Moon Brothers: The Brotherhood of the Blue Moon

By Talia Sallem

This is a romantic, fantasy, and action story that follows a young man in his twenties on his amazing journey of love and heartbreak, losing his first love, and finding out he doesn’t really know who and what he is. His struggle to adapt to a new world that he didn’t know existed. He finds himself and discovers extraordinary things on his path to happiness again, facing danger and fighting for his life. It’s a historical journey about his Scottish roots and the customs of his people. He loses loved ones and makes new friends along the way as he discovers the wolf within.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Partridge Publishing Singapore
• Release date: May 31, 2017
• ISBN: 9781543741407

Talia Sallem

Talia Sallem is a wife and mother of four and grandmother of two. Born and raised in Lappland in the north of Sweden. Always had a passion for writing since an early age. There is nothing like a good book on the weekend and play with the grandchildren. Working as a kitchen designer for a worldwide company designing, creating and making people’s dreams come to life. Time to fulfill her own dreams.

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Copyright © 2017 by Talia Sallem.

Cover design: Self-Pub Book Covers.com/La Lima Design

Author photo: Daydream.photo by Ella Hanochi

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced by any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping or by any information storage retrieval system without the written permission of the author except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

www.partridgepublishing.com/singapore

CONTENTS

Chapter One: New Beginnings

Chapter Two: The Weekend Of My Life

Chapter Three: Disaster

Chapter Four: On The Road

Chapter Five: Home Sweet Home

Chapter Six: Learning To Belong

Chapter Seven: Change Is Coming

Chapter Eight: Happy Ever After

Chapter Nine: Preparations

Chapter Ten: New Revelations

Chapter Eleven: Betrayed By Blood

Chapter Twelve: Hand Fastening

Chapter Thirteen: Ceremony

Chapter Fourteen: Time To Play

Chapter Fifteen: Pain And Joy

Chapter Sixteen: Hard Decisions

Chapter Seventeen: Lost And Found

Chapter Eighteen: Safa And Sound

CHAPTER ONE

NEW BEGINNINGS

F inally, it was over. It was my last day at College. It felt great walking home knowing that I was done with mathematics, chemistry, biology, physics, or any studying whatsoever for the time being. I had worked my ass off the last four years since I started College. I graduated high school with honors one year before all my classmates. The school administration decided to let me skip a whole year. I've got a few months off before I go to University next fall to continue my studies to become a licensed registered Vet.

My name is Luke, by the way. I'm twenty and will be twenty-one on the 7th of October this year. My Mom and I are currently living in Clearwater, Florida, near the coast. I was born in Canada but moved with my Mom when I was four years old after my father was killed in the army.

I can't say I remember him or anything about where we used to live in Canada. I don't mind that we moved. Mom decided to take us south to Florida to start over, and I couldn't agree more with her decision. I love Florida with all the sunny beaches, and the girls are not too bad. I have always loved the warm sun and couldn’t imagine living without it.

To live in the middle of nowhere with snow most of the year doesn't sound too exciting to me. My Mom never talks about dad; she only told me small details about him and how much she loved him and loved him still. When I was younger, I used to ask her about him; she never really answered any of my questions. I guess it has not been easy for her to be left alone to raise me on her own with no support what so ever from family.

At some point I stopped asking questions. Still, I have never even seen a picture of my father, and it would have been nice to know a little more about him, but I let it rest not to hurt Mom. I've got the best Mom ever, and she has always been there for me. She never remarried and never went on dates. Sometimes I wish somebody would sweep her off her feet. Although she seems like she misses my dad, it doesn't look like it bothers her that she is alone. She is very independent, and she has her work, which she loves and keeps her busy. So what do I know?

She is a veterinarian. I inherited my interest and love for animals from her. For as long as I can remember, I have been helping her out in her clinic. You could say I grew up there. Animals have always been a big part of my life, and even though I'm still studying, I have assisted my Mom in quite a lot of small and large operations. I love working there with her, and she knows what she's doing. There's a special bond between her and all the animals.

There is also an outstanding bond between us; we are best friends. All my buddies think she's hot and that she looks more like my sister than my mother. They are right about that, good genes in the family, I guess. She makes a good living from her hard work, and I never felt like anything was missing in my life. Mom raised me to an understanding that nothing comes free in life.

I had to work to pay off my studies and if I wanted a little extra for having fun. Mom promised to get me a car for my next birthday if I kept up the excellent work and grades. All my friends have had cars since they were sixteen.

Since childhood, I have always been a bit unusual. I'm a nerd in every sense of the word, but nobody would take me for one. My daily workouts make me like what I see in the mirror every morning. The gym is my favorite space after the clinic. I got a black belt in Judo and have been training since God knows when. Friends and girls have never been a problem; girls are always checking me out and asks me out pretty often. I have had my share of them but nothing serious so far. I have never felt a connection with any of the girls I've dated. They were all good looking, but somehow, I always expected more.

Walking home made me feel free. The sun was shining, and I could feel the sweat running down my back, but I loved the summer. I walked next to the beach, and it was already crowded with students enjoying their first day of freedom. The waves were hitting the reefs and splashing high in the sky. I couldn't wait to catch the waves with my surfboard. It was going to be a great summer, starting today. How little did I know that my life soon should be turned upside down and never be the same again.

There was no time to waste; I needed to get home and get ready for the weekend. It was the last summer all the friends were still together. Everybody was starting to move away to different cities, universities, or going away traveling for a more extended period.

We all decided that we would kick off the summer with a weekend together, just hanging out and having fun. Since first grade, we've known each other, and we've stuck together even if we didn't always study in the same schools or classes.

Some friends were lost along the way, and others were added throughout the years. You couldn't wish for better buddies.

We used to drive to Caspersen Beach every summer; it is a two-hour drive south. We spent a lot of summers and weekends there. This year was no different. The deserted beaches are a perfect getaway spot and an ideal place for spending quality time together. Since I didn't have a car, I was lucky to have many friends who did. We had a modest house of two floors; I had my own flat upstairs and plenty of space when the friends came over to hang out. The feeling inside was good as I reached home.

Hi, Mom! I called out as I came through the front door. She was cleaning the windows in the living room.

Hi there, finished already? She smiled at me and got down from the ladder. Did everything go well?

We finished early. I guess the teachers were also in a hurry to get some time off. I smiled at her.

Are you hungry? Can I get you anything to eat before you leave?

No, everything is fine, I ate at school, and we will have a barbeque on the beach later, so don't bother, but thanks anyway. I need to get ready and pack some stuff; Bran will pick me up later.

I hope you will take it easy with the drinking, you remember, last time you drank too much? I don't want to have to come and pick you up at the hospital again. Promise me that!

Mom, that happened once, and it was three years ago. I was heartbroken when Dana broke up with me that evening. Give me a break. Will you? Now I have no girlfriend who can break up with me. I'm only with my friends. We will probably have a few beers, but don't worry. Nobody will let me go overboard this time. There is no need to worry. My last encounter with the toilet, and my Mom was holding my head as I was puking my guts out, was not a great experience.

I don't recommend it. She was always worrying about me; it's like she constantly thinks the worst will happen. A little bit annoying at times. To study close to home was a decision made for her benefit more than mine. I'm the only one she has; I guess that's part of the game. But I love her no matter what.

I hope you will have fun and enjoy the weekend. We need to sit down and have a talk when you get back from the trip. There is no time now, so it can wait until you get back.

You sound serious. Should I be worried? Are you getting married or something? I smiled at her.

No, silly! She smiled at me. Everything is ok. Nothing to worry about, you go and have fun. We'll have plenty of time to talk when you come back."

We had planned this weekend a few months ago, and we intended to make the most of it. Relaxing, swimming, and eating and drinking and having fun and not thinking about books or anything else for a change.

I ran upstairs to get everything ready for the weekend. It would be a little different this time since many of my friends had girlfriends, and there were only two of us left single. That was Bran and I. We've been best friends for as long as I can remember. She is a few months younger than me. We went to the same schools and classes most of our lives, and she's always been there for me. We even grew up on the same street. She lives with her parents, just a few houses down the road. Even though she's a girl, she has been my best friend among all of them. A lot of people mistake us for a couple.

But there has never been anything between us. We played together when we were small, and we always connected in a weird kind of way. She is a beautiful girl, well maybe a girl was not the right word but a young woman in her prime. She turns heads wherever she goes.

When I had a crush on somebody, she was always there when I needed somebody to talk to. I would never open up to my friends about things that I told her. She never made fun of me and was still very understanding when I was down. When I was with my first girl, I talked to her about it, and it always felt so good to have her there.

She never dated anybody, and some guy that she turned down when he asked her on a date started a rumor that she was not interested in boys. I asked her once, but then I had a blue bruise on my arm for a whole week after that. She had more important things to do than dating, she explained to me. She never cared about what people said about her, and occasionally it felt like she lived on a different planet. There was a feeling that she didn't belong. Many times I didn’t understand her at all; sometimes, she was a complete mystery.

She's got long blond hair with soft curls falling down her back, covering her back almost down to her knees. And her eyes are bluer than the brightest sky, and most people thought they were fake. Stunningly beautiful is all I can say. We were going to spend the weekend together in my tent. That shouldn't be a problem, but it was. I don't know when it happened and when everything changed for me, or if the buried feelings had always been there deep inside me somewhere waiting to come out.

Suddenly Bran became a woman, not a little girl anymore. It all happened overnight. When I look back, it happened around the time she turned twenty. She started to disappear a few days in a row every month, and she didn’t want to tell me where she had been. To talk to her became harder, and I started to keep more distance from her. She became someone I didn't know all of a sudden. I think that deep inside, I had feelings for her since we were children. She felt me pulling away, but she didn't ask me why, and I would never tell her.

The thought crossed my mind many times how good it would feel to hold her in my arms. Then I almost hit my head on the wall just for thinking the thought. It would be a strange weekend with her in a tent alone. I would kill myself before I did something stupid. I couldn't imagine losing our friendship over something like this. Things were changing, and I was frustrated and didn't know what to do about it. Packing a bag with what I needed for the weekend was one way to not think about her. I got a weird feeling inside, and it had been there for some time. I almost started to worry that something was wrong with me.

I packed a tent and a sleeping bag; even if it was probably too hot to sleep in them, we could always sleep on them. Bran was on my mind the whole day, and it has been getting painful at times when my head ran away with thoughts about her. I was wondering why she was always so much on her own. She didn't have any girlfriends besides our friends, and even with them, she didn't spend time alone, only with me. Many broken hearts were left behind her, but you couldn't help yourself not to love her. She would knock my head off if she knew what I was thinking about; I smiled to myself as I was getting ready.

God, this will be a difficult weekend, having her there next to me in the tent for two whole nights. I won’t make a move on her and destroy what we have. She has always been there for me.

One of my ex-girlfriends was so jealous of my relationship with Bran that she broke up with me. Bran, on the other hand, was there to help me through it all. I never told her that it was because of her we broke up. The girl gave me an ultimatum, her or Bran. There was never a doubt about who I would choose. I told the girl to take a hike. Bran was more important than she was. How could I destroy that? She never made any hint that she was jealous when I had girlfriends.

Even if they never lasted very long. Deep inside, it felt better knowing she was not going out with anybody. God, I wouldn't be able to stand seeing her with somebody else. Never once did I get the feeling that she saw me as more than a friend. It has been one and a half years since my last girlfriend. I guess she was the reason for that. It didn't feel right when my heart was somewhere else altogether. I hoped we would be awake most of the night anyway.

I had plenty of time until she was supposed to pick me up. Her parents got her a car for her eighteenth birthday. Since I didn't have one, I usually got to ride with her. I had everything ready for the trip and still had three hours to kill until she was supposed to pick me up. A quick decision and a change of clothes and I was ready. I needed to cool down, and a run was the perfect solution for that. To burn some energy and to clear my head. I grabbed my headphones and ran downstairs.

Are you leaving already? Mom asked as I met her in the kitchen.

I'm going for a run. Bran is coming later; I still have some time to burn. I told her as I opened the door.

I can always find you something to do here. Mom smiled as I walked out the door.

Thanks, Mom, not today got a lot on my mind, need some time to think. I told her as I was running down the front steps. I already knew that she could tell that something was not right. She could read me like an open book sometimes. I ran down the street and turned left in the direction of the park. We had a great running track, and it was conveniently close to home. A big park that made you feel like you left the city far behind.

Only the sound of a car here and there told you otherwise. I came here a lot lately to clear my head. I stopped for a while to warm up my muscles with some stretching before I hit the track.

I put my headphones on and turned on my favorite music to listen to while I ran. It was so relaxing to listen to music. I was alone on the track, and I didn't need anybody right now. I felt anxious inside, and once I started running, I felt sick.

The weekend was in my head, and it made me nervous. I let everything go and allowed the sun to hit my chest, making me sweat. I ran. It felt like somebody was chasing me, or as if the devil was close behind. It was good to burn some energy before the evening so that there might be a chance to fall asleep as soon as we hit the tent.

After an hour of running, I needed to stop; if I hadn't felt the pain in my legs, I would have probably kept going. I came back to earth very fast as my mind caught up with my body. My head was empty during the run, but now everything came back.

Suddenly I couldn't breathe. I sat down next to a big tree since my legs couldn't hold me anymore. I put my head between my legs, breathing in and out deeply, trying to relax. I felt like I was falling apart inside and felt like screaming out my frustration where I was sitting. What on earth was happening to me?

And don't tell me I was lovesick even if I was sure that was the case. I had no clue what to do. I have never finished the track that fast and was sure

I made a new record. I got myself to relax, and slowly my breathing got back to normal with my heartbeat as well. I’ve got no clue how long I sat there, but I knew it was time to get back home. I got up and ran slowly to make sure not to collapse on the way. I don't know how I reached home, but I ran upstairs before my Mom would come with some questions, and if she had seen me, she would have plenty.

I got undressed in haste and left everything on the floor, and hit the shower. I didn't wait for the warm water; just got inside and let the cold water cool me down.

Luke! What's up? Are you getting out soon? Bran called out all of a sudden from my room. We have to get moving soon.

Shit, it was Bran outside my bathroom door. Talk about bad timing. I turned the hot water on and took a few minutes and got out of the shower, and grabbed a towel as I called out to her.

Coming, give me a sec. Will you? I pulled myself together and walked out to my room in a cloud of steam that got out along with me.

She was lying on my bed with her hand holding up her head, watching me as I got out. Bran was wearing a summer dress in bright colors. Her hair was falling free. She usually pulled it up because it was so long. God, she was stunning.

Can't a guy take a shower in peace anymore? I smiled as I looked at her. I walked over to my closet and turned my back to her as I started to look for something to wear.

If I had known you filled out this much lately, I would have interrupted your showers more often.

She laughed behind my back. Looking good, Luke.

Was she checking me out? From the sound of her voice, she was sincere about what she said and liked what she was seeing. I would have loved to turn around and see her face, but I didn't.

Can I get dressed please so we can get moving?

Shy all of a sudden? Are we?

You wish! Forgot that we used to take baths together as kids?

I think we changed a little bit since then, both of us, don't you think? She was smiling. I could hear it in her voice.

I pretty much look the same as I did then, I answered Bran while drying my hair with a towel. Don't you agree? I knew that I looked good; nobody would tell you otherwise. I liked what I saw in the mirror in the morning.

Girls always loved me. I turned my head over my shoulder and looked at her as I dropped the towel around my waist. She looked up and looked me in the eyes for a sec and then she got off the bed in a hurry. She was blushing. Her eye went down my body.

Get dressed! I'm waiting downstairs, she called out as she ran out of my room.

You do that, I smiled at her. I laughed at her.

If you are not downstairs in five, I'm leaving you behind, and for your information, you look good, but don't let it go to your head.

I got dressed in five minutes with a big fat smile on my face. I can't believe I did that, but she admitted she liked how I looked. I grabbed my bags and the rest of my stuff and went downstairs. Bran was sitting at the table in the kitchen with my Mom. This weekend would be a weekend to remember.

Ready to go? Bran smiled at me with a big grin on her face.

When will you get back? Mom wondered.

We will be back Sunday, sometime in the middle of the day or closer to the evening, I told her and hugged her.

Bran, you make sure he doesn't go overboard. Mom said to her. I will keep an eye on him, she smiled at me with a big grin on her face. What was she up to? We said goodbye to Mom, and Bran helped me load up my stuff in her car.

CHAPTER TWO

THE WEEKEND OF MY LIFE

B ran got into the driver's seat, and I got in next to her. Have you got everything you need for the weekend? Bran checked with me as we got in the car. She looked at me with a devious smile. I'm quite sure I'm covered. I smiled at her.

Why are you looking at me like that? She asked me as I sat angled towards her inside the car. You are up to something, I told her as she smiled at me.

Like what? She asked innocently?

You look like you are up to no good. I can see it on your face; you are cooking something.

Really, Luke! I think you fried your brain in the shower. Steam was coming out from under the door. New girlfriend on your mind? She smiled.

I can't believe you asked me that. What would make you think that? You know I haven't been seeing anybody in a long time.

Luke, you are a man and haven't had a girl in a long time, so it would only be natural.

I can't believe we are having this conversation. Let it go, Bran. Change the subject.

Well, I think I hit a sore spot. Are you blushing? It's me; you use to talk to me about everything. What happened to you? I'm not good enough anymore?

God Bran, it's not that. It was easier when we were younger. There is a lot of stuff that's embarrassing to talk about with you. What about you? It's not like you are an open book and tell me about what's going on with you. I have always been much more open with you than you have been with me. You have a lot of stuff that you are not telling me, and I haven't been pushing.

I know, and I'm sorry about that. Please don't force it. I can't talk about it. I wish I could. If there was anybody I could tell, it would be you. Believe me. Just be my friend, and let it rest.

Wish you could trust me enough to know you could tell me anything. I can see how you're always staying on the outside. You never date, and it has to be something heavy that you are carrying. I'm here for you, no matter what. Just know that. I took her hand in mine and held it without letting go.

Thanks, Luke that means a lot to me. We had a two-hour drive to get to Caspersen Beach. We had to stop before we left town at a store to do some shopping for the weekend. As we got out of the car, I put my arm around her shoulder and kissed her on the head as we walked to the store; no words were needed, as she put her arm around me as well. It was good to feel her close to me.

You are the best. I never had a better friend. She said as we walked into the store.

Never have I. I answered her back, and it was true.

We got a cart and started loading snacks, beers, meat, soft drinks, and all kinds of unhealthy food that would be good for the weekend. Ethan was supposed to be in charge of the barbeque in the evening.

We decided that everyone would bring something with them for the evening, and later there were some restaurants nearby that we would go to. We split the costs and loaded up the stuff in her car.

You feel like driving? Bran asked me as we were about to get into the car. My head is not really on the road.

Sure, I don’t mind at all. She had a great car. A Lamborghini Estoque. Dark grey with white leather seats and a grey dashboard, equipped with a high-quality stereo with a big subwoofer in the back. I will not bore you with how much power was under the hood and how fast it was going. Her parents had money, that's for sure, but she was very down to earth and didn't make a big deal about it. I always offered her money for gas, and she never turned down my help. She knew it was vital for me not just to tag along even if she gladly would take me and pay for it herself. As I walked over to the other side of the car, she gave me the keys and a hug. Her arms came around my neck, and mine went behind her back as I hugged her back.

You know I love you? She said and looked up at me. As tall as she was, she still had to bend her neck back to look at me.

I know, silly. I love you too. I don’t like this sad face that you are carrying around.

Let's have some fun then. She smiled up at me, kissed my cheek, and let go of me. We got in the car, and I fired up the engine. What a sound it made. The motor was roaring under the hood.

You're enjoying this, aren't you? She said as I hit the gas.

Oh, yes, definitely. I grinned at her.

We still had a long drive, but we were in no hurry. We were going to meet up with everybody at the beach. We drove along the coast of Florida to the south heading towards Caspersen.

Bran put on some great music as we keep driving. Being alone with her felt right. She was sitting with her back to the door facing me. We talked about everything and nothing.

What are your plans for next year? I asked her since I didn't know what she intended to do.

I'm not sure yet. Let's just forget about that and have fun at the moment. It felt hard knowing that at some point, our ways would go in different directions. So I agreed with Bran, let’s live in the moment and make the best of this summer. She changed position and laid down her head on my shoulder as I was driving. She was staring up at me with her big blue eyes.

You look so sad, I said as I took down my right hand from the wheel and stroke her cheek.

I had to keep my eyes on the road as well. Bran rested her cheek against my palm and closed her eyes. What's wrong? You are killing me.

Please just hold me for a while, and I will be ok. I became worried; this was unusual even for her. She was always smiling and happy. Now she looked as fragile as glass as she was putting her arms around me. She buried her face in my shirt.

I would have enjoyed having her this close if it had been for a different reason. She had something huge on her mind, and she was not going to talk about it. Didn't push her even if it was killing me to see her like this; it made driving a little awkward. But I managed. I hugged her close to me, as close as I could. A thousand thoughts went through my mind as I was driving and holding her.

We needed a break, and we needed fuel as well. She had fallen asleep in my arms and looked more relaxed.

Bran! Wake up, dear, we need to stop for gas, and I need a break as well. She got back in her seat as I drove into the gas station.

Do you want me to get you something? I asked her as I stopped and opened the door.

See if you can get me a milkshake. I will go to the bathroom to freshen up a little. Be right back.

The medicine for everything. I smiled at her. I got out and filled up the tank and went inside and got her a large strawberry milkshake-like she wanted. She came back and looked a lot better, and best of all, she was smiling.

Looking better, I told her and passed her the milkshake. She hugged me, whether it was because of me or the milkshake, who knows? At least it earned me a kiss on the cheek; then she took a deep sip of the milkshake.

Some of my friends asked me in the past how I never made a move on her since we were always together. I never told them how I felt about her.

Sorry for before. Got a little overboard.

Don’t worry; you look better. You are forgiven. How's the shake?

The best I ever had, thanks a lot. I needed this. Thank you for not pushing. I promise the rest of the weekend will be better.

Let's move! I told her, and we got back in the car.

The weather was great. I decided to drive down to the nearest beach. It was time for a break. We had plenty of time to get there.

Where are you going?

I think we need a swim to cool down before we move on. Are you up for a break? She agreed, and we found a great beach. I parked the car and got out.

There were beautiful beaches along the coast, each better than the other. They were all filled with young people starting their summer vacation, with no worries whatsoever. We took our towels with us and walked down hand in hand to the beach.

We left our clothes on the beach and held hands as we walked towards the water. Before she could react, I threw her over my shoulder and ran, carrying her kicking and screaming towards the sea.

Luke! Put me down before I hurt you. She was squealing and laughing as I ran out with her in the water. The water was fabulous.

You can always try. You don’t stand a chance, baby. Give it your best. I told her.

She made me lose my balance by kicking and screaming on my shoulder. When we were halfway out, so we both fell into the water. She tried to get away from me, but I caught her foot and dragged her back. She came up spitting water all around.

Are you trying to kill me? she shouted at me. Her hair was a big mess all over the place. At least she was smiling, and she looked happy. She was the most beautiful thing I had ever laid my eyes on.

Couldn't help myself. I laughed. Sorry!

Oh, you are not sorry. Just wait; I will get you when you least expect it. The sun was shining down on her, making her even more stunning than usual. I threw myself into the water and started swimming toward the coral reef further out. She was a good swimmer, so she caught up with me in no time. She pulled herself up on one of the rocks as we reached the reef. I stayed in the water. She looked down at me as she stood up and dove into the water.

Come on, let's get back so that we won't be late. She said as she emerged.

We swam back to shore in silence. We got out of the water, dried up, and walked back to the car. Bran drove the rest of the way. We kept it light between us and talked about a lot of things but nothing too personal.

It was around six p.m. when we saw the sign for Caspersen Beach. Sparkling blue and turquoise water as far as your eyes could see. A four-mile shore of untouched sandy beaches. Still early season, so we were hoping it would not be crowded just yet. We preferred to be alone without too much noise: just old fashion guitars and a pleasant fire lightening up the night. We were fourteen friends who were supposed to spend the weekend together. Most of us had gone to the same schools since we were kids. It was all coming to an end as everybody got their plans and were headed in different directions. We didn't know if we would be together like this ever again. It was kind of sad.

To share a tent with Bran this weekend sounded like a good idea at first. Now I was not so sure anymore. Four cars were already at our meeting point. You could see on all the vehicles that all our friends came from very privileged families. One more expensive than the other. I was the only one that didn't have one. It did not bother me. I had never felt like Mom didn't give me what I needed. She was making enough money from the animal Clinique to provide us with a comfortable living. We got along fine and lived in a house, as well. All my friends had cars, and nobody minded me tagging along when needed. Still, it would have been nice to have my own car. Twenty one was not so far away. I hoped Mom would keep her promise. Rob, Jaden, Ty, short for Taylor, but we always called him. Ty. Kade, Cat, Rio, and Dana were already unloading their stuff for the weekend. Our friends greeted us with shouts and hugs.

Everybody changed and got ready for the beach. Bran joined the girls down at the beach, and they left us to do the hard work. I didn't mind as long as she was having fun and smiling, didn't mind doing the rest. We started with getting all our stuff out of the car.

Tents, sleeping bags, bags of clothes, and all kinds of beach games we would be playing during the day.

You are late! Kade laughed at me. Did you get some action on the road?

Don't I wish! I laughed back at him. Rio joined us as we started taking everything down to the beach.

When are you going to make a move on her? Isn't it time to break the Ice? You have been waiting for her like since forever.

Am I that obvious? I asked horrified.

No, but man, you haven’t gone out with anybody for God knows how long, and look at her! She is a sight for sore eyes. I would think you were not into girls if I didn’t know otherwise. Kade kept on. What have you got to lose?

Her friendship for one. Let it go, guys.

You don't know where she will be next year, so maybe you will lose that anyway. You are the only one not getting any action this weekend. Rio smiled. Take the chance, or you will have a boring weekend.

We will find other things to do. Don't worry. I assured him, but inside I realized he was right.

You need some help with your moves, man? Have you lost your touch? I can give you a demonstration if you need one. Kade kept teasing me. I got more and more frustrated as they didn’t let go.

You worry about your moves; there's nothing wrong with mine. It's like a bike; you need to get on it again.

Jager and Regan showed up just after we started to unload. We had to go four times until we got everything. Regan ran down to join the girls that were already inside the water playing. I kept my eyes away from there; otherwise, I would not be able to concentrate. All the girls looked good, and to see all of them on the beach was not easy.

"I found an excellent spot for our tent away from the others. We had a three-man tent, so there was plenty of space. Maybe a smaller one had been better. Yeh right! Keep dreaming, baby. I got the tent up in no time and put our sleeping bags on the floor. I put our things on one side of the tent. It would be warm during the night, and there was only a light breeze making it tolerable.

I saw Bran running towards me. The sun was going down in the sea behind her, and her hair was flying in the air as she ran. The sunset was almost as breathtaking as she was. I said almost. It was not even close. She had put on her dress again. It was about to be a long night, indeed. I could always get drunk and pass out after that. Well, that was not one of my brightest ideas.

Can I help you with anything? Sorry for letting you do all the work by yourself.

No problem at all. I managed, as you can see. Everything is set for tonight. Is the spot ok with you? I asked her.

"Yeah, it's great. I think the distance from the others it's