Lucas woke up to a dull ache in his chest, the kind that lingered after a night of barely contained emotion. For a moment, he stayed there, staring at the ceiling and thinking about everything that had happened. He had gone straight to his room after being on the beach with Taylor and refused to leave it. He'd stayed in there, headphones on, lights off, like maybe he could shut it all out if he just tried hard enough.

Taylor had knocked at some point, telling him that Jeremiah and Conrad felt guilty and that they were sorry. Lucas told her that if they were sorry, they could come up and apologise to his face.

Now it was morning, and Lucas knew he couldn't hide anymore. He swung his legs over the edge of the bed, shoved on a shirt, and raked his fingers through his messy hair. The floorboards creaked under his feet as he padded down the hallway. His heart thudded, half-expecting Conrad or Jeremiah to be the first person he saw. But when he stepped into the kitchen, it wasn't either of them.

It was his mother.

She was stood by the sink with her back to him and when she turned at the sound of his footsteps, she froze.

"Lucas," she said, startled.

"Don't," he cut in, his voice as sharp as broken glass.

Her lips parted in surprise, but he didn't let her speak. The anger that had been simmering since last night surged like a wave, crashing out of him before he could stop it.

"How could you?" he demanded, his voice shaking from the force of holding everything in too long. "How could you sell this house? This house, mum. Do you even get what it means?"

Julia straightened, jaw tight. "Lucas, you don't understand-"

"No! Don't give me that," he snapped, stepping closer, hands balled into fists at his sides. "Explain it to me, then. Because as far as I see, you're ripping apart the only good thing left of her. Of Aunt Susannah."

His chest heaved. "Do you even care?"

Her face hardened. "Of course I care. But I can't afford to keep it. Unless," her voice turned cool, almost mocking. "You'd like to give up your hockey career and help me pay to maintain it? No? Didn't think so."

Lucas' breath caught, fury sparking in his veins. "That's what this is to you? Money? Jesus, mum. Do you have any idea what this house means to me? To the boys? Or does nothing matter to you except your bottom line?"

Julia's eyes flashed. "Watch your tone."

"No," he growled, voice low and dangerous. "You don't get to tell me that. You don't get to play mother now, because guess what? Susannah was more of a mother to me than you ever were."

Her breath hitched, like he'd slapped her. "How dare you!"

His voice cracked like thunder, echoing through the walls. "You were never there. And now, the one thing tying me to the only family that's ever felt like home you're ripping that away too. You're a terrible mother. I hate you for this."

Julia's face twisted, hurt flashing before it hardened to steel. "You'll get over it. There's an open house today. So you and the boys better clear out."

Lucas let out a bitter laugh. "Wow, you really don't give a fuck, do you? No wonder Pops liked Aunt Susannah a whole hell of a lot more than you."

"You ungrateful, spoiled, brat," she snarled. "Do you have any idea how much I've sacrificed for you?"

"Oh do tell me," Lucas said mockingly. "You didn't take me to practices, you didn't come to my games, I was lucky there were actually people who cared otherwise I wouldn't be where I am today. My success in hockey has nothing to do with you. The only thing you were ever good for was money, and even then, dad paid for more."

He didn't care that he sounded like a brat, because it was his true feelings. Why should he give his mother gratitude when she had done nothing for him? Everything he had built for himself, he had done on his own or with the help of his aunt - hell, even Laurel was more helpful than his own mother.

Lucas turned on his heel and stormed out the kitchen, his raised voice had attracted the attention of Belly, Conrad and Jeremiah who all looked at him with concern.

"Lucas," Jeremiah started, but Lucas didn't look at them.

"Move," he bit out, shoving past. His shoulder clipped Conrad's before he disappeared up the stairs and into his room, slamming the door with a force that rattled the frame.

He pressed his back against the door, the conversation echoing in his head. He meant all his words, he did hate his mother.

Lucas wasn't sure how long it had been, but soft knocks on his door snapped him back into reality.

Jeremiah's voice came from behind the door. "Lucas? Can we come in?"

Lucas didn't answer but after a beat, he opened the door for them and both brothers slipped inside. Conrad leaned against the wall, arms crossed, a guilty expression on his face.

Jeremiah spoke first. "We're sorry," he said simply.

Lucas stared at them, stone-faced.

Jeremiah continued. "For last night. For what we said. It wasn't fair, and it wasn't you. We know you'd never..."

He trailed off, shaking his head. "We just lashed out. And you didn't deserve it."

Conrad's voice was quieter. "We were dicks."

Lucas let out a humourless laugh. "Yeah. You were. I get it. You're hurting. We all are. But it sucked. Thinking you really believed that about me."

"We didn't," Jeremiah said quickly. "Not really. We were just angry and scared."

"We're really sorry Lucas," Conrad said genuinely.

Silence stretched, then Lucas nodded slowly. "It's alright, we're good."

The tension eased, just a little. Conrad gave a stiff nod. Jeremiah managed a small, sheepish smile.

And then, his mother's voice rang up the stairs. "Everyone downstairs!"

The three exchanged looks before heading down together, gathering in the kitchen by the island. Belly, Taylor and Steven were already there and Julia stood in the kitchen, rummaging through the draws.

"So," Julia said briskly. "Today's open house is cancelled. The AC's broken so I need you guys to get out of here so I can call a guy to come fix it."

"Great, now we don't have to lie to the buyers about the black mould," Jeremiah said. "Lets go to the beach."

"I'm not leaving," Conrad said flatly.

Jeremiah nudged him. "Come on, Conrad. We've won this round. Let's just get out of here."

Taylor chimed in. "The mall has good AC."

"Cool," Conrad muttered. "Have fun. I didn't ditch finals just to leave this house for the taking by-"

"Conrad," Julia snapped, her tone strained. "I'm trying to keep my shit together. You've already ruined my day. The least you could do is get out of my hair for a few hours."

Lucas's head snapped up, anger flaring hot. "Don't talk to him like that. You've ruined all of our-"

Before it could spiral, Belly jumped in, voice sharp. "What about the boardwalk?"

"Yes, great idea!" Jeremiah said enthusiastically. "Let's go!"

The boardwalk was alive with colour and people as screams of laughter echoed from the rides, mixing with the scent of salt, sunscreen, and fried dough. For the first time all day, things felt normal.

Lucas walked alongside the group, hands shoved in his short pockets as the group made their way to get some ice cream as it was far too hot outside. They made their way to an ice cream stand, one they had been to many times before.

Taylor stood in front of Lucas, her hair tied up in plaits, contemplating what she was going to get. In the end, she was the first in the group to order, choosing to get a singular scoop of strawberry.

She turned to him with a little smile. "What are you getting?"

"Cookies and cream," he said automatically.

When the cashier gave the total, Lucas pulled out his card before Taylor could even reach for her bag.

Her eyebrows shot up. "Oh, look at you. So chivalrous."

Her tone was teasing, but deep down a part of her appreciated the gesture.

Lucas smirked. "What can I say? I'm a gentleman."

Behind them, Steven made a dramatic gasp. "Whoa, whoa. If you're buying for Taylor, can you buy mine too? Y'know, for fairness and equality."

Lucas rolled his eyes, but handed the cashier his card without comment.

Steven grinned. "That's what I'm talking about," he turned to the others. "Guys, Lucas is feeling generous. Everyone get your orders in!"

Laughter broke out as Lucas ended up footing the bill for the whole group. When they were walking around eating their ice creams, Steven was grinning like he'd just won the lottery.

"Next time, we're going for lobster rolls," he said. "Lucas has deep pockets."

Lucas gave him a flat look. "Enjoy your ice cream, Steven."

The group began reminiscing about past summers and memories they had at the boardwalk. At some point, Lucas and Taylor drifted into their own bubble, starting a conversation of their own.

"So," Taylor said between bites of ice cream. "Is this your thing? Paying for girls' ice cream? Or am I just special?"

Lucas smirked. "Definitely not special."

She pretended to gasp. "Ouch. Brutal honesty. I like it."

He laughed softly. "Don't get used to it."

Before Taylor could reply, Steven's voice cut through. "No please, not another Great Boardwalk Showdown."

Lucas blinked. "Great Boardwalk Showdown?"

"Yes!" Belly grinned triumphantly.

Lucas raised an eyebrow. "Bringing it back? Didn't Aunt Susannah ban it after you and Conrad nearly killed each other over skee-ball?"

"That was one time," Conrad muttered.

"Same rules as always," Jeremiah told the group. "Loser buys the winners the biggest bag of candy."

"What about the teams?" Steven asked. "There's four guys and two girls."

"Rock paper scissors," Lucas suggested. "Loser goes with the girls."

"The winner should be with us," Taylor remarked. "You'd be lucky to be on our team."

Lucas rolled his eyes as he squared off with Jeremiah and Steven. One round later, Steven let out a strangled noise of despair.

"No! No way. Best of three."

"A loss is a loss," Lucas said with a grin. "Enjoy braiding each other's hair."

Steven groaned like a man condemned to death. "This is discrimination."

"Come on then," Lucas said. "Let's start at the arcade because it's boiling out here."

And just like that, the group sprinted off to the arcade trying to beat each other to laser tag. Lucas scrambled to get in through the door before Taylor and once they were all there, they suited up in the vests and equipped themselves with the guns.

"All right, everyone, listen up!" Belly said, channelling her inner drill sergeant. "Five rounds. First and last round, everyone plays. Middle rounds are one-on-one, so pick your fighter wisely."

Jeremiah did the countdown to laser tag. "Three, two, one, let's go!"

The place exploded into neon chaos. Lucas darted between glowing walls, heart racing as lights flashed. Each team were exchanging hits left and right and after the first five minutes, the boys were up 17-15 against the girls and Steven.

Lucas crouched behind a barrier, scanning for targets. "Where are you, Jewel?" he called out.

He was on high alert as he began walking through the arena, searching for her. "Come out, come out, wherever you-"

Zap.

His vest buzzed violently, and he froze.

Taylor stood behind him, smug smile lighting up her face. "Looking for me?"

Lucas turned slowly, narrowing his eyes. "Oh, you're dead, Jewel."

She laughed, bright and breathless before she bolted. Lucas took off after her, weaving through corridors, heart pounding for reasons that had nothing to do with the game.

In the end, Conrad and Jeremiah cornered Belly for the final hit, sealing their win.

"Woo! Let's go!" Jeremiah cheered as they took off all their vests.

"Capture the flag next?" Lucas suggested.

Conrad clapped Lucas on the back. "You're our guy, this one was always your specialty."

Taylor rolled her eyes playfully. "I wouldn't trust him with anything given how shit he was at laser tag."

"Wow, big words from you," Lucas countered, his eyes wide as he grinned. "Go on then Jewel, me and you for the next one."

"Bring it, hockey boy."

They headed to the climbing wall where they ran into Cam Cameron who had been working there - to everyone's surprise. He helped Lucas and Taylor get into shoes and harnesses before they took their positions side by side, the wall looming above them.

"On my count," Cam began. "Three...two...one, GO!"

They launched upward, hands scrabbling for holds. Lucas had to give it to her, Taylor had pace and was faster than he expected. Below them both, their respective teams were cheering for them as the adrenaline pushed Lucas to give it just a little bit more.

"Come on, Lucas!"

"Let's go, Taylor!"

The top was in sight and Lucas stretched his hand, managing to grab the flag as Conrad and Jeremiah cheered.

"Yes!" he said triumphantly. "Too easy!"

Taylor groaned. "Unbelievable."

Lucas grinned down at her. "Better luck next time, Tay Tay."

She laughed, flipping him off as she descended.

They decided that the next game was going to be basketball and the elected members to play were Belly and Conrad. Lucas knew that they had a history of being competitive at this game and he was excited to see it unravel.

The first three shots both of them made, making it 3-3. Conrad missed his fourth but sunk his fifth. All Belly needed to do was make her last two shots and not crumble under pressure. She made the first shot and when her fifth ball went in, she threw her arms up like she'd just won the NBA Finals.

Taylor whooped, high-fiving her. "That's my girl!"

It was the dance machine left and as the last two remaining teammates who hadn't done an individual challenge, Jeremiah and Steven were up against each other.

Steven groaned. "Can we just skip to something less humiliating?"

The two took their places on the flashing pads as the music blared. It was neck and neck but by nailing the last combo perfectly, Steven managed to take the win.

"Yes!" Steven yelled, flinging his arms up. "Bow down, peasants!"

Jeremiah stared at the screen. "That's rigged. There's no way."

Lucas laughed so hard his stomach hurt. "Never underestimate Steven's random flukes."

With the score tied, everything came down to the final event: go-karts.

Belly and Conrad claimed solo karts whilst Steven and Taylor shared one along with Lucas and Jeremiah.

"Don't get jealous when we smoke you," Taylor called over to Lucas.

Lucas grinned. "You wish."

The flag dropped, and chaos exploded. Engines roared as the karts shot forward, weaving and bumping along the track.

By the final lap, it was neck-and-neck, Jeremiah and Lucas floored it to overtake Steven and Taylor and with a triumphant yell, Conrad rushed past Belly.

The guys erupted into cheers, high-fiving like they'd just conquered Everest.

"Yes!" Jeremiah yelled.

"Cheaters," Taylor said, pulling off her helmet.

Lucas grinned at her. "Don't be a sore loser."

They wandered to the boardwalk shop to load up on their prize of candy before heading over to the Tower of Terror where Belly's extra punishment awaited. Jeremiah accompanied her as Lucas watched, standing next to Taylor.

"Told you I'd get you back for laser tag," Lucas commented, nudging Taylor lightly.

"You're really milking that win, huh?"

"Wouldn't you?" he teased.

"I would've," she admitted with a grin.

By the time they all piled into cars, night had fallen. Lucas slid into Steven's car with Conrad in the passenger seat. Lucas glanced at Conrad, catching something he hadn't seen in a long time - actual happiness.

"You looked like you had fun," Lucas said casually.

Conrad smiled to himself, not replying but Lucas knew the answer.

"I noticed a vibe between you and my sister today," Steven remarked from the driver's seat.

Conrad laughed. "What?"

"I saw that too," Lucas said from the back. "Just an observation."

"I appreciate your observation. And speaking of vibes...you and Taylor, huh?"

Lucas rolled his eyes. "She's got a boyfriend."

"Yeah, and?" Steven countered.

"And I don't do relationships."

Steven snorted. "Right. Totally convincing."

Lucas didn't reply because he wasn't sure he believed himself. When they pulled into the driveway, the group (plus Cam Cameron) began to walk towards the house, everyone still giddy from their day at the boardwalk.

When they opened the door, Lucas stopped dead in his tracks.

The house was completely empty.

Everything had been taken away.