LIVIA WOKE EARLY the next morning. The Anderson/Carmen household always arrived in the mornings, and she assumed that this year was no different. After quickly getting dressed, Livia sat down to do her makeup. Nothing too much—sunscreen, foundation, concealer, the lightest bit of eyeshadow, mascara and eyeliner, blush, and her favourite Chanel lip gloss. Auntie Xu had already laid out the dresses she'd asked her to wash yesterday, and Livia chose her new favourite—a light blue dress that reached her knees with stitchings of butterflies on the front corset. She gave it a little twirl before the mirror.

She liked it very much.

Her dark hair, she did in a fancy hairdo. It wasn't actually that much—a few braids tied together, a half-up, half-down ponytail that she twisted slightly. That was that.

Her parents were already awake, along with nai nai. Pamela was unsurprisingly not.

Her father glanced at her as she strolled down the stairs. "Plans today, Livia?"

"Depends on what time Brie and Lila arrive," she replied honestly. "I'm going to go for a walk after breakfast, though. It's been a while."

"Will Pamela go with you? The girl ought to head out a bit more." A frown as he said that, before his father reached for his coffee that Auntie Xu had just served.

"I don't think she'll come with me," Livia murmured. "She mentioned something about a shopping trip with Anya today, though, so they're probably doing that."

Their mother moaned. "Not another shopping trip! She already came back yesterday with so many bags!"

"You talk like you don't know your youngest daughter," nai nai said snidely. "Oh, let her get what she wants. She cannot buy the entire town, can she?"

"She doesn't wear half the things she buys," their mother pointed out with some irritation. "It is such a waste. The girl is spoilt, she does not know how to stop. If I ever cut her money, she won't be able to continue living."

"Then I hope you have no intention of cutting her money," nai nai huffed. "She's not all that bad, I have seen far worse."

Their mother knew there was no point continuing the argument, so she turned her attention back to Livia. "Are you not going to go with the twins?"

Livia let out a little snort of surprise. "Ma, I haven't been good friends with the twins for a little while. We rarely talk anymore, honestly."

"Nonsense!" her mother frowned as she narrowed her eyes. "Last summer you three were bound by the hips. It'll take some time, that's all. Besides, this is your last year all together here in Briarville. Although you are going to university together with Amphion, that is good, I suppose. Someone to take care of you."

"If anyone is going to take care of anyone else," Livia said archly, "I'd be the one taking care of him. He can hardly manage himself half the time. I lived in a dorm for years in Hong Kong already." Since she'd been sixteen, her parents had insisted she lived in a school dorm at her international school despite their home not even being half an hour away. It was for independence's sake, they said, though Livia saw no point in it.

Though, that being said, she had no intention of taking care of Amphion Calvert-Egerton. He could find someone else to do that for him if he needed to. A nanny, for example. She was sure he had the money to pay for one if he truly saw the need.

"It's university," her mother huffed. "You're going to be in a strange new place, and you need to protect yourself! You're a girl! It's safer to have a boy you trust around who can watch out for you just in case." She let out a little shiver. "The things that happen at those parties! They drug you and..." her voice trailed off. Livia resisted the urge to roll her eyes.

She wasn't an idiot. And her mother needed to stop worrying. She'd attended plenty of parties in the past few years here in Briarville. Some hosted by people she knew and trusted. Some by complete strangers. She knew how to protect herself. She knew how to take care of herself. And she had years of Thai boxing and karate down her belt as well. She was capable of some basic self-defence.

She understood why her ma was always so concerned. But at the same time, at a certain point, it just became absolutely unnecessary. And even if she did feel the need to find someone for help, it would not be Amphion Calvert-Egerton. She knew an older boy who studied at the university she was going to, someone who used to study at her old school. He was too years above her and someone she trusted very much. They still kept in contact, and he'd given her plenty of tips on how to settle into the university already.

If she did run into trouble, he'd be the one she went to. Not Amphion. Everyone but Amphion.

Fuck Amphion.

He was just such a massive dick. She wanted to punch him in the face. Desperately. He'd deserve it. She'd make it hurt a lot too.

But that was enough of that. Either way, her plan for Amphion Calvert-Egerton was to somehow make it through this summer without committing murder, and then avoiding him at all costs at university. Sure, they'd bump into each other once in a while, but certainly if she tried hard enough she could avoid running into him? He'd probably be doing the same, and if that happened, they'd most likely have their encounters to an absolute minimum. Not even insistent parents could change that.

The conversation about that died down after a bit. Livia went upstairs to grab her phone and her favourite Kate Spade purse before heading back downstairs.

At eight in the morning, there were few people on the private beach of Gabert Street. Actually, there was no one at all with the exception of a few horrific seagulls. Livia always hated them, because their existence meant you could never eat anything outdoors without worrying about a seagull attack.

Livia had put on plenty of sunscreen today, but she still winced when she realised how bright the sun was. Quickly she took out her sunglasses, before continuing on her work.

The rocky texture beneath her feet, Livia sucked in a deep breath. There was salt in the air, leaving a certain tinge on her tongue that she could not quite explain. The sky was ridiculously blue, the sun glaringly bright, and the rocks were warm underneath her. At some point these morning walks had become routine for her. Every week, she'd always select when day when she woke up early no matter how tired she was, and take a walk along this stretch of the beach just like this. She knew this area by heart, knew every stone and every nook and cranny. She knew all the houses and all the trees.

Briarville sometimes felt more like home than home itself.

The waves hit the shore and scattered. The lack of strong wind meant that the waves were weak, and Livia sat down near the edge of the beach, where the water just reached, allowing the liquid to make its way through her toes, leaving a cool sensation. She let her eyes shut and she leaned back slightly.

This was what she loved about Briarville. The sun, the beach, the water. In moments like this everything else was forgotten—it simply did not matter. Nothing else did. It felt like she was the only person in existence, and the entire world was her oyster. She could do anything she wanted to and no one would be able to stop her. No one would be able to make her feel guilty for her decisions, feel embarrassed or humiliated.

But of course, the peace was interrupted.

The commotion came from the street, quite far away from Livia was sitting. She turned and raised her head, noticing a man walking down towards the coastline, taking off his shirt. Clearly, he intended to swim.

Livia's eyes narrowed. She didn't need him to come any closer. It was one of the Calvert-Egerton twins. Which one precisely, she couldn't tell from the distance, but Amphion was the only one who'd ever come out for a morning swim.

She stood up to leave. Her feet was now cold from the water, and her palms were wet as well. She shook her hands to dry them, wiping them on her arms as well. Making a point of ignoring Amphion, she started to head back to the street.

Ten steps. Five steps. And then they were practically right next to each other, mere inches away, and she still didn't turn to acknowledge him. She could have walked further away. Of course she could have. But that would have made her seem like a coward, so she stuck to her path, and he stuck to his.

From the corner of her eye, she saw him pause. Livia didn't, continuing on her way, though she slowed slightly just in case he said something. He did.

He turned his head to her retreatin figure and asked, tone incendiary, "Livia, do you really need to be like this?"

Perhaps she should have responded. But in that moment, her mind went completely blank. How dare he ask her that? How dare he ask her that as if she was the one being ridiculous, as if she was the one overreacting? Did she not have the right to fight back, after all that was said and done last year? Did she not have the right to protect the last bit of her pride?

So she didn't respond. So, in that white hot flame of fury, she kept on walking, fists clenched. She wanted to turn and scream in his face, but she stopped herself from doing so. She had to be the mature one, had to be the calm one in this situation. Amphion Calvert-Egerton was hot-headed, he was willing to rush headfirst into anything and think second, but that was not Livia Wong, who planned and plotted excessively.

It was both her greatest asset and her strongest weakness. She wasn't sure what to make of it at that moment, as the distance between them increased and Livia felt herself get back on the concrete pavement, as she placed down her slippers and stepped into them, turning to the right so that she could get back to her house.

Once she was sure she was out of sight, her walk turned into a sprint. It was nothing surprising that Amphion might show up there at that time of morning. She should have remembered that it was as much part of his routine as it was hers. It was nothing shocking, truly. It was her mistake.

But that was a perfectly good morning walk wasted. Her mother looked surprised as she walked into mansion. "You're back so soon!" she declared, blinking furiously. "I thought you'd be out for longer than that!"

"I decided to cut it short," Livia replied casually. "Is Pamela awake yet?"

"Woke a bit ago," her mother replied. "She's probably getting ready to go out in her room right now. Are you going to drive her?"

Livia snorted. "She can manage the transportation herself, thank you. She's sixteen now, not a baby."

Her mother just shrugged. "I'm sure she can take the bus. I was just wondering if you wanted to get out of the house."

"I'm heading to Brie and Lila's once they get here, I think. Though not immediately, probably after lunch. They need some time to get ready."

"Oh, yes. The Hepburns arrive today as well, don't they? That's all of us gathered. Perhaps we ought to host the first dinner with all of us together? We're never the first people to do it."

"That has nothing to do with me," Livia said pointedly. "You parents arrange that, us kids are just in charge of the eating."

Her mother shooted her a dirty glare. "You ought to start learning these kind of things, Livia. You might want to host dinner parties and house parties at university, you know."

"Ma," Livia laughed, "if I host something like that during university, it won't be the type you can necessarily teach me."

Her mother straightened, and then sighed. "I suppose you're right. You've grown up so fast, sometimes it's a bit disconcerting for me. Sorry I don't seem to be catching up as quickly."

"It's okay, ma," Livia said as she walked over and gave her mother a quick peck on the cheek. "I'll see you around."

Livia went to her room after that, and laid down her laptop on her desk. After connecting to her mechanical keyboard, she began to type away at one of her ongoing drafts. This one was a story about a boarding school and the kids who studied in it. It was the draft she was currently most excited and interested in writing, which was why it was going at a much faster speed than any of her other stories.

Livia's goal, for university, was to try and get one of her novels published. Thing was, her parents had friends in the publishing world, and she could easily get one of them to give her a shortcut if she was that desperate. But that didn't seem right. If Livia managed to get a book published, she wanted it to be due to her own hard work, not because of her family name.

Which was why she worked away tirelessly, especially with her exams ended now. University was bound to be stressful, so she wanted to finish writing as many drafts as possible within this summer. While she still had the time.

She began a two hour writing session. She stopped by eleven, and left for the kitchen, where Auntie Xu had kept a stock of apple juice that she quickly consumed. The apple juice in England just tasted far superior to the ones in Hong Kong. The same with the bread. Livia could not quite understand why. Differences in the way it was produced, she supposed.

She received a text message from Brie then—we're here!

Livia asked when she should head out to theirs so they could meet up. Brie told her that they could go out together for lunch, and Livia happily agreed, telling Auntie Xu as well so that she would not cook extra. No point preparing food that would just be wasted, after all. Then, she went back to get herself ready to head out in a bit.

At twelve thirty Livia left the house. She did not walk to the city centre, since it would be a bit too late by then, but instead took the bus at the end of the street. It was a ten minute ride to the restaurant, where Lila and Brie were already awaiting.

"Liv!" Lila exclaimed when Livia strolled into the restaurant. Italian, which was Brie's favourite. It was the best pizzeria in the town. Livia grinned, producing two bags of goodies from her bag.

"Bought some stuff for you guys from Hong Kong," Livia grinned. "Hope you like it." That was tradition. Unsurprisingly, Brie took out a bag of her own too.

"We went to Jamaica during the Easter holidays, got some stuff for you too."

"Aww," Livia grinned, "thank you so much." She put the paper bag in her own Kate Spade one. "So. How's life?"

"Pretty good," Brie grinned. Brie was dark-skinned, hazel-eyed, with her hair tied in braids that hung off her shoulders. She had on minimal makeup, since she'd never quite bothered (and looked perfect without it anyways), and wore a baby blue tank top with loose jeans.

Lila, on the other hand, was fair-skinned, with light brown hair that had a streak of dyed pink and bright blue eyes. The two step-sisters could not be any more less alike, yet they also got along surprisingly well. The Anderson/Carmen household was not one of absolute peace, but the conflict did not form from the two stepsisters.

"Gosh," Livia exclaimed, "university. Where you two heading?"

Lila pulled a face. "Bristol. Not my first choice, or my second. But I mean, it is still my third. And it's not that bad. I'm doing journalism."

"It's not bad at all," Livia said. "What about you, Brie?"

Brie named her university. It was one renowned for its sports programme, which didn't surprise Livia at all. "They offered me a full scholarship if I stuck to the girls' football team throughout my years there," she explained. "I know it's risky, putting all my eggs in one basket, but I think I can make it professional."

"She definitely can," Lila snorted. "Have you seen what they're calling her? A prodigy."

Brie shook her head. "It's just because of my dad. They do the same to Ben." Ben was her older brother, who was already in his rookie season.

"And Ben is an actual, full-on football prodigy," Lila said, one brow raised. "It runs in your blood, Brie."

Brie made a sound of disgust. "That's what they all say. Anyways, I'm doing sports journalism. Because of course I am."

Livia let out a laugh. "I'm doing History and Politics."

Lila's grin grew. "Good for you, Liv, good for you. That's one more of us with their childhood dream come true."

"Ah, I like to think so," Livia said as a waiter came over to take their menu. She ordered a pepperoni pizza. She was a simple person, though not simple enough to only want margaritas.

She liked a little more taste on her pizzas.

Brie glanced up, suddenly. "You've talked to the twins, right?"

Livia fell silent, contemplating her options. She could lie. Or she could admit the truth, which would have to come out eventually anyways, because there was no way either of the twins would be able to hide this with her for the entirety of the summer. She made up her mind, slowly putting down her drink as she began, "Can I tell you guys something?"

Lila's brow raised. "Yeah?"

"I got into a massive argument with the twins last summer," Livia confessed. "Near the end, like, right before we left. We haven't gotten along ever since, though. I talked to them yesterday—" she decided to omit her fleeting encounter with Amphion earlier today "—and I don't think we're going to kiss and make up about it any time soon."

Lila let out a snort. "We noticed."

Livia blinked, but she wasn't surprised. If anyone'd notice, it would be Lila, who had grown up noticing signs and learning how to read people endlessly in her mother's household. It had been a skill necessary for survival. Lila continued, "I was wondering if it was over yet. What was it about? Or is it a secret?"

That was what she liked about Lila. somehow, she always knew the right thing to say. It was like she could read anyone like an open book, but she knew when to stop, and to make sure you were comfortable about it too. It made you trust her a lot more.

And Livia had known Lila long enough to know that that sense of safety wasn't misplaced. Lila Anderson knew the importance of secrets and privacy very, very well, having grown up under the spotlight. When she was younger, her every move had been watched and spectated from all corners. It wasn't until her mother had married Brie's father, a known private man, that Lila's life slowly exited the attention of tabloids and gossip rags.

And Livia rather thought that Lila praised god for that every second of her life.

Brie was the one Livia had known since they were children. Lila came later, but oftentimes, Livia related far more to Lila than Brie.

Livia said, "I'd prefer keeping the content of the disagreement a secret. It's not anyone's fault or anything, like, I'm still fine with you guys being friends with them. It's just that me, personally, I'd prefer to stay away if I can."

Brie looked sympathetic. "That's not going to be easy."

"I know," Livia sighed, "but I'm going to try my best anyways. What else can I do?"

"Well," Lila drawled, "I don't think it matters at all."

Livia smiled. Lila returned it. The girls started chattering on about other random things as the waiters served the pizzas and the drinks they'd ordered, and then they began eating. The pizza was good, as expected, because this was the best pizzeria in Briarville anymore, and after they finished eating they headed out to the beach.

In the beach before at the town centre, there were plenty of bars and clubs and restaurants. There was even a boba shop, awkwardly lodged between two clubs. But it was a good one, so Livia dragged the other two in and they each left with a cup of ice cold boba in hand. Livia ordered the oolong milk tea, one of her personal favourites.

They started trailing up and down the beach, continuing their discussion. Livia knew that both girls wouldn't stay out too late tonight—they'd probably head back in less than an hour to continue unpacking, which they certainly hadn't completed yet.

"What are you going to do about the twins, then?" Brie asked, brows creased.

"Avoid them unless I can't. If I can't, I'll try to play along if it's in front of the parents, but I can't promise the same if it's just as kids."

Lila mused, "Does Sarah know?"

"You know what?" I confessed. "I actually have no idea. The twins have always been relatively good friends with her, and they know she doesn't get along with me, so they might have told her. But at the same time... I just don't know."

Lila narrowed her eyes. "There could be reasons for letting her know. Like, if they were seeking advice or anything, Sarah would have been the only one among all of us they'd have trusted. But I guess we'll see." She glanced at me. "I know you two don't get along, but Sarah's not a bad person, you know."

"We just don't get along, me and her."

"Fire and ice," Brie mused. "Neither of you are willing to back down. Actually, it's quite similar to you and Amphion."

Wryly, I said, "So it's my problem, I guess."

"No. No," Lila shook her head. "It's not anyone's fault. It's just how some people work, that's all. We all make our enemies."

"Reunions are going to be awkward," Brie commented. "Has any plans been made yet?"

"My parents are already considering it," I offered. "I don't know if they'll actually do it, but my mum was talking about it earlier."

"Within the week, probably," Lila sighed. "Can't believe we're all back again. But it feels different this year, doesn't it?"

"Well, most of us are graduated and heading to university. I doubt we'll all continue this tradition after that. Maybe some of us will come back during summers, but not all of us."

"I don't think I'll come as regularly anymore, especially not during summer," I confirmed. "Like, I'll be studying here already. Summers will be for me to go back home in Hong Kong. I might come at the start or the end for like, two weeks or something, just to visit my grandma, but that's about it."

"Expected," Lila said. "All good things have to come to an end."

"Things come and things go," Brie said in a sing-song voice. "I remember when we all started, when we all first met. Who would have thought we'd end up like this?"

This town encompassed too much of their childhood. Every year, the most important months were spent here. Despite never seeing each other outside of those two summer months, they somehow knew each other like they'd spent an eternity together. This town was all their happiest memories and their bitterest of tears. It was every wound and every bruise that they'd gotten as they stumbled towards adulthood. The sea they'd long claimed as theirs before they'd even realised how big it was. Once upon a time they'd considered themselves little gods and goddesses, with the whole world under their feet.

Perfection came at a price, and they were all paying for it now. Not just Livia. It was the pain of leaving, the pain of knowing that all of this was coming to an end, that this was their last bravado, that the curtains were going to be pulled shut.

Two months, and all of this became nothing but memories they might laugh at in a decade's time. It seemed so insignificant when you thought of it that way. It felt so unimportant. But these months shaped them. These months made them who they were. People who had absolutely nothing to do with each other except some shared wealth and this cosy little seaside town, tied together by the never-ending waves and the rocky beach of Briarville.

can we give this book some love :((((