Daisy was lounging on her bed on a quiet day in the summer when she heard the soft rumbling of a truck coming closer to her house. She smiled and jumped up, ran out her front door and sat on her porch step to await the on-coming vehicle. After two agonizing minutes, the truck pulled up to her house. A tall redhead was behind the wheel. Her smile grew as she saw her best friend. It was going to be the best birthday.

"Hey Daisy, hop in! Happy birthday by the way!" he called out to her. Daisy bounded over to the truck and climbed into the front seat.

"Thank you, Rory, I'm the first one?" Daisy asked (but stated it more like a statement than a question.)

"Yep, we're off to pick up Sage and Noelle next. They're together because, well, you know. And besides, I had to pick up the birthday girl first!" Rory informed her, rolling his eyes. Daisy chuckled.

"I know what you mean, and naturally" Daisy replied teasingly. Rory chuckled.

"Let's just hope they're not doing anything rated more than PG," Rory joked. Daisy chuckled.

"Yeah, I definitely hope so too. Let's make a bet: $5 if they're making out. You on?" Daisy asked.

Rory grinned.
"Deal although, I'm probably gonna lose $5," he joked. Daisy chuckled.

"Probably."

The conversation ended there until they arrived at Sage's house to pick up the other 50% of the friend group.

"Who should knock on the door and interrupt their make-out session, you or me?" Daisy joked. Rory gave Daisy a look of mock horror.

"How about we both do it," he suggested, making Daisy roll her eyes.

"Fine, coward, we can both do it," she replied and got out of the car. She and Rory walked up to the front door together and rang the doorbell. A solid 5-minutes went by before Sage and Noelle emerged, both flushed and with wrinkled clothing. Rory reluctantly gave Daisy a $5 bill. Daisy grinned at him and murmured so only he could hear her;

"I told you!" Rory rolled his eyes and shook his head, yet smiling at the same time. He just couldn't find himself to be mad at someone like Daisy Ray. Without saying another word, the four young adults climbed into the truck and headed off to the beach to celebrate Daisy's birthday.

"So, it's been a while since we've all been together. I mean, school got out so long ago and we haven't seen each other since our graduation parties. Let's all take a quick moment to go over what we've been doing for these last like two months," Sage suggested. The rest of the friends groaned.

"Sage, we know each other so well! What is the point of that?" Rory complained. Daisy muttered an agreement under her breath.

"I don't know, it could be fun," Noelle said softly yet confidently, as was her character.

"Of course you would side with your boyfriend," Daisy teased. Noelle's porcelain complexion turned a bright shade of red as Daisy teased her.

"Leave me alone!" Noelle whined.

"Ok ok ok I'll start if it will stop the complaining!" Sage yelled over everyone. "I'm Sage Bush and I'm going to the University of Florida for Engineering. I'm going to be able to garden every day! I'm so excited! I've been spending my days with Noelle, obviously, and when she's not around I tend my garden. Who's next?"

"Fine, I'll go. I'm Daisy Ray and I think this is stupid. I'm going to the University of Arizona to study Biomedical Science. I spend my days swimming in my pool and reading my books. Rory, you go next," Daisy replied to Sage.

Rory groaned.

"Fine. I'm Rory Fall and I also find this stupid. I'm going to the University of Tennessee for Journalism. I spend my days playing literally any kind of sports with my brothers and packing for school, which I assume everyone else is doing."

"I guess I'm last then," Noelle said after Daisy and Sage glanced her way. (Rory was focussed on the road.)

"Well, I'm Noelle Snow and I'm going to the University of Michigan for Medical science. I'm going to try to get into med school and become a pediatrician. I spend my days inside, hating the heat, and wishing it was cold. I hate the sun because my skin burns. And we are here where my skin will be exposed and will look like a lobster tomorrow. Yay," Noelle complained.

The other three laughed as Rory pulled into a parking space.

"Welcome to the last time we will all be together for a long time," Rory said. Everyone groaned.

"Why did you have to make it sad?" Daisy complained as they took everything out of the truck for their day at the beach.

"I guess we'll just have to enjoy the time we have left with each other. I mean, we're all going to be so far away from each other. It's going to be difficult, but we're going to have to do it," Sage replied as they began walking to the lake.

"I suppose you're right but it still sucks," Daisy pouted.

"Oh don't be sad! It's your 18th birthday!" Noelle pointed out.

"I guess but still. I'm going to miss you guys so much!" Daisy cried.

"Oh no, Daisy, not now. At least wait until later to get emotional!" Rory groaned. Everyone else grumbled in agreement.

"Fine fine I'll just pretend not to care!" Daisy exclaimed dramatically. There was a collective eye-rolling.

Eventually, they stopped complaining and arguing and found a place to dump their things before jumping into the lake water. No matter where their lives take them, the four of them would always be friends. No matter how badly they argue or how annoyed they get with each other, the four of them will always be there to support each other. Even though they were going to be far away, they would still love each other. They knew God would be with them wherever they went.

This is my entry for @BrendaDaaeDestler and @XCloudy_SkyeX's monthly contest #5 Seasonal Friends. I went right up to 1000 words so that's why the ending is a bit cut off. Anyway, I hope y'all enjoy this kinda crappy short story!