Chapter 24

Andy's POV

A week has passed since the barbecue, and Bree still hasn't told me what had happened with her father that day. I made a few attempts to get her to talk to me, but each time she waved me away and put on that fake smile. And every time, I backed down, knowing how stubborn she could be. I figured if she wanted to tell me, she would. I was just worried about her.

In the meantime, I had something I was battling with. I had been avoiding Jason like the plague since that day. It wasn’t just because Bree was acting weird around him, it was also because, well, he was Bree’s father, and the idea of getting too close to him felt… wrong. Especially now that things were weird between him and Bree. But deep down, I knew it was because I was afraid that getting too close to him might stir up feelings or complicate things. I couldn't help the way I felt around him.

I had also slowly started to loosen up again. I had not been out in a long time, but in the last few days, I had resumed my social life and started going out with Bree more. Although, I had been intentionally avoiding the beach because of what happened the last time I was there. I shuddered every time the thought crossed my mind.

My eyes were brighter and more relaxed, even though I had not completely gotten over everything.
I had suggested to Bree that we should go to the beach on the condition that we wouldn't stay too late and she excitedly agreed. She was obviously happy to see that things were getting better.

So, today we were at the beach with her friends, taking in the warm waves of the sun and the sound of the waves.
Yes. I said I was better but I was still a bit tense to be back there and amongst people but I tried my best to loosen up and relax.

The beach was buzzing with life. Kids laughing as they played, the waves crashing against the shore, and the sun casting a warm glow over the sand.

Our group had staked out a spot near the water, a small patch of towels and umbrellas where Bree, Tyler, Emily and I were lounging around. I sat beside Bree and leaned back on my arms, watching as the waves crashed at the shore over and over again. Everything felt peaceful, for the first time in a while. But, of course, peace never lasted long.

“Well, well, look who we have here,” Someone said with a voice full of venom. I knew immediately who it was without having to turn around and that said a lot because I had only ever heard her voice once.

Marissa.

Bree’s shoulders tensed beside me, and I felt my own stomach drop. Why? I had no idea but the fear was there.
I hadn’t seen Marissa since… well, since that night with Jake. The night he almost… I shook the memory away, but my heartbeat quickened, my breath slowly becoming labored.

I turned to face her as I tried to look carefree. Marissa stood there in her perfect beach attire, sunglasses perched on top of her now blue hair. Wasn't it pink last time? Geez. It looked terrible on her.
She crossed her arms over her chest. Her eyes were fixed on me and a cruel smile played on her lips.

“How are you, Andy?” She said, but nothing about the way she said it was sweet, her voice was loud enough to draw the attention of a few people sitting close to us.

Without giving me the chance to answer, she continued.
“You haven't even been here for long, and you're already causing problems” she said and I tensed. Something didn't feel right about the way she said it.

I gritted my teeth and tried not to freak out. “Marissa, what are you talking about?” I asked.

She smacked her lips and tossed her hair over her shoulder. She was obviously enjoying the attention.
“Oh, you understand exactly what I mean. It's ‘rumored’ that you and Jake got freaky just the other day.” she said, air quoting ‘rumored’.

My blood turned to ice. Jake. All those memories from that night came rushing back, and I shuddered just hearing his name. I could barely breathe for a moment because of how heavy it felt against my chest. I glanced around to make sure nobody else had heard, but she was pretty loud, so only naturally, everyone who was within earshot was staring in our direction.

Bree's hands had balled into fists by her sides, and her face had turned pale.
“Marissa, stop.” she warned.

Marissa ignored her, her gaze locked on me, a twisted sort of satisfaction in her eyes.

“What’s wrong, Andy? Where’s that sharp tongue of yours now? You had a lot to say before, didn’t you?” she nicked.

I wanted to scream- to yell at her, to tell her to shut up, but my throat felt tight, like I could not get the words out, like I couldn't breathe. I was sure all the color must have drained from my face. Bree, Tyler, and Emily were all as angry as I was, but they stood motionless, not knowing what to do.

Somehow, I finally found my voice.

“I didn't do anything with Jake,” I said,my voice a bit shaky.
“You have no idea what you're talking about.” I added and she snorted.

“Oh, I know exactly what I'm saying.” Marissa shot back, drawing forward and spoke in a low, dangerous voice.

“And I know you’re just trying to play the victim. But everyone knows the truth. You wanted him. Why else would you be alone with him on the beach that night? We saw you follow him” she said and I had to bite my tongue to prevent from shouting.

I felt like I was going to become sick. How on earth could she say that? How could she stand there, so smug, acting like she knew anything about what happened that night?

“You’re sick, Marissa,” Tyler said, his voice sharp. He stood up, his tall frame towering over her.
“You don’t know what happened. Leave her alone.” he said.

Marissa’s lips curled into a sneer.
“Oh baby. Poor, poor Tyler, always the knight in shining armor. Let me tell you something, though. Jake does not deserve to be behind bars for something this foolish. Andy obviously wanted it, so maybe it’s time someone made sure he gets out.”

My heart stopped.

Bree shot to her feet.
“You wouldn’t dare,” she hissed, her voice shaking with barely contained rage.
“You can’t.” she said, her tone a clear warning.

A sickening smile. Eyes that were empty and void of mercy. She was clearly enjoying this.

“Oh, I think I can. My dad’s got connections, you know. And he can get Jake out in no time. Easy peasy” she said.

Panic surged through me. This couldn’t be happening. Jake was in jail, and that was where he belonged. But if Marissa was serious… if she could really pull some strings… I felt dizzy and the ground started spinning under me.

“Get out of here, Marissa,” Emily said, her voice hard as steel.
“No one wants you here.” she added.

Marissa glanced around, taking in all the angry glares aimed her way. She shrugged, unbothered.
“Whatever. I’ve got better places to be anyway.” She turned and began walking away, tossing one last comment over her shoulder.
“But I’ll be seeing you soon, Andy. Jake will too.” she said and my lips parted in obvious fear.

My heart started racing as I glanced at her, trying to process what had just transpired. My chest tightened and I started feeling fearful- it wrapped around me like a blanket.
Jake… out of jail? That couldn’t happen. It just couldn’t.

Bree put a hand on my arm, her touch grounding me.
“Don’t listen to her,” she said softly, though her voice was laced with uncertainty.

I swallowed, looking at her desperately. “Bree… do you think she can really do it? Get him out?” I asked.

She hesitated for a bit, and I could tell everything I needed to know by the way she paused. When she eventually answered, her lips formed a narrow line.
“I… I don’t know.” she said.

My stomach twisted into knots, dread settling in like a dark cloud. I turned to Tyler, hoping he could reassure me, tell me that Marissa was just bluffing.

But Tyler looked serious, his usual carefree attitude gone.
“Her dad’s crazy rich,” he said quietly.
“And he’s got connections. If Marissa really wants to, she could make some calls. Maybe get someone to take another look at Jake’s case.” he said and my hands balled into fists, my nails digging into my palms.

It felt as if everything was crashing down all around me. My chest tightened with anxiety and I was unable to breathe. If Jake got out… if he came after me.

Oh no.