Chapter32

#Chapter32

She pulls me aside, letting the others pass us. /"You don't have to go. I'll stay behind with you. We can go down to the beach./"

/"No, you wanted to go, you wanted to be with Austin. I'm fine by myself./"

/"I'm not letting you wait by yourself. I'll tell Jonas that we're sitting this one out./"

Before she can run off, I grab her arm. /"Lauren, really, you go. Be with Austin. I'm fine. I'll wait for you guys down by the water, I kinda feel like being alone right now. I just want to have a moment to let things go, okay?/"

She looks unsure. /"I don't know. I'll feel bad leaving you behind./"

I shake my head. /"Don't. Do me a favor and keep an eye on Brandon and Jess if you can./"

/"Fine. I will. Don't go anywhere./"

/"I'll be right down there,/" I say, pointing over the wall, down to the water. /"And if Brandon asks where I am, or if he tries to stay behind, just tell him I need a minute and to go on ahead./"