Greatest Holiday Ever

Could it be possible to achieve one of the best summers in your life, with the people you despised the most?

Well if it is, then I've clearly succeed in that, although it hadn't easy.

Friends have never been an achievable goal for me. With an awkward smile and a brain that rethinks every possible conversation before they're actually made, I've always believed it was better off for me to keep alone my longtime friend than a bunch of them.

But has thought clearly changed, ever since I was given the opportunity to socialise with people as different and singled out as I find myself to be.

So when I get the chance to go through some old pictures of mine that signifies the greatest things that happened to me that holiday. They were before everything went down hill for me, and my parents.

I remember initially calling it - The Best Summer Ever. Which wasn't even close.

That's why I find it really hard to forget that day.

The day that marked the beginning of everything that went wrong that summer.

And that's exactly when my story starts.

The sun was out. Like it should be in August. But instead of appreciating that, I find myself counting down the minutes before my parents leaved, as I slowly go down the smoothly carved stairs.

"Navareth, can you help me with these bags?" A voice ahead calls, as I struggle down with the bags I have already been assigned with.

"Sure mom, but after I'm done helping dad carry one of his. Yo, what's in these boxes, rocks?" I look back to my dad as he works his grey tie before staring up to me.

"Silver rocks encrusted watches," He corrects, finally taking the work load from me.

Today marks my parents' 18th anniversary, and also the period that they travel to handle the problem in our family business with the other shareholders.

The Navarreth Restaurants & co has been running a year after Mr and Mrs Navarreth became spouses and yeah business has been booming. So much that a simple restaurant with Mother's recipes, expanded to other parts of the world including Miami, where we now reside.

Everything was going fine until last week. And although they said otherwise, things only got worse, which brings us to this moment - My parents going to save their business on their anniversary!

I bet they didn't remember what today is.

"Hey!" I say all of a sudden. "Before you go, I just have a little surprise for you," My heels make a racket on the glass floor as I get to the sink cabinet and bring out a little box in ribbons and everything nice.

"Ooh, you remembered," Dad gushed as he opened the pink box to find a cupcake with little words on it.

Before taking the time to read what it was, he consumes the top's icing as I stare in horror.

"How did you remember I didn't have anything for breakfast." He licks his fingers.

"Dad that was for both of you - happy anniversary Mom," I turn to give her a hug, lazering eye darts at him.

"Oh so the cake was for both - okay come baby, now you're going to get me a new cake just as identical and also jewelry,"

"But what about the flight?"

"Oh the flight can wait. We still have like - oh thirty minutes. Where's the chauffeur!" She says at the top of her voice as I help them carry their valuables and at the same time counting down the minutes before I could have the house all to myself.

Turning to me, Mom cupped my cheeks. "Behave hon. And don't forget to show the pool boy where the pool is,"

"Yes Mom,"

"And before I forget, just in case there's a fire, flood or even a earthquake, we've kept in store an emergency phone in your drug counter so don't hesitate to call us eh,"

"Flood? Earthquake really? She'll be living miles away from town so I believe none of that should be her problem right now," Turning to me, he continued.

"Honey don't forget to lock the doors before going to bed and make sure you don't have anyone else in. Especially that blonde devil, that Cole boy. Oh and except for the pool boy, okay young lady? We'll see you later." He blew me a kiss but I already had the door shut.

Moving to a huge window, I watched as they left, waving back slowly whenever they looked my way, before their car went through the automatic gates.

Finally!

Pulling back the blinds, I raced across the room, more than certain that Raven was still pissed at me for hanging up on her.

But it was for a great cause; my reason for never having fun were out, meaning I have the beach house all to myself.

Well you know what they say, when the cats are away, the mice will play.

"Hey Raven. Are you still there?" I asked, lying on my bed.

"Sadly yes. How life can be so cruel, while you're still in Miami, I'm stuck here in London with my grandparents trying to challenge me to a game of chess. And although I love them so much, I still need my girl time you get me?" She asked.

I could imagine her locked up in a spacious room, trying to make the hands and of the clock go faster so she can be out of there.

Raven didn't really want to leave Miami, in fact most people can say she was tricked by her parents. I'll explain.

At first, her parents had explained she would be gone for London to check out the colleges that accepted her there.

But after that was over, they had to retire to their family house for the night and after that, she didn't see them again. Well physically that is.

Since she's a minor and her parents travel like crazy just like me, she has to be left with a responsible family member. By now that no other relatives were willing to take her in, Raven's parents settled on her grandparents.

Apparently they're more than happy to spend quality time with their granddaughter.

"I do think you deserve quality girl time. Like Mom and Dad just left for another continent, I mean how Lucky can a teenager get?"

"Oh shove it where your mouth is Val, bragging so doesn't fit you," I hear her scoff on the other end.

"No you've got me wrong now, I said how lucky can a teenager get, not this teen. I mean yes I'm alone, but that doesn't mean I'm exactly happy. It would totally make me feel better if - "

"Nope not gonna happen. I thought we had already established this earlier. He's also my friend, so If he changed his phone number without notifying you, then he probably didn't want you to have it," I could hear her chuckle.

"Oh Comon, he probably forgot, or is still pissed. I bet he wouldn't mind me bothering him a little. We were BFs before dating you know,,"

"I didn't know that ," I could feel her rolls her eyes sarcastically.

"Oh please Raven. I promise if you send Cole's number, I might consider telling you what I heard Liza say about you,"

"Liza? She actually talked about me? What did she say," She says all at once.

A love for a crush. Liza is the girl Raven has been crushing on since the beginning of high school. She has always been into boys until Liza came along. Everyone knew that she would give anything for her, well everyone except for Liza.

So any news about her brings Raven up her feet. Such a hopeless romantic, but hey! Judge yourself before others.

"Oh Raven, you know nothing comes for free. Either you give me his number or I keep lips sealed. Your choice," I said smirking at how the situation has turned.

I thought she had hung up because the line went blank, until I got a message.

"There! I sent it, now tell me what she said,"

"Oh about Liza, it took till the last minute, but she finally noticed you missed the last day of school,"

"Son of a bi.tch - Valley!" I have to move the phone from my face so not to get major ear damage.

"Wow, calm down. I didn't say it was good news, but don't worry, I promise to get in a good word for you. If I ever see her again,"

"Sure but first, you have to promise me something,"

"And what is it?"

"That you don't chase him away the same way you did. Your only meant to be a victim of circumstances once!"

"What! Your talking like you don't know me, of course I wouldn't do it again,"

"You're wrong. I do know you and that's why I'm saying that if you truly want him back, you should tone the crazy a little bit. Promise?"

"Yeah promise. Happy now?"

She sighs. "Could be better,"

×××

Twirling my hair in one finger, I whisper into the phone. "Hi, Cole,"

It takes sometimes before I get an answer.

"Navareth... Is that you?"

I was not expecting that. "No! the Queen of England calling to make your acquaintance. Of course its Valley!"

"How did you get my number? Crap forgot Raven is also your friend. I'm gonna hang up now," Panic catches me as I try to think of something.

"No don't, I'll be quick I promise,"

"You have one minute,"

He always have the say in things. Why does he?

"Knowing how things have gotten rusty between us, I believe it's wiser to make amendments now since we'll be heading for college in a matter of weeks, instead of shunning our years of friendship over a cruddy relationship that means nothing to me,"

"So you don't want to get back with me?"

I felt a crack in his ego but it only motivated me to go on. "Nope. I could have called you months ago," Because I wasn't able to convince her till now. "But I didn't,"

"Yeah, and I did miss having you as my friend,"

"Then come to my house!" I blurted.

"Huh?"

"I said come over. My parents are out and I'll be home alone, so we can use this opportunity to mend our friendship don't you think? I say this because after these few weeks, I'll have to start heading to Amsterdam so I can start preparing for first year."

"You told me one time,"

My heart tugged. He remembered!

"So what do you say?"

One thing I know that will never change about Cole is that he never let's go of a vacation such as this. So it'll be really easy to convince him into spending part of his summer with me. It's just a matter of moments.

"I say, prepare the rooms cause if everything goes as planned, I'll be arriving tomorrow,"

Bingo.

•••

This is officially the first chapter of Valley and I hope you enjoyed it.

Don't forget to vote, comment, share and follow.

Ofure⭐~

I've always felt like some people prefer to see the negative side of things, than the good. And this way, they succeed in making others summer just as miserable.

You might be wondering why I'm be saying this but it's really just a simple five lettered word. Still confused? Well her name also starts with the letter R.

And she's currently ranting in my ear as I try and figure out what has got her all jacked up.

"But do you know what got me even more pissed than the eating of boiled carrots for 'nutrients'? The fact that she scolded me because tamed kids don't take sugary water a.k.a sodas in the morning. I mean who is she to try and run my life when it is MY life!"

"Your grandma that's who," I sneered, expecting anything but the scowl she returned for my light humor. "Look Raven, she does make sense there. You have to respect that not everyone have strong teeth like you and sugar in the early morning,"

"But after that, she was like Yo! You gotta boil the carrots first not eat them raw," She mimicked her grandma.

"Sheesh Raven. I have to admit, she makes sense there. You need to respect the fact that not everyone has teeth that can shred food like you do," I try speaking sense into her before turning to one of the personal workers Mom hired from the spa.

"I'm ready," Smiling at her, she nods back.

Tightening my robe, I take my given seat in front of her before turning back to my phone, where I and Raven are having a video call.

"Unbelievable! So you're on her side now? I mean just send me to eat mashed carrots would you!" She yells, tossing a piece of red hair from her eye.

"The sensible thing I suggest you should've done was to prepare yourself another meal. See? Problem solved," I say, enjoying the gentle strokes of the brown nail polish.

I only have two more hours before Cole arrives, so I have to look my best don't I?

"Yeah that seems like the sensible thing to do, If not for the fact that all she has in her kitchen is vegetables. Hec, I'm even eating carrot sticks for lunch,"

"Ready," The woman asks as she peels off something.

"Sure. I'll call you back lat - Argh!" Feeling a painful sensation cross from my leg, I jolt my head at her.

"Damn it!" I curse before picking my phone from the foot water at my side.

"Raven? Raven can you hear me?" Getting no response from the other end, I turned my angry gaze towards the person who will be giving me free treatment for the next few months.

Willingly and otherwise.

*One Hour Later - And We're Still On About Her Grandmother*

"So yeah, I made sure to lock the door for no interruptions, but I forgot one single detail. It's her house so she obviously has a spare key. And guess what she wanted to talk about?"

"What?" I ask, picking up a leopard skin piece.

"She wanted to give me a special talk about the kind of relationship I'm meant to sustain with the opposite sex. But have to admit that it took me by surprise, like how am I meant to break the news to her that I'm into girls?" She sarcastically, pushes back her hair.

"Oof! That must have been one hec of an awkward conversation. Well at least she doesn't need to worry about you getting pregnant," I say, trying to hide the smile on my face.

"Way to rub it in. But for the record, you don't exactly choose the ones you love," She says giving me a look. The look that says

"First of all, I don't judge people by their sexuality and especially my best friend, you're right, we don't choose who we love," I reply, dropping the leopard skin for a red one.

"By the way, why are you in a supermarket?" She squints her eyes a bit.

"Duh! Since the only malls are miles away, this supermarket is the best place to do my lingerie shopping. Now which one's better? Leopard or wine red?" I place my tablet on a free space, before pulling out both.

"Neither. Bring out the ones available in light brown," She says.

"Here. What do you think?" I beam at how thin the fabric looked just on the night gown I had worn into the supermarket.

"Yep definitely this one. It does er5 goes with your hair,"

"Finally," I sigh, taking six similar fabrics, then dropping them into my shopping basket.

"Oh my girl is growing up so fast," She says, wiping a fake tear. "Don't forget to take protection too,"

Grabbing the box I have already chosen and shakes it woth a grin. "Already ahead of you,"

×××

I'm outside in the backyard, with the pool boy as I try hurrying him up, so he could leave before Cole arrived. Only in a bikini, I feel like changing into something more appropriate but the pool boy might as well take all the time in the world.

"Can you be any slower? My friend is arriving any moment now, and you're still here!" I argue with the guy in front of me as I rub the yellow pendant on my chest multiple times in a row. I was lucky to have struck a deal with him so he would keep his mouth shut but instead of working, he was just making me plain nervous.

"Sorry ma'am, but the stick wouldn't budge, I think it's stuck," He laments.

"You don't say?" I ask sarcastically when I hear a car horn.

"He's here! He's finally here," I shriek like a fan girl about to see Justin Bieber perform for the first time when I see his band van through the small gaps in the gate.

The boy pauses and just stares at me, looking dumbfolded.

"Give me that! And go get the gate, the remote is on the beach chair!" I ordered the boy and he immediately runs to do as he was told.

Hearing the door open, I remember that the pole was still there for me to detach.

Tugging and doing so again, I didn't realise it any sooner that it would take a huge sacrifice to get the pole out of the pool, until I paid it as I fell into the water with a huge splash.

"Soo cold! Water is so cold!" I spat out, rubbing my shoulders as I walk towards the steps.

"Need help?" A voice from above inquires.

Just by looking up, I felt like the wait was more than worth it.

"Cole!" I squeal as he begins to pull me out of the pool as I was more than certain that my eyes were red from the chlorine already.

I was really hoping I could get a blanket and still have him staring at me like that. But since a cold isn't good for my type of asmatic, I knew I had to go with the most boring.

"Hey let me help you with that," The grinning devil says, pulling the pole I was still holding out of my grip.

"Thank you." I smile while he brushes his blonde bangs out of his face "Hey why don't you park your car in?" I ask curiously as I try and head for the house, noticing that the gate was opened but the van was still parked out.

"Well probably because of the few...well items I think we discussed told about?" He takes my hand and leads me to the gate.

I notice he is scratching his neck like how he does whenever he lies. But I wasn't expecting what I saw.

Peeking out the gate, I am the one looing dumfolded as I wave back at the teenagers waving at me in his van.

'Huh?''

Turning to Cole, he gets me even more confused when he takes his hands to the air.

"Surprise!"

•••

Day #1

With a frown plastered on my face, I turn my gaze away from the van filled to the brim with strange people and to Cole.

"I thought you said you were only coming with a few things?"

"Well, they're are few aren't they?" It shows that his words confused him as well as he continued to scratch the back of his head like the ape he was.

All I wanted was for only I and my friend to stay alone. Is there anything wrong with that? But how was I supposed to do that with the van slowly pulling itself inside my house and the gates closing behind it. Yet, the worst part was how I could feel the anger slowly draining from me as Cole starts to give me those damn puppy dog eyes.

"Unbelievable!" I fume, moving to the house and leaving them behind.

Still feeling confused, I bounce unto the first white couch with my wet boy, when the pool boy opens the door a little.

"I've finished with the pool Ma'am," He announces.

"Okay," I say and shut my eyes ask go back to my sulking. I wasn't sure what to do and suddenly wished raven was next to me - so I could hit her on the back of her head for not talking me out of this.

Now the door closes and I hear some movements until they stop in front of me.

Popping one eye open, I stare at our pool boy who does the same. I was wondering why he just stood there looking like a fool but couldn't stop thinking of how much we resembled on another. We could be mistaken for siblings.

He was dark brown, dark brown lips, brown eyes as big as saucers and tall to some extent. Yeah, we did look alike. Only he was a guy and worked for my Father since he became an orphan.

That's when I remember the paycheck.

"How did I forget, your money. I'll text my dad to send it," Grabbing my phone from the kitchen counter, I go straight to contacts. "Done! You'll receive it some time from now,"

"Thank you Madame," He says, about to leave when I call him back.

"Mateo?"

"Yes ma'am?"

"Only call me that when I'm not in the mood," I hated being called 'ma'am', it made me feel old.

"Okay val!" He winks.

"Don't push it,"

"Sorry,"

"Mateo?"

"Yes val - ley!" He pulls a nervous smile as he covers it.

"Why didn't you tell me they were more than one?"

"Well, because I thought you already knew," The lad pauses. "And with all respect, I think your guest have been waiting out there for a while now," With that, he takes his exit.

What a sticky situation I put myself in. Awaiting me is my ex boyfriend with a bunch of people I know nothing of. And sending them away really isn't an option since town is hours away.

Guess I'll have to meet my guests.

I'm really not sure what I was supposed to expect, but stepping out of my doorstep only to crash lips with Cole was certainly not in my top five list.

It's so quick and delicious that as he let's go, I have to blink a could of time just to be sure it wasn't just another sexdream.

"Oh valley, if only I knew you wouldn't have liked the idea of more company, then I wouldn't have gone ahead with it," He says, sounding sincere, as he pointed forward.

I follow his finger which leads to a group of people sitting on the available seats near the pool, all eyes on me.

Well he truly has me in a tight spot.

Thinking over the situation, I finally speak. "No Cole it isn't your fault, I just wasn't expecting this many items," Pulling out a forced smile, I continue. "Oh well, I guess introductions will be a good start,"

"Sure," They all agree and get to their feet one by one.

"This is Gwen, she's my friend Darwin's girlfriend," He points at a girl with jet black hair, grey eyes, and a neck collar with diamonds on it.

She went full on black. A dark tee shit that was barely baggy enough to get a good grip on her chest, a black beaded mini skirt as well as dark boots.

Just hoping she doesn't have a dark attitude too. The thought crosses my mind as I pull out my wet hair from my face.

"Hey girly, my name is Gwen and this is my boyfriend Darwin," She tightens her grip on the red haired next to her who beams at me, looking like a balloon about to burst from her hug.

Feeling a smile crawl in, I nod back, noting how the saying opposite attracts clearly applied to them.

He then gestures to a blonde next.

"And this is - "

"Liza! Oh my blob its so nice to see you again," We shake hands willingly, mine a bit more firm as she tries to get out of it after sometime.

"Eh nice to see you too," Finally able to let go, she continues. "When Cole said he was coming to see you, I just had to ask. And I do wish I had known your friend haven a little better before she left," I knew she was trying to be polite but it wasn't working.

"You mean raven?"

"Yeah that," Taking a girl's hand, she moves towards me. "I want to introduce you to - " Cutting her in speech, the girl steps in front of me all jittery.

"Hello, my name is kiko!" She says enthusiastically as my eyes wander from her blue streak dyed hair to her perfectly white teeth.

I gotta admit, if things don't go as planned with Liza and Raven, then I'll definitely recommend her.

Well if she looks in that direction that is.

"You have perfect teeth," I blurt out before realising it. To my amazement, she doesn't cringe on how weird it sounded but begins to giggle.

"Thanks! I've been told that alot," I didn't know why, but I enclose her in a hug.

Something about her was really warm and welcoming.

It could be the smile? Nah.

Turning to the next person, I rose a brow as my eyes met the movement of Cole's hand, slightly trailing its way to a girl's waist.

She looks different from the rest. Baggy clothes, flats and a pair of nerdy looking glasses. I would have taken her for a nun if not for that damn hand dining around her waist.

I feel my cheeks redden as he brings her forward.

"This is Rosá," The red haired looked so innocent as she smiled a bit. I could already imagine myself pushing her off the roof.

"She's my longtime cousin," Cole says, pecking her on the cheek before letting go of her waist.

Well that's a relief.

"Hi! I'm so happy to meet the one and only Valley. I've heard so much about you," From the way she was kissing my behind, it looked like she was about to kneel any second.

"Good things I hope," I grin, shaking her hand.

In response, all she does is giggle as Cole motions me to the another individual.

"And this is Louis," He gestures to a guy way at the back.

Uncrossing his legs, the guy gets up slowly and takes a few strides towards me, until there's little space for me to care about breathing.

"Valley,"

"Yeah, nice to meet you," It takes sometime until he let's go, and I don't think I wanted to either.

When he finally does, I take the fact that he makes some distance between us an opportunity to take in his environment.

Just a red tee shirt and a pair of jeans but it went well. Sensing my gaze, his head turns to me and he begins to survey the nervous wreck in front of him from top to bottom. I guess some people jut have this mentality that they have the power to make you feel conscious of your appearance in your own house.

Ignoring this little fact, I flash my best smile at him, expecting the same in return but not even a muscle twitches. Instead, I feel him take in his new environment. The pool, barbeque station(which only Dad can operate), the house and finally, my face. Or my body.

It's pretty hard to be sure since his eyes were hidden under some dark shades.

Holding his gaze, I feel confused when he also does the same and we stay that way until,

"Val? Valley?" Cole snaps his fingers at my face which reminds me of what is happening.

"Oh sor - sorry, I was just - will you get your hand away from my face?" I say, grabbing his fingers before he could succeed at blinding me.

"Sorry about that valley, but If I've an idea about what is going on through your head, I say you forget about it, cause unfortunately our friend Louis is as straight as a curling iron," He hugs him enthusiastically by the shoulder.

What?

Everyone were probably just as confused as I was, because they begun to murmur.

"I mean he's gay," It looks like he wanted a response from him, one that never came.

"And from the looks of things, he's still pissed at today's events," This made Louis give him a look.

A look that makes him keep his hands to himself.

I'm about to ask why he has dark shades on although the sun was setting when Cole brings out the last guy.

Dressed in a worn out brown leather jacket and matching jeans, he stretches out a hand for me to shake.

"Nice to meet you Valley, the name 's Chase," He smiles and I return it, gleefully and aware of our corresponding British accents

Contemplating on how many dirty surfaces his hands have been, I decided to go with a different mode of greeting.

"Same here Chase," I bow, which everyone laughs at and I get the feeling of satisfaction when Isee a grin form on his face.

Finally meeting everyone, I take a braver step.

"I think its time we see the rooms, don't you think?"

×××

"So this room will be for Gwen and Darwin since they're such an adorable couple," I make a heart with my fingers when he brings her into a kiss.

"This room will be for Cole and Liza," I gesture to the blue door that is next to mine. I chose it because it would be easier to enter his room, and chose Liza cause I was certain she wouldn't give me anything to worry about.

"Um excuse me," Cole raises a finger. "I believe that this arrangement can't be made possible,"

I raise a brow. "And why is that?"

"My cousin here has to take her medications which I've been entrusted to give them to her," He started, taking my hand.

"I know it might sound a bit indecent but she really needs it. Just this one favor can you, cutie?" He asks, making the same puppy dog face he used to make while we were still an item.

How can I say no to that?

"Of course," I reply, giving him a kiss that turns into a make out. Well it should have been, if not for his cousin interrupting us.

"Thank you so much valley, you really are a nice girl," Rosà breaks us up as she pulls me into a hug.

"I'm hoping that's a compliment," I ask for reassurance, once again knowing all I have on is my bikini as she stares at the thin coverage.

And for the second time she laughs without answering my question.

"Lastly, this room will be for Louis and Chase," I point at the door facing mine.

I have two reasons for this decision if anyone dared to ask. "One, Chase goes me the creeps, and two Louis does the opposite,"

I see chase's pale face in the midst of others.

"By the way, where's Louis?" We all search for him. I can't believe we didn't notice he was gone.

Just then, all heads turn to the front door which closes with a bang.

"I believe we're about to find out," Cole said with a smirk and takes off, leaving us in confusion.

I only remember I had feet installed when the rest began to run too.

"What's all the commotion abo- " I paused, letting my jaw dropped as I gape at the amount of can beer heaped in front of me.

Throwing one at me, Cole opened the one in his hands which looked like it has been through a bumpy ride, just like the rest of them.

"Who's ready to party!"

×××

Please vote on your favorite parts in this story, it would really mean a lot to me.

Ofure, your writer.