After getting changed into a fresh set of clothes and seeing to my hand: The knuckles were no longer leaking blood. I’d just have to contend with tender, bruised knuckles for a little while. I grabbed my phone which was being charged, must have been Amy’s doing, and headed downstairs. I went to the Kitchen to grab an apple only to see Amy diving into a bowl of Astropops, a popular cereal.

Between mouthfuls, she scolded me:

“You're late.”

I checked my phone's timer, it was 11:03. I was late. I could do nothing but hold my hands up in defense before walked over to the fruit basket to collect a Pink Lady. I bit into the apple as she continued demolishing her bowl of cereal, watching her in wonder as she somehow managed to make the activity look graceful and majestic.

I shook my head.

“Where’s Uncle William?” I asked. I hadn’t seen him since I heard the news, so I guessed he had stayed over at his office again in Eastville.

“Dad? He’s on a plane to… you know…” She replied before trailing off, not wanting to broach that topic. She wouldn’t meet my eye, I didn’t blame her though. It was a difficult thing, handling someone else's grief.

I see. He probably has to handle the situation with his parents, as the executor of their estate or something.

“So, what’s the plan then?” I asked, changing the topic for her sake, and my own. Though the thoughts, regret and resentment would continue to be present in my mind for the rest of the day and perhaps even the coming weeks, I was determined to try and look on the bright side, to enjoy myself. That’s always been my way, emotion is hard for me to express, but it’s there. Weeping on the inside and laughing on the outside.

Amy scooped the last spoonful cereal into her mouth before draining the bowl of the remaining milk. After wiping her mouth, she spoke.

“To the lake for a swim, and then to Pizza Palace for some pizza and so I can kick your ass on Warriors of Rovaldan.”

“Pfft. You’ve never beat me before. I won’t go easy on you, you know.” I replied, smirking at her challenge.

“You ready? Let’s get a move on.” she responded.

======================================================================

Sometime later we found ourselves approaching the lakeside. It was within walking distance of our house, most things were in walking distance of each in Haven. It was a small town.

I had quickly run back upstairs to change my underwear into more suitable attire after she had told me that we were going swimming. There was nothing worse than being stuck in damp, wet pants all day.

The lake was set just to the side of the town, wrapping slightly around the northwest edge. Eastville was in the opposite direction, so most traffic avoided this area. You could say it was a haven for the citizens of Haven.

It was a middle of the working day, and with winter quickly approaching, we should have had the lake to ourselves. However, as we walked up the final slope to the lake, the sounds of splashing and laughter could be heard easily.

“Don’t you fucking dare, Mark!” a girl screeched in a high pitch tone, shortly accompanied by a wave of giggling.

“Don’t be such a tightass, Lisa!” A voiced called in reply followed by more laughter.

Those voices were familiar to me, extremely familiar. I slowed, hesitant. It was a few seconds before I continued following Amy, who continued to walk, not noticing my brief troubled look.

Was this a good idea? Probably not? Would it end badly? Probably.

Usually, I tried to avoid drama, it was just troublesome and there was a little personal benefit to being involved. But today, I just didn’t care. Confrontation wasn’t my thing and I wouldn’t encourage it, but I’m not going to live my life worrying about others opinions of me. Life was too short, after all. I learned that lesson well recently.

I took larger strides to catch up to Amy. We passed over the verge and the wide expanse of the lake, bordered by lush, green forest. It was truly a beautiful sight if you didn’t consider the eyesore that was currently polluting the lakefront.

Mark, James, Lisa, Madison and a few of their other friends were frolicking along the lakefront. Judging by their attire, trunks and swimsuits, and their noticeably wet look, they had also been swimming. I noticed a few of Amy’s friends amongst the group.

“Amy!” called a petite brunette who ran up and hugged her, before Amy scrambled back and let out an exaggerated screech.

“You got my clothes wet!” Amy replied, lightheartedly giving the girl a small punch.

A few of Amy's other friends gathered around. Amy was arguably the most popular girl in school. I reduced it was a combination of her good looks, her bubbly and sincere personality combined with her generally positive attitude.

I greeted some of the people I knew, exchanging some small talk and pleasantries.

As far as I could tell, Amy’s group were all nice and friendly people.

“COOPER!” A voice called, attracting the unwanted attention from my group of ex-friends. They sent souring glares in my direction, and I returned the favor for once. Usually, I just ignored them, but today I was in no passive mood. I would enjoy myself, whether they liked it or not.

The person who had called me had come barreling into me as I turned towards them. They picked me up into a crushing bearhug and spun me around, whilst letting out gruff laughter. It was Ben.

Ben was extremely happy-go-lucky, he had tried to befriend me for a while, and despite my attempts to rebuff him, he remained unperturbed and kept approaching me. I didn’t bother struggling to escape his grip, even with some scattered laughter from the audience I doubt any of them would have believed that I, Clay Cooper, would allow myself to be in such a way.

It wasn’t a big deal, honestly. Ben was quite alright. If I was a social butterfly, we would probably be the best of friends.

“Haha, what a sight Cooper. I never expected to see you out and about!” Ben’s deep voice boomed. “Claire wasn’t brave enough to come to speak to you, so I showed her you are harmless!” He let out deep, ringing laughter and gestured towards a petite brunette who had turned a deep crimson at the sudden attention.

Claire Adam’s was one of Amy’s best friends. She had the brains and the looks, so I never understood what her deal was. Why she somehow was interested in me. Amy had mentioned it not so subtly several times before, asking my opinion on the girl. I always replied that I didn’t know. It was true after all. We have never really talked before. A few passing pleasantries. So it came to a surprise to Amy, Ben, their friends and myself when I walked towards her.

“Hey, Claire.” I said in a clear and formal tone. “We haven’t really spoken before have we?” I finished my opening move with a small touch to her arm.

I never thought the deep shade of crimson could turn any more red but it does.

“Hh...uhh..Hey, Clay” She manages to utter.

After Claire glances to the side, I notice the rapid and wild gestures being exchanged by Ben, Amy and some of their friends. I sigh inwardly. I did feel bad though. I was using the girl’s personal feelings for my benefit. I wanted to have a good time AND piss of Madison and the others who seethed at any sort of enjoyment that I had.

“Wanna go for a swim?” I ask.

“Swim? It’s kinda cold though...I’m not sure.”

“Suit yourself, but you're missing out! I was looking forward to spending some time with you too…” I was too devious.

There was less attention focusing on us now, though I could see that Ben and Amy continued shooting us sidelong glances, as I start stripping off my casual wear I notice that it quickly returns. Especially from the female sex.

I wasn’t the most muscled, but I did exercise a few times a week. My body was more lean than toned, though a faint six pack was present on my abs.

Claire gaze swept up and down me, just as I knew it would, and as I started walking towards the lake, she started stripping off too.

“Clay, wait.” She called out.

I did, and a few moments later Claire and I walked towards the water.

We passed Madison and Mark who stood watching us and whispering. I gave them a little wave and a short greeting which I knew would piss them off.