Chapter 1

  "Of course, I like you, Ken. You're extremely smart, handsome, hardworking, funny, and amazing." "I wouldn't say I'm all that," I stated while covering my red cheeks. "You're humble as well. That's another thing I like about you." She put one of the rings and then grabbed my hand so she can put on the other on my hand. "Want to know a secret?" I nodded. "The angel in the short story was you. You helped me from my loneliness and helped me get rid of my timidity. Thanks." After saying that she kissed me on my cheek and then hugged me.

  "Aww, such a lovely cou…" Before Alexander could finish his sentence, he was punched in the head by Samantha. "What was that for?" "Things could have been juicier but you ruined our hiding. You ruin everything. You're a numbskull." "You're so mean, Sam." "And I will stay mean." The both of us chuckled at their bickering. "We might be the couple but you're acting like one." "Because today is a special day for you, I won't slap you but don't push your luck mister." I took that warning quite seriously because Samantha isn't the type to bluff.

  "Do you guys want to be alone or want us to stay with you all?" "We've spent enough time together. Haven't we Yumi?" "We sure have. Time to hang with the gang." We headed into the water and got ambushed by Samantha's and Alexander's water guns. After being shot at for a while we decided to pair up and make sand castles. It was boys versus girls and I refused to lose. Lamentably, I was on a team with someone who sucked at making sandcastles so I had to do most of the work on my own. The girls ended up winning and our pride was attacked.

  Proceeding after gloating from Samantha, we decided to play beach volleyball. Unaccounted for, Jazmine and Dacia joined so it was a three-on-three. My team consisted of Dacia, Samantha, and myself. I was kind of nervous because we had to go up against Jazmine who was very athletic but then I remembered I was very athletic as well. The game was first to eleven and it was a close game. Jazmine set up for a slam by Samantha and I barely was able to save it. Dacia then spiked the ball and caused us to win. That refreshed my pride and I didn't let my chance to boast slip from me.

  It got late so all of us headed home. This gave Ayumi and me a chance to be alone once more. "How long have you liked me Ayumi?" "Ever since you asked me to be your friend. What about you?" "Around Christmas. I'm so glad we're together." "Same for me." We continued talking until we reached Ayumi's house. "Well, this is goodbye for now. Last time I'll see you for summer." "Bye-bye, Ken." We hugged and I waved at her as she walked inside her house. I then left after ensuring she got inside safely. It grew dark and the stars lit my path home.

  I sat down on my veranda and gazed at the lustrous stars and moon. I then got a call from the gang. "Today was fun; I can't wait for our next beach day." "I agree with Alex. It was loads of fun despite having to deal with you impudent boys." "Wow, you just had to be mean Sam. Well, it was highly expected." "What's that supposed to mean." "I said what I meant and meant what I said." "I would slap you if we were face to face." "Ha. Too bad we're talking on our phones then." "I swear I'll slap the stupidity out of you the next time I see you, Alex."

  "School starts back tomorrow. I can't wait to practice with the team again." "I can't wait to join back choir." "Wait a sec. I didn't know you were in the choir." "I gotta keep using my voice or it will not maintain its prestige." "I just want to spend my time in the school's library all day. Maybe I could borrow a thesaurus to aid me in my story writing." "I wanna go in the computer lab and play games as long as I can." "Guess we each have our tasks. Also, I miss the others." "Remember how they helped us put Ryan in his place." We all laughed as we reminisced on that funny moment.

  "How about we have a sleepover with the others?" Samantha asked. We all agreed but we would have to wait to see if the others were up for it. So, we decided to put off planning it for another day. It started to get late so we put down our phones and headed to bed. I had a hunch that I would meet my younger self in a dream state that night and of course, I was right. As soon as I saw him, he had a wide grin on his face. "Look at you. Having a girlfriend. Must be nice." "Yeah, I'm looking forward to going on dates with Yumi." "Yeah, good luck with that."

  We talked to each other for a bit until something strange happened. He disappeared and then I saw blurry a silhouette of my father with my dad and a woman that had a baby. The silhouette of the woman was unfamiliar so I was curious about who she was. I also doubted that the baby was me. I was riddled with confusion. I wondered what this dream meant and before I knew it, I woke up. I then rushed to grab my phone and called the gang. Luckily, they all answered and asked me why I woke them up so early in the morning. I responded, "I had a weird dream just now."

  "What was it?" Ayumi asked of me. "I saw a silhouette of my dad next to a woman I had no clue about and she was holding a baby." "Bro, that's so random." "Maybe you got the dream because you miss your dad." "Dude that gotta be wrong. That man put his hands on my bro and forced his mom to the floor there is no way he misses him," he paused for a second, "I'm right aren't I Ken?" "Actually, I do kinda miss my dad," I replied softly. I could tell Alexander was disappointed in me because he suddenly became silent."