really hot lifeguard but instead of any of those, I dreamt of cupcakes

It would have been normal if it was just the cupcakes. But that wasn't the case.

Along with the cupcakes, I dreamt of a mysterious figure reading something. It was a boy and he had his back facing me so I couldn't see what he was reading. The boy then turned slightly to his right, and although his face was unrecognizable, there was a genuine smile on his face. His smile was so serene and beautiful. Whatever he was reading must have brought him real content.

The image was then replaced by two hands opening a small rolled up piece of paper. It was a short note but I couldn't read the words. The paper then slowly blurred and everything was replaced by a number of small notes. A hand slowly picked them up carefully and whoever this person was, they started to arrange them neatly on a flat surface. This person handled the small pieces of paper with so much care as if they were of great value.

I jolted awake and and placed by hand on chest. I could feel my raging heartbeat. I couldn't calm down and I felt uneasy.

"Hey I was just about to wake you AJ. Come on, go get ready."

It's morning?!!

"Bad dream?"

More like a weird ass dream.

"Something like that." My voice sounded breathless. Thank God it was just a dream. A meaningless dream I hope.

"Here, drink some water." Cora handed me a cup of cool water.

"Thank you." I said softly.

"Are...are you alright? You look spooked."

"I am. I'm okay." I took another mouthful of water and swallowed but my throat was still dry. That dream or whatever it was, it made me feel vulnerable.

I didn't like it one bit. It felt like I had no control over anything. I hated having dreams at all.

"AJ you want to talk about it?"

Nope.

"Was it your parents? Did you dream about them?" Cora's question took me off guard. My eyes snapped towards hers.

"I...I mean you're only ever like this when..."

"I did not dream about them Cora. Don't worry." I said with finality.

I finished the water and stood up. "I'm going to bathe and get ready. Is Willow ready?"

"She's been getting ready for the past two hours AJ." Cora chuckled, keeping the situation light again.

"I bet Noah will take three." I smiled at her before grabbing my towel.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Do you have to drive this fast?!" Cora shouted at Noah.

"The costal road is amazing okay. You need to chill." Noah was excited as hell. I didn't blame him. Willow and I enjoyed the ride. We breathe in the fresh air that blew against our faces and messed up my hair. I was glad we were all taking this trip. About time we separated ourselves from the whirlwind of papers, calculations, and the inescapable need to please everyone else. From lecturers to coaches and all those dumbass students.

"I'm hungry Noah."

"We ate ten minutes ago!!" He looked over at me and glared.

"So? I'm hungry." I insisted.

"We'll be there in two hours so drink the water."

"Do you even process the shit that's coming out of your mouth?! I need food!"

What is wrong with this moron?

"I can't believe you just told her to drink water." Willow snorted from the backseat.

"I can't believe AJ hasn't murdered anyone yet due to her hunger. Noah I'm sorry but you gotta stop somewhere. There's a Mcd coming up in about 30 mins. So we can get something through the drive thru."

Thank God for Cora.

"How do you even maintain your size?" Noah raised a brow at me. Instead of answering him, I shrugged and looked out the window. I was already starting to get irritated. Where's the food?

"The ocean is beautiful. I feel relaxed already." Willow whispered and I was quick to agree. Carefully, I turned to look at Cora. She too was looking out the window with a soft smile on her face. There were no longer stress lines on her forehead, she no longer looked worried or scared. I let out a relieved breath and smiled to myself.

~~~~~~~

After two stops for food we finally made it to the hotel. The second stop was for Willow by the way. She wasn't paying attention during our first stop and suddenly became hungry later. Hence, the second stop. Once we checked in at the counter, the hotel staff helped us take our bags to our room for four. It was a fancy hotel and everything was unbelievably spotless. The interior was amazing as well. With huge chandeliers that hung from from the ceiling at the main lobby. We padded across the soft carpeted floors.

While walking through the hallway towards our room, Cora turned to me.

"How much did this cost AJ?" Cora worriedly asked.

"Surpringly reasonable." I winked at her. I didn't want to make them feel any sort of discomfort so I chose not to tell them the cost. Cora gave me a look.

"I expected a small chalet or a budget hotel." She whispered harshly.

"Can you stop worrying for once? Calm the fuck down, I got this. You have no idea how glad I am to be able to do this with my friends. So stop with the worrying." I said in a stern voice.

Cora looked away for a moment.

"You sure you got this?"

"Yes babe." I gave her a smile.

"Hey AJ. How did you find this place?" Noah asked from behind us.

"I have a few contacts here."

"What are you, a spy or something?" He asked incredulously.

"Let's just say I have the right contacts and the right...... companions." I shrugged. "Oh, and Noah please stop trying to bank in money. If you feel bad, buy me dinner." I smiled at him.

"Hey this place is smells like money AJ. Are you sure. I can't pay much. Not gonna lie, I'm a broke student most of the time but I can-"

"Noah! I do not need it. Like I said, if you feel bad buy me dinner but that's it. I got this covered, I swear." A few seconds later we stopped in front of white double doors.

"Your suite, ladies and gentleman." The young porter announced. He was the one to go in first and gently leave our bags there.

"That will be all for now sir, thank you." I said to the man.

"Have a good weekend and I hope the service here is to your liking." He nodded and left.

"Wow. I like him." Noah said, making all of us laugh.

The second we stepped into our suit. We gasped. It was spectacular. The living room was furnished with 3 big sofas, a glass coffee table, a 70 inch flat screen and two vases.

There was also a small dining area. A cute, square wooden dining set. Perfect for the four of us. Also there were four separate rooms, two rooms with queen sized beds. Knowing my friends, we'll probably sleep in one bed.

"Oh my gosh! The fridge is full." Noah sounded like a child.

"The bathroom is amazeballs! I'm so bathing for two hours." Willow squealed making me chuckle. From the very impressive marble countertop to the dark wooden cabinets the kitchen design was beautiful. I spotted Cora standing on the balcony that overlooked the greenish blue ocean. Walking towards her I slung my arm around her shoulders.

"This is fucking beautiful AJ. Thank you." She said softly.

"My pleasure. I finally get to spend the money on something worth it." I smiled at her. She needed this. I would do anything for Cora. She rested her head on my shoulder and we both watched the ocean waves. The sound was soothing and we inhaled the salty sea air that gave us the warmth we needed.

"Guys how about we rest for a bit and then go down to the beach at 5.00 or 5.30?" Willow spoke before letting out a yawn.

"I agree." Noah rushed to his room. Cora and I walked back into the suite and headed for our rooms. Noah took the room with the biggest bed. Jerk.

Willow took the one closest to the "majestic bathroom" as she puts it. So Cora and I chose the two rooms right next to each other. I walked into my room and plopped right on the soft mattress. Did I mention the comforters were so soft and....and....simply comfortable. I glanced at my phone to see that it was 2.40 in the afternoon. After changing into a pair of shorts and a t-shirt, I snuggled into the thick comforters. I could sleep till the next morning. I really could. Thinking about it, we did come here to relax. And I'm an independent grown up who can make my own damn choices.

So maybe I will sleep till the next morning and hurt whoever dares to wake me up. Hah!

~~~~~~~~~~~~

Beep. Beep. Beeeeeeep!

I groaned and stretched like a wild cat before opening my heavy eyelids.

What's the time? Wait a minute.

Why is it dark?

I scrambled up to get my phone and once I got it, I gasped. It was almost 7.30 at night.

Shittttt.

I mean yay because no one bothered me but still.

I walked into the living room and saw Willow laying on the couch while looking at her phone.

"You're quite pale for someone who went to the beach."

"Dude, I woke up at around six so I didn't bother going. Instead, I spent more than an hour in the bath. Best. Bath. Ever." She said in a calm relaxed manner.

"We both slept in."

"Yeap."

"Where's-"

"Oh, don't worry about them. They're probably sitting on the beach trying so fucking hard to keep a one meter distance and not make unnecessary eye contact with one another. Because if they do then the eye contact can lead to another contact and then boom! So I have no idea what they're actually doing on the beach. They've been gone for two hours."

"Damn Willow."

"What? It's the truth." She shrugged.

"You think they kissed?" I cheekily asked.

"I hope so. They would make the cutest couple ever."

~~~~~~~~~~~~

Cora's POV

While the others decided to take a nap, I couldn't. I couldn't sleep. I have had trouble sleeping for some time now. My body didn't know how to relax. It was always restless. My mind was even worse.

No matter how hard I tried to calm my mind, it always went back to the University, to Elizabeth, to all those girls and boys who enjoyed tormenting people who were not like them. Once my mind landed there, I automatically dove too deep and I would just think about all the negative that has ever happened throughout my life. I couldn't help it, that's how my mind has been working ever since the problems started.

It would just randomly take me to this dark place where I'm stuck. Trapped with no way out. It only happens once in a while but whenever it does, it's always so intense and my chest would hurt a lot.

I glanced at my phone to see it was already 4.30pm. Resting was useless to me to I got changed to a pink sleeveless, low v-neck sundress. It was a little short but it was also cute. Hence, a must wear outfit. Besides, I needed to wear something I love. It usually makes me feel a lot better.

The rest of my friends were most likely sleeping and I thought of it as a good thing. Having some time alone for myself would be great. I could also try to calm my mind on the beach. After checking myself in the mirror one last time, I put my phone in my bag and was ready to go.
On the way out, I grabbed my floppy straw hat.

Once I got I inside the elevators, I pressed the lobby button and the doors began to slide close.

Surprisingly, the second they closed, they opened again. In one second, I was no longer looking at stainless steel doors but none other than Noah.

"I thought you were sleeping." I said as soon as he stepped in.

"I wasn't even in the room Cora. I was just coming back from a stroll. Then I saw you near the elevators."

"So now you're following me."

"Yeap. Mind if I keep you company?...I mean since you're alone. Without AJ or Willow."

"No, not at all." I said quickly. I know I wanted to be alone but after seeing Noah's big smile, I didn't object or insist on wanting to be alone. I didn't know why.

"So how about some food and then a walk in the beach? Or do you have anything in mind?"

"Actually, I didn't plan anything. I just thought of having some quiet time sight seeing. Try and get my mind off everything that's been happening." I had no intentions of making my voice sound so dull but it sounded exactly like that when I spoke out.

Noah's gaze softened as he nodded in understanding.

"Noah I don't mean to appear so-"

"Don't feel bad Cora. I get it. Now come on, there's a lot to see." He smiled and grabbed my hand as we walked past the lobby. Instead of catching a ride, we walked to the huge amusement park located close to the beach. It was called the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. There were all sorts of rides and food.

"I would love some tacos right now." Noah inhaled the spicy aroma from the shop.

"Get some. I would love to them too." I pushed him towards the place. He chuckled and took out his wallet. From where I stood, I spotted a place where they sold corn dogs.

I would never not but them.

"These are amazing!!!" Noah was glowing with happiness. I laughed at his joy.

"We're getting corn dogs. My treat." I said to him as we walked towards the other shop. While walking, I tasted the tacos. The cheese melted in my mouth as the salsa gave it the perfect amount of spiciness.

"Damn." I muttered.

"Yeap."

~~~~~~~~

I ate another corn dog as we quietly walked strolled through the amusement park. Yes, of course the corn dogs were amazing. They were cheesy and the deep fried batter had that delicious crunch when you bite into it. Yum.

"I might buy some more if we're going back that way." I told Noah. He was happy to agree.

"Care for a ride?" Noah asked out of nowhere.

"What ride?" Without saying a word, he smiled and pointed up. Following his direction, I looked up and saw small cable cars. Not really cable cars. It was called SkyGlider. Excitement took over, making me nod enthusiastically.

"Oh Noah it's beautiful," I said in awe. It wasn't very high up but we could see everyone from where we sat. Everything was so bright and we could hear the children laughing. The beach was beautiful too.

"Would you look at that annoying ass kid?! His mom bought him like three flavours of cotton candy. And he threw them all! Now he's crying for another." Noah exclaimed in disbelief.

"Can you imagine what our parents would do to us if we acted like him?" I asked in horror.

"Two slaps plus the belt. How about you?"

"I may escape the belt part but I definitely won't go without a smack. At least one." I replied him. Then we both burst into fits if laughter.

I couldn't remember the last time I laughed this hard. It felt so good.

There was a soft sea breeze while we halfway. It swept my hair out of my face and I couldn't help but smile against the wind.

I didn't want the day to end. I could sit up here forever. Away from all the horrible people that only wanted to see others fall beneath them. Away from all the ugly words. Away from the taunting and whispering. Away from those girls who started it all.

But I knew that couldn't happen. That would never happen.

"It's almost over." I whispered to Noah.

"Hey don't worry, we could always come back tomorrow." He said sensing the gloom in my voice.

"It wouldn't be the same." I got out of our ride.

"Care for a walk?" I asked him. I wasn't ready to go back. Being so comfortable out in the open has been a difficult thing for me to do these past few months. I want to enjoy it while I can and while this lasts.

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That's all for now. Till next time. What do you think about Cora and Noah?