Derek's point of view:I couldn't help myself as I stood in the hotel parking lot, staring at my father's Tesla car. The temptation was just too great. I had to take it for a drive. I slipped into the driver's seat and started the engine. The car purred to life, and I smiled at the thrill of driving such a powerful machine.I kept driving, my face moody and dark. The time on the dashboard read 1:43 am. It was late, but I couldn't sleep. The guilt was tearing me apart. I had to get out of that hotel room and clear my head.I tried my best to sleep but failed at it. So, I kept driving, and after a while, I found myself on the west end roads. The countryside was beautiful, and it helped to calm my nerves a little.But then I saw it. A black gate a few feet away from the road. My heart skipped a beat as memories flooded back to me. This was Big Fat Joe's house. I wondered if my parents were still inside.Suddenly, the door opened, and a man stepped outside the gates. I stiffened
Ronnie's point of view:I woke up feeling refreshed and excited for the new day. I had always loved the energy of the mornings, especially on a day where we had planned something exciting. Today, we were heading to the beach for some much-needed relaxation.As I got out of bed, I realized that I had woken up earlier than everyone else in the suite. I decided to take advantage of the time and take a long, relaxing bath. The hot water felt amazing on my skin, and I felt my muscles slowly loosen up as I soaked.After my bath, I wrapped myself in a fluffy towel and walked to the large window in my room. I was in awe of the view outside - the sun was just rising over the ocean, and the sky was painted with beautiful hues of orange and pink.As I brushed my hair, I noticed something strange in the distance - a black Tesla driving up to the hotel. I squinted to see who was driving, and my heart dropped when I saw it was my stepfather's car.I couldn't help but wonder why he was driving
Derek's point of view:As Ronnie and I got out of the car and stood before Jean, I couldn't help but wonder what was happening. What was Jean doing here? I could feel his intense gaze on me as I looked away. Jean was wearing his police uniform, and he looked quite intimidating. He glared at Ronnie and me as we stood there quietly.Jean cocked his head to one side and asked, "What's the name, kids?" Ronnie stuttered as she answered, "I-I'm Veronica Diamond." Jean narrowed his eyes and then glanced at me. "Really. And you must be?"I wanted to lie, but I knew it would do me no good. Jean must've already recognized whom I was. "Derek Diamond," I replied.There was silence that followed suit, and the wind whistled through the bushes in the dark night. Finally, Jean spoke, "You've grown up. How many years has it been?"My heart sank, and I replied, "I don't remember. It's been quite a long while. I-I'm surprised you still remember me.""Sure," Jean said with a hard voice. "Like I'd
Derek's point of view:The next day, my dad decided to take our family down to the countryside of town to catch up on old times. Ronnie's mom gave us directions on places of interest as we drove in my dad's sleek car. Ronnie was seated next to me, and we acted indifferently to each other, pretending not to get too close to each other.But my dad and Ronnie's mom were happy, chatting away like old friends. They were reminiscing about the old days when they used to come to this area for picnics and barbeques. I couldn't help but feel a little jealous of how close they seemed.The other night, after Ronnie and I returned back together at the hotel, it was already night. I recalled how we slept together in the same bed. We didn't do anything intimate, just light kisses and then sleep. It felt so peaceful to be close to her like that.As we were driving, my dad suddenly swerved the car to a restaurant Ronnie's mom had directed. The restaurant was a simple building with a rustic char
Ronnie's point of view:As we rode back to the hotel in the backseat of our parents' car, I couldn't help but notice Derek gritting his teeth and lost in his thoughts. We had just finished having lunch at the restaurant. I had a sure feeling there was clearly something on Derek's mind.I wondered what had transpired between him and Jean outside the restaurant. They had spoken alone for a few minutes, and I had a feeling that it wasn't just small talk. I looked over at Derek, trying to read his expression, but he remained silent.When we arrived at the hotel, we all retired to our suite. Derek and I took the elevator up in silence. We walked into the hallway and stood at our doors opposite each other. Just as Derek was about to enter his suite, I blurted out, "Come in my room. Let's talk."Derek followed me into my suite, and I shut the door behind us. I could tell he was hesitant to talk, but I needed to know what was going on. "So, what did you and Jean talk about outside the
Ronnie's first person:I couldn't believe what had just happened. My mother had caught me kissing Derek, my stepbrother. It was supposed to be our secret, but now everything was out in the open. Derek and I had been keeping our relationship under wraps for the past few months, afraid of what our parents would think if they found out. And now, it seemed like we were about to face the consequences of our actions.As I walked into Derek's room, I could feel the tension thick in the air. He was sitting on his bed, arms crossed, and a frown on his face, trying to make sense of what had just happened. I could tell that he was just as shocked as I was.Meanwhile I kept pacing back and forth, unable to sit still. My heart was racing, and my mind was spinning as I tried to come up with something to say."What the hell was that, Ronnie?" Derek finally spoke, breaking the silence."I...I don't know," I stammered, feeling my cheeks flush red."You don't know? You were kissing me, for God's
Derek's point of view:I was having a dream, a strange dream. I was standing on the bank of a river, and in front of me, I saw Big fat Joe. Big fat Joe, a chubby kid who always had an evil smirk on his face. But now, he looked different. He looked terrified, his face twisted with fear.As I watched, Joe stumbled and fell into the river. The water was moving fast, and Joe struggled to keep his head above the water. He was crying for help, but nobody was around. I could see him fighting against the current, but he was losing the battle.I felt a sudden urge to save him. Without thinking twice, I jumped into the river and dived into the water. But as soon as I hit the water, I realized my mistake. The current was too strong, and my small body couldn't handle it.I struggled to keep my head above the water, trying to find Joe. I could see him in the distance, still struggling. I swam towards him, but the current was pulling us both down. I felt a surge of panic rise in my chest.
Ronnie's first person:As I drove back to the hotel, my mind was racing with thoughts about Derek. I couldn't believe what had happened between us. I had always imagined us being together forever, but now it seemed like that dream was slipping away.When I arrived at the hotel, I headed straight to my suite. I knew my mother would be waiting for me. As soon as I opened the door, I saw her sitting on the couch, her hand resting on her pregnant belly."Hey, Mom," I said, as I walked passed her, my head bent in shame. "Hey, Ronnie," she replied, her face fixed. "How was your day?""It was okay," I said, trying to sound nonchalant. "Just got a lot of stuff on my mind."We made some small talk for a few minutes before I finally asked about my stepdad."How's stepdad doing?" I asked."He's okay," my mom said, her expression clouding over. "He went out for a drink to clear his head."I knew immediately that he was upset about Derek. I could feel my heart sinking even further."Is he up