My One and Only Love

BRYCE

The Prescotts. They are the founding family of Aquilos, the northernmost state of Pyrmond.

Pyrmond is a country in the North Sea. To its east is the UK, to its south is the Netherlands, to its west are Germany and Denmark, and to its north is Norway. Pyrmond has eight states namely: (1) Aquilos, the northernmost and the coldest state; (2) Riotamia, the state of rivers, where most of the country's river systems pass through; (3) Piedramonte, the highest state in terms of altitude, with most of its cities and towns being located up in the mountains; (4) Sylva, the most fertile state, where it grew more than half of the country's produce; (5) Corona Tierra, the capital state, where the country's seat of power is located; (6) Aeolis, the typhoon state, where typhoons and earthquakes are frequent; (7) Zephyria, the golden state, where the country's minerals and precious metals are mined; and (8) Austeria, the southernmost and the hottest state.

Bryson "Bryce" James Prescott is the fourth-born child of Harrison "Harry" Prescott and Evelyn "Evie" Faust-Prescott. His family lived in the Prescott Manor in Gallenburg, the capital city of the state of Aquilos.

The Prescott household consisted of six kids in total. With the eldest child and firstborn son, Trevor; second-eldest and firstborn daughter, Olivia or Liv; third-eldest and youngest daughter, also the middle child, Alexandra a.k.a. Alex; then Bryce himself; and their youngest sibling, Tyler. The sixth kid was Liam, he's the son of their Dad, Harrison's younger sister, Elyse, adopted into the family after his Mom died at childbirth. Nevertheless, he's like a brother to them.

Trevor and Liam are the same age and are both currently 19, with Liam being three months younger than Trevor. Olivia is 18, a year younger than Trevor and Liam, and Alex is 16, two years younger than Liv. Bryce is 15, a year younger than Alex, while Tyler is 11, four years younger than Bryce.

Also, Trevor, Olivia, Bryce, and Tyler take after their Mom's Faust genes, with their auburn hair and blue eyes; while Alex took after their Dad, with their dark hair and grey eyes. That goes the same for Liam, as he has strong Prescott genes. But unlike his siblings and cousin, Bryce was near-sighted and always wore glasses to see. As for how tall they were: Trevor and Liam are 5'10", Olivia is 5'7", Alex is 5'2", Bryce himself was 5'11", and Tyler was 5'5"－he hadn't had his growth spurt yet.

But despite growing up privileged in a mansion surrounded by staff, Bryce and his siblings were raised humbly. Their parents had made sure of that, saying they shouldn't rely on their staff to do things and to always remember Confucius' golden rule. They were also exposed to different extra curricular activities so as for them to experience the world outside the tall gates of the Prescott Manor.

But sometimes their Mom, Evelyn, can be a little bit overprotective. Sometimes, too overprotective.

Exhibit A: Camping. Trevor and Liam had just graduated high school and were heading out to college in the Fall. But before they go, they had decided to go camping in the Stonebridge National Park, a natural park southwest of Gallanberg.

Their Dad, Harrison had agreed almost immediately when his brother Trevor proposed the idea to them, but their Mom had said an instant no.

Trevor and Liam went overboard with maps explaining the safety of them if they go out camping. They actually printed out a map of the entire Stonebridge National Park to prove their point.

"Come on, Mom," Trevor pleaded. "It's still in Aquilos. It's not far."

"Yeah, Aunt Evie," Liam added. "It's only a few kilometers from Marshfield."

Marshfield is the southernmost town of Aquilos.

"Yeah, and if we need any help," Trevor chimed. "We'll just call Brooke's dad since Marshfield is closer to Stonebridge than Gallanberg is."

Their Mom, Evelyn was silent, until their Dad, Harrison finally spoke up. "Evie, honey," He said. "Just let the boys go. They'll be off to college in three weeks. Let them have their fun."

Evelyn took a deep breath. "Alright," She said. "You boys have fun."

"Yes!" Trevor and Liam said in unison before giving each other high fives.

"Thanks, Mom," Trevor smiled. "We'll be careful, I promise."

But their Mom's great mood was ruined when his sister Alexandra spoke up. "Can I come with you guys?" She asked.

"No, Alex," Evelyn answered immediately. "You're not going."

"What?" Alex complained. "That's not fair! Brooke's going with them. Why can't I?"

Evelyn turned to Trevor. "Is Brooke really going with you?" She asked.

Trevor nodded in confirmation. "Yeah, I mean, the whole camping trip was her idea," He said. "She's bringing Connor with her. And Hunter's coming too."

Hunter Beckett and Brooke Rachford and were Trevor and Liam's bestfriends since pre-school. They mostly became friends because their Dads were friends were their Dad. Hunter is the eldest child among the four children of Lewis Beckett, the president of the Pyrmond and his wife Clara Thompson-Beckett (Yes, his brothers were bffs with the president's son.). Brooke Rachford was the only girl in their clique. She was the daughter of Gregory Rachford, their Dad's good friend from Marshfield.

Because of their eldest kids being bffs, the friendships carried on to the younger siblings as well. Brooke's younger brother, Connor was Bryce's bestfriend together with Jewel Beckett, Hunter's younger sister.

Also, like the Prescotts, the Rachfords were also from the Aquilos state of Pyrmond. Even before Bryce and his siblings were born, the two families lived quite close to one another.

But despite being Aquilosi, they were all enrolled in Braswell Institute a private school in Braswell, the country's capital city.

Trevor, Liam, Hunter and Brooke had just graduated high school and were off to college in three weeks. Olivia will be a senior; Alex, a sophomore; Bryce along with Connor and Jewel, will be freshmen and their youngest brother Tyler will be moving on to fifth grade.

According to what Trevor had told him, they were attending the Xavier Von Kingsley University in Penethon Island in Corona Tierra, except for Liam, as he will be attending Pyrmond Military Academy or the PMA in the state of Piedramonte just like their Dad's brother, their Uncle Bentley.

When Evelyn heard that the Rachfords were coming, she had allowed Alex and Bryce to go with their brothers, Trevor and Liam, much to Tyler's dismay since he would be stuck spending the weekend with Olivia in the Prescott Manor. She allowed them to go with the condition that they bring their dogs with them.

Their Siberian Husky dogs were only puppies, but you can hardly tell since they were already as large as two-year-old hounds despite being only four-months old. It was about a month into summer vacation, their Dad had been in a business meeting in Avarel, a ski town and northernmost town of Aquilos, he had been walking back to his hotel when he came across six pups in the light snowfall. Harrison then brought the pups back with him to Gallanberg and gave them to his children.

Their mother had been convinced that the dogs had been gifts of god to them to stand as their protectors. She had thought that when Tyler had gotten lost in a sketchy neighborhood in downtown Gallanberg with his husky, Shadow. Apparently, his dog drove away a would-be robber with its loud bark.

Their parents had them use the family SUV, not Trevor's car since there were four of them, plus their supplies, their own sleeping bags, paper plates and plastic utensils, toilet paper and rechargeable lamps, which were fully charged before they left home. Trevor and Liam had agreed to bring the three tents, one big one and two small ones. And they're also bringing their dogs with them. Hunter was bringing the raw food, grilling pan and the cooler with drinks, and he was going to pick up the Rachfords on the way to Stonebridge.

They left Gallanberg an hour after lunch and drove for about thirty minutes, with Trevor on the wheel, Liam on the shotgun, and Alex and Bryce himself in the middle row of seats. Most of their stuff was in the back row. Their dogs weren't placed in cages. Alex's dog, Artemis sat on his sister's lap, where she was caressing the dog's pelt; Bryce's dog, Oddy was also sitting on his lap, looking out the car window; Trevor's dog, Bullseye was quietly sleeping on the space between Alex and Bryce; and Liam's dog, Winter was with him on the shotgun, doing the same thing Oddy was doing.

Their car went through an arch gateway that said, Stonebridge National Park.

"Here we are," Trevor said as they drove through the entrance arch. He glanced at the rear mirror to the backseat where Alex and Bryce were sitting. "Well, Little brother and sister, Welcome to Stonebridge National Park, where it covers one-third of Aquilos' entire land area and-"

"Trevor, shut up." Alex interrupted. "You're not the freakin' park ranger."

"Sheesh," Liam said. "Why so grumpy, Alex?"

"Just park this thing so I can run to the bathroom." Alex replied. "I've been holding it in for like fifteen minutes."

They reached the parking lot, which had about eleven cars parked. At the edge was Hunter Beckett's pick-up truck parked adjacent to a tree.

The Rachfords, Brooke and Connor were already out waiting for them to arrive, while Hunter was talking to some guy who looked like a park ranger.

When you tell people that Brooke and Connor Rachford were siblings, they wouldn't believe it. Mostly, because they look nothing alike. Brooke was short and is only 5'4", just two inches taller than his sister, Alex. She had shoulder-length curly brown hair and a lean and tone build, since she did athletic extracurriculars. While her younger brother was tall and just about the same height as Bryce, he also had a lean build close to scrawny but not really, and that he had cropped dirty blond hair. The only thing the Rachford siblings had in common were their intense green eyes.

Hunter was around 6'2" tall and had a muscular build, which was not surprising since the guy played football. He had black hair and electric blue eyes. And he was surprisingly humble and down-to-earth despite being the president's kid and growing up in the Piramrojo Palace, the official residence of the president of Pyrmond.

"Bryce, can you hold Artemis while I use the bathroom?" Alex said, handing her dog over to him.

"Um, wouldn't she still follow you wherever you go?" Bryce asked.

"That's why I need you to hold her for me, idiot," Alex argued. "So that she won't run off."

Bryce reluctantly picked Artemis and placed her on his lap next to Oddy, who growled at his littermate. "Whoa, boy," Bryce patted Oddy's hide to calm him down. "There's no need to get jealous."

Trevor parked their family SUV next to Hunter's pick up. And just as soon as the engines died, Alex raced out the car and ran for the restroom stalls.

Trevor reached out his hand to his dog, Bullseye, who was sleeping beside Bryce. "Come on, buddy," He called out. "We're here."

Bullseye then jumped out the car door Alex had left open.

Bryce opened the door on his side and settled Oddy and Artemis onto the ground, the helped Liam with their stuff.

"Bryce," Connor called.

"Hey, Connor," Bryce gave him a fist bump.

"So, you actually brought the dogs, huh?" Connor noticed.

"My Mom insisted," Bryce explained. "It was her one condition. She'd allow me and Alex to come as long as we bring the dogs with us."

"Extra protection, she said." Alex spoke up as she picked up her backpack from the back row of the SUV.

Suddenly, a voice called from behind them. "Well, well, well," The voice sound familiar. "If it isn't the Aquilosi elite and Mr. President."

They all turned and saw Dylan Fletcher, grinning like crazy. "Didn't expect to see you guys here."

Trevor, Liam, and Connor immediately went into their defensive stances with deathly glares on their faces.

Bryce remembered Dylan Fletcher, with his messy dark hair that looked like he had just rolled out of bed, his pale skin, and his icy gray eyes that regarded them like he had planned something that's not good. He was in the same year as Trevor, Liam, Hunter, and Brooke.

Back when his brothers still attended Braswell Institute, Dylan started stalking Brooke in a weird and scary way. When Hunter, Trevor, and Liam found about it, they had insisted that she always sit between them for her own protection. They eventually tell on him to the school's guidance counselor and he stopped. But a week later, Dylan started on about it again, but this time, with Alex. At that time, Trevor had insisted that Alex sit with them during lunch and free periods. The school eventually called Dylan's father, Douglas Fletcher and they advised him to consult a psychiatrist regarding Dylan's unusual behavior. That was all Bryce knew, and now he was here.

Trevor shoved Alex behind him. "Dylan," He said, his voice harsh and cold. "What are you doing here?" He demanded.

Dylan shrugged. "Same as you, I guess," He said. "Camping out before the school term starts." Then his eyes turned at the edge of the group. "Hi, Brooke," Then waved at Alex, who was behind Trevor. "Hello, Alex, you both look beautiful today."

Both Alex and Brooke rolled their eyes in annoyance.

Dylan took a step closer to them, but Artemis growled and barked at him, which made him jump back.

"Good girl," Alex said in a small voice, then stepped forward. "I guess we'll see you around, Dylan." She taunted. "Unless you want Artemis to bite off your fingers, then be my guest."

Dylan still had his eyes on the growling dog, and he looked terrified. He looked like he wanted to make a run for it, but scared that Artemis would follow after him and chew off his foot.

"Have a nice day, Dylan." Brooke added.

Dylan sighed, slowly took a few steps backwards before running off.

"Well," Bryce spoke up. "I guess Mom was right about the dogs after all. They're our protectors."

Connor shook his head in disbelief. "I'm telling you, that guy is a total psychopath!" He said. "For all we know, he probably followed us here."

"Don't worry about it now, little brother," Brooke assured. "I think Artemis already gave him a warning to stay away."

"Yeah," Alex agreed. "And I think Brooke and I can handle Dylan Fletcher this time."

"Alright, now that that's settled," Trevor said. "Where are we going to pitch our tents?" He asked.

"Somewhere away from that psychopath, please," Alex suggested.

"I agree with your sister," Brooke concurred.

"He won't be able to get near anymore," Bryce assured. "We've got four dogs with us. He'd be stupid enough to do so."

"Good point," Hunter said. "What about near the lake?" He recommended.

"The lake is five hundred meter hike from here," Liam informed, showing them a map of the entire park. "Any objections, people?" He asked.

No one complained.

"Okay, then," Trevor said. "Follow me."

BRYCE

Trevor and Liam went ahead and led the way to the lake, since they've been here several times more than Bryce and Alex had been. They carried the cooler with them as their dogs, Bullseye and Tippy walked beside them. Connor and Brooke followed just behind Trevor and Liam. That meant, Bryce was left with Alex and Hunter.

"This is great," Hunter said. "I've never actually done this sort of thing before." He turned to him. "Trev said your Dad would take you and your siblings camping sometimes during the summer. I wish my Dad had the time. But apparently, he's too busy running the country to spare us his hours."

"It's just us boys, really," Bryce pointed out. "Tyler and the girls had never gone camping with us."

"Our Mom is the problem," Alex spoke up. "You had no idea what Trevor and Liam had to to do to convince her to allow me to come with you guys."

"It was pretty funny," Bryce snickered. "They actually printed out a map of the entire Stonebridge National Park."

"No way," Hunter said in disbelief.

Apparently, Brooke, who was walking ahead, heard them. "Wait, really?" She asked. "That's pretty sick. I'd like to see that."

"Yep, it went that far," Alex confirmed. "But when I mentioned you were coming along, Mom eventually agreed."

When they reached the lake, Trevor tossed Bryce one of the smaller portable tents. "You're sharing that tent with Connor."

The other small portable tent will be shared by the girls, and the large one will be shared by Trevor, Liam, and Hunter.

By sunset, the Alex and Brooke volunteered to make the campfire as they were both girls scouts during primary school, which made them very different from their younger brothers, Connor, and Bryce himself.

Bryce used to love being outdoors. He especially loved to climb, that is until he was camping with their Dad and Trevor and Liam one summer and climbed on one of the trees near their tent. He had stepped on a branch that was not strong enough to hold his weight, causing him to lose his footing and he fell to the ground. He ended up being confined to a wheelchair for five months after, which was not fun at all. He was ten at that time, and he was, of course, the reason why their Mom had Alex quit the scouts when she was eleven. Bryce had never climbed again for fear of losing his legs for good.

As for Connor, his health was really delicate, and they found out the hard way. When Bryce and Connor were six, the Rachfords were visiting one Christmas break and they were playing in the Prescott Manor's backyard, throwing snowballs at each other. After a few hits, Connor's nose started bleeding, which panicked them and Brooke screaming at them for attacking her brother wasn't helping. Turns out, his health was delicated due to being born a month premature, which had also taken the life of their mother, Celine.

As it became dark, they huddled around the campfire, roasting marshmallows for s'mores, and exchanged ghost stories while they're at it. Surprisingly, it was Connor who told the scariest ghost stories, which made Trevor almost wet his pants. The mood even got scarier as their dogs would howl from time to time.

. . .

That night, they settled into their tents. Connor fell asleep almost immediately after he slipped into his sleeping bag, and he was snoring. All that hiking probably made him exhausted.

Bryce, however, tossed and turned, but he couldn't sleep. His sleeping bag seemed comfy enough, but he still couldn't sleep, so he decided to do something otherwise. He put on his shoes and stepped out of the tent.

His dog, Oddy, who was guarding outside the tent, stood up and wagged his tail as soon as she saw him.

Bryce gently patted his head. "Hey, buddy," He said. "Sorry, I woke you."

It was cold. That's one of the perks living in the country's northernmost state, even in the hottest time of the year, Aquilosi summers are cold. That's why people travel to Aquilos and spend their summer vacation in the coldest state of Pyrmond.

The campfire, Alex and Brooke had made, was still ablaze, keeping them warm inside their tents.

Bryce glanced far at the lake. Its calm waters shone from the moonlight. On one of the docks not far from their tents, he could see a silhouette of someone sitting. Curious, he walked towards the dock with Oddy on his tail. As he got closer, he began to recognize who is was.

"Brooke?" He called out, before he could stop himself. He didn't want to disturb her.

Brooke was sitting on the dock with her feet dangling out on the edge. She was also leaning back and had her arms spread out behind her, supporting her weight as she stared up in the sky.

When he called her, Brooke turned to him and smiled. "Hey," She said. "Couldn't sleep, huh?" She guessed.

"What about you?" He asked.

Brooke shrugged. "Same reason," She patted the place next to her. "Would you like to join me?" She asked.

"Is it okay?" He hesitated.

Brooke smiled. "Hey, it's a free country."

"Okay, then," Bryce trotted further down the wooden dock and sat beside Brooke. His dog, Oddy went over between them.

Brooke patted Oddy's head. "I seriously love these dogs," She said. "They're cuddly and really helpful. I've always wanted a furry little friend."

"So why didn't you get one?" He asked.

"My Dad," She said. "He's sort of allergic to animal fur. He offered to buy one, you know, but...we can't risk it if it affected his health. He's the only parent we have left."

Bryce didn't know how to respond to that. Their deceased mother, Celine Rachford, had always been a difficult and dangerous topic to the Rachford siblings, especially to Connor.

"So," Bryce spoke up, breaking the silence. "So you guys are going to college in three weeks. What program are you going to take?" He asked.

"Well, I've always wanted to be a Vet." Brooke answered.

Bryce blinked. "Really?" He asked in surprise. "Well then, maybe I should go to you when I'm taking Oddy for a regular check-up." He rubbed Oddy's hide. "Isn't that right, buddy?"

Brooke chuckled. "We'll see." She said as she reached out and patted Oddy's head.

"You're going to be a great Vet." Bryce said before he could stop himself. He didn't know where the compliment came from.

Brooke frowned at him. "The semester hasn't ever started yet," She said. "Or you're just saying that to flatter me."

Bryce could feel himself turning red from embarrassment. He didn't know how to respond to that.

"You know, Bryce," Brooke smiled. "You're really sweet. Has anyone ever told you that?"

"Besides my Mom," Bryce answered. "Probably my sister Olivia. But she always had this knack for giving compliments. Don't know if she actually means it."

"It's a big sister thing, believe me." Brooke said as she lay on her back on the wooden dock. "But unlike your sister, I actually mean what I said. I'm pretty straightforward that way."

"Alex is like that," Bryce brought up, lying next to her. "Most people find it rude, but it's just the truth. And she's just being honest." He stared up at the sky. "Wow, it's been a while since I stared up at the stars like this."

The starry sky was beautiful. The moon and the stars shone out crystal clear in the blackness of the night. Unlike in cities and towns, with all the commercial and residual lighting, you can barely see the stars. This time, there were no clouds and the only light came from above.

"When was the last time?" Brooke asked.

"What?" He asked, for a moment staring up the sky, he'd forgotten Brooke was beside him.

"You said it's been a while since you stared at the stars like this," She recalled. "When was the last time you did?"

"Oh," Bryce got up and glanced back at the tents, making sure no one else was around.

Brooke sat up. "Bryce, you okay?" She asked.

"Can you keep a secret?" He said. "Promise me you won't tell anyone."

Brooke shrugged. "Alright, I won't tell anyone."

Bryce took a deep breath. "Before my accident, and when everyone else was asleep, I use to climb to the rood of our house from my bedroom window to stare up at the stars."

Brooke frowned. "Isn't your room like, two storeys from the roof?" She asked.

Bryce nodded. "Yep," He had sworn to himself that he wasn't going to tell anyone about his past late night hobby, climbing to the roof of the Prescott Manor, but he wasn't sure why he opened up to Brooke.

"Oh, my god!" Brooke exclaimed, then gave him a slow clap. "You're a freakin' daredevil, I'll give you that." She said.

Bryce had expected to be scolded, but he was surprised with her reaction to it.

"But what if you fell and no one knew about it because they're all asleep?" She asked.

"But I didn't," Bryce said.

"Well, you're lucky you haven't fallen," Brooke said. There it is, he thought.

"I did fall," He said. "But not at home. It was in this park."

"Anyways, you and Connor are going to be freshmen when school starts," Brooke brought up. "You excited?" She asked.

"I wouldn't say excited," Bruce replied. "I'm more nervous to be honest, unlike Connor who couldn't wait until school starts. Well, if you ask me I think it's his excuse to say he couldn't wait to be in the same building as Lisa Wilson."

"Wait, what?" Brooke asked as if she'd misheard.

"Shit," Bruce cursed. "I'm not supposed to tell you that."

"It's fine, Bryce," Brooke assured. "I know about that. He's had a crush on her since you guys were in fifth grade. But isn't she like in Alex's year?" She asked.

Bryce nodded. "Yeah, she's a year older." He said. "But that doesn't matter, right?"

"Of course, it doesn't," Brooke agreed. "What about you?" She asked.

"What about me?"

"Aren't you crushing on someone already?" She smirked.

At that, Bryce could feel himself blush from embarrassment. He had never told anyone about it, not even his bestfriends, but he did have a little crush on Brooke. He didn't really think much about it, because Bryce knew that she would never like him back. Never in a million years.

"Come on, Bryce," Brooke persuaded. "You know you can tell me anything."

"Well, I don't have one, yet." He lied.

"That's a shame," Brooke said. "I might've helped you."

"Help me with what?" He asked.

"Certain things."

"What certain things?"

Brooke smiled, but it was a different. It wasn't a friendly smile, no. It was more like, hungry and mischievous. Like a predator found its prey and she that she was up to something smile.

Bryce looked away from her and stared out in the lake.

A moment passed.

He had been looking away, when suddenly Brooke's hand skimmed over his knee, which made him jump in surprise.

"Bryce, it's okay," Brooke assured. "It's just me. If I'm making you uncomfortable, just tell me. You'd tell me, right?"

Bryce still didn't know how to respond.

"It's fine," She reassured as her hand rested down on his knee, cupping it lightly. "Don't worry about it."

He was aware of her touching him. Slowly, he glanced back at her. Brooke must have leaned forward, because her face was closer to his not a moment ago. The weird thing was, he didn't lean away from her and he allowed her to come closer.

"Just relax," She said in almost a whisper. "Close your eyes and don't do anything."

Bryce hesitated, then out of curiosity, he did close his eyes.

Even with his eyes closed, he could feel her face before she made contact. Her unruly brown curls that fell down her shoulders and the faint smell of her skin. Then he felt the side of her face brush his and then felt her lips softly touch his own.

Bryce's heart pounded. He was struck by how it felt pleasantly good to have kissed someone on the lips for the first time, especially if it's Brooke's.

Brooke pulled back an inch or two. Feeling a bit disappointed, he opened his eyes experimentally.

Her green eyes sparkled, like the stars above. "I told you," She said. "It's fine-"

His body seemed to know what to do even when his brain didn't, because he didn't even let her finish her sentence. Bryce's hands cupped her neck, with his thumbs on her cheeks and pulled her back into the kiss, startling her.

Even with his eyes closed, Bryce could feel her smile through the kiss. It felt so good. She felt so good. Her mouth was wet, and wanted more of it. Her lips moved on an inhale and her momentum, and so did his.

Her hand crept gently on the back of his neck as she drew back, changed the tilt of her angle, pushing forward again. Despite the cold breeze, heat was rising in his chest as she pulled him against her.

Then suddenly Oddy stood and barked, causing them to break apart. His dog was barking at the direction where their tents were pitched.

"Oddy, what it is?" Bryce asked, caressing his hide to calm him down.

A figure walked towards them, and as it got closer he could see little tuffs of dirty blond hair gleaming dimly from the moonlight. It was Connor.

"Bryce?" Connor called. "What are－Brooke? Why are you both still up?" He asked.

"Uh..." Bran started to say.

"We can't sleep," Brooke spoke up, basically saving them both an explanation from what actually happened. "So, we decided to pass time, stargazing and...talking." She said. "What's wrong?"

Connor sighed. "The campfire's dying," He said. "I don't know where you guys put the extra firewood. And I'm thirsty."

"It's just beside the largest tent," Brooke instructed. "Beside the cooler."

"Oh, okay, thanks," Connor said, then walked towards the largest tent. The tent where Trevor, Liam, and Hunter were sleeping in, carefully not stepping over Bullseye and Tippy.

Bryce turned back to Brooke, who still had her mischievous smirk. He leaned on to kiss her again, but she placed her index finger before his mouth, stopping him.

"You should go," Brooke suggested. "You don't want to raise any suspicion."

He reluctantly nodded. "Of course," He said as he stood. "Goodnight, Brooke."

"Goodnight," She replied. "See you in the morning, Prescott." Then she winked at him.

That made him smile. Bryce walked back to the tent he and Connor shared, with Oddy following behind him.

Connor was tending the fire and eating a s'more. Oddy went over to him and ate the s'more from his hand, which made him laugh.

"What－are you kidding me?" Connor complained. "Seriously, Bryce, your dog needs training." He said. "He could've bit off my fingers."

"Oddy wouldn't do that," Bryce assured. "He's a good dog." He said, patting Oddy on his head. "Anyways, I'm starting to get tired. I think I should crash. Goodnight."

That wasn't technically a lie. He wasn't sleepy yet, yes. But he was tired. Tired from all the lip exercises Brooke had given him.

Bryce slipped into his sleeping bag, thinking about the kiss he and Brooke shared. It had been his first kiss. And that's another thing he'd remember Brooke for, not just his bestfriend's sister or one of his brother's bestfriends.

That kiss wasn't the end of it, as it was only the beginning. The beginning of something far more complicated to explain.

LIAM

Liam nearly had a heart attack on the second day of camping.

Their morning activity, as he and Trevor had organized, was swimming in the lake. So they put their rashguards and jumped to the lake before the sun even came up.

Trevor had taken the habit of taking snapshots of their adventure on his phone. From trekking uphill to eating s'mores to swimming in the lake so he can post them on social media when they get home, in which he suspected that Trev will be needing his help to pick out the best photos and come with the most ridiculous captions and hashtags.

That was fine with him. He and Trevor did almost everything together. He was like a brother to him. Most people who don't know them just assumed they were twins, even though they were nothing alike. Trevor had his Mom's auburn hair and blue eyes, while he had the Prescott dark hair and grey eyes. But the twin assumption was probably because they were on the same year in school and they share the same last name.

Liam was thankful that his Uncle Harrison had taken him into his family after his Mom, Elyse, his uncle's younger sister, died giving birth to him. His cousins were more than cousins to him, they were brothers and sisters, especially Trev and Alex.

Now, they were in the water. Well, four of them were in the water. Hunter had come up with a spontaneous swimming contest with Brooke and Trevor. That sort of gave him, Hunter and Brooke an advantage since they were athletes back in high school. He and Hunter were in the Football team, the Braswell Institute Knights. Brooke was in the archery team, and Trevor was in the school politics, in fact, he was the Student body president of the Braswell Institute's High School Department.

Alex was tending to the three dogs, Artemis, Bullseye, and Tippy near the tents. His second favorite cousin and Bryce were the only ones who had the same Prescott features as him, with their dark brown hair and grey eyes unlike the rest of their siblings, who all had their Mom's auburn hair and blue eyes. Alex was sort of a tomboy. Back when they were young, she would rather play tag or climb trees with him and her brothers then play dolls with her sister, Olivia. Even now, she chose camping with them than be stuck at home for the weekend. And he was certain it's one of the reasons she and Brooke got along so well, they were both similar in many ways.

Bryce and Connor were merely sitting at the docks. Bryce's dog, Oddy was sitting between them as Bryce caressed his pelt.

Ever since Bryce's accident, confining him to a wheelchair for five month when he was ten, his Mom kept him from doing physical stuff. Connor on the other hand, has asthma and constantly carried an inhaler in his pocket. And both Bryce and Connor were always excused from Physical Ed class in school.

"Bryce!" Trevor called to his brother as he swam just below the docks, which was by the way, already a deep part of the lake since they can't even reach the bottom. "Why don't you and Connor take a dip?" He suggested.

"Nah, we're good," Bryce replied. "Thanks though."

"If you're worried about the water being cold, little brother, it isn't." Trevor assured. "Now, come on." He waved for them to join them.

Connor considered it. He began to scoot towards the edge of the dock and probably drop down the water.

"Hey!" Brooke yelled as she swam towards Trevor and looked up at her brother. "And what do you think you're doing?" She demanded.

Connor shrugged. "I'm just gonna take a dip." He said.

"Then go to the shore," Brooke scolded. "Don't just jump into the water. I don't need to remind you that you can't swim."

Connor sighed. "Fine." He stood from where he sat and walked to the shore where they kept their footwear.

The Rachfords had basically grown up without a mother. Connor had never known their Mom, Celine, since she had died hours after giving birth to him. So Brooke had taken over that role at a young age. It was also around that time they became friends.

When Brooke and Connor's Mom, Celine was in labor, their Dad, Gregory had left Brooke in the care of Harrison and Evelyn Prescott in Gallanberg. Brooke had shared a room with Olivia and Alex in the Prescott Manor, but she mostly played with Trevor and Liam himself. Because back then, Olivia played with dolls and Brooke preferred sparring sticks, using it as swords with them, Alex was still a toddler and his Aunt Evie was still pregnant with Bryce.

And since Connor was born a month premature, his health was delicate. So Liam can't really blame Brooke for being so over-protective of her little brother.

"Geez, Brooke," Trevor huffed. "You should really lighten up a bit." He suggested. "We're here to have fun. Why are you keeping your brother from doing so?"

Brooke glared at Trevor, then splashed water, hitting him in the face. "Connor can't swim." She said. "And if he drowns because you told him to jump into a deep part of the lake, I will personally kill you." She threatened.

"She's right," Liam agreed as he swam towards them. "And if that happens, I'm going to help her kill you."

"Alright, point taken," Trevor said.

"Okay," Bryce spoke up from the docks. "Now that you're done agreeing to kill Trevor if someone drowns, I'm gonna join Connor to the shore," He said. "It seems like a fine option." He turned to his dog as he stood. "Come on, Oddy."

Bryce's dog, Oddy scampered after his master, wagging his tail playfully.

Suddenly, something grabbed his feet. "Shit!" Liam cursed as he wiggled free from whatever that was. "What was that?" He wailed.

Beside him, Brooke yelped. "Oh, god, something's touching me!" She cried.

Liam had imagination that someone or something was lurking beneath the lake ready to pull down campers under, though there were no reports on people going missing swimming in the late or camping in the woods.

Just then, Hunter emerged from the water, laughing his head off. "Oh, shit!" He chortled. "You should've seen your faces."

Trevor gave Hunter a high five. "Nice one, Hunter." He praised.

"Seven hells, man!" Liam screamed. "Not cool."

Brooke splashed water at Hunter. "Goddammit, Beckett!" She cussed. "It's not funny!"

"Alright, that's it." Liam said as he swam towards the shore. "I'm done."

"What?" Hunter exclaimed. "Come on, Liam. It was a joke."

"No, I'm gonna give Alex her turn." Liam yelled back. "She's gonna kill me if I don't let her swim."

Liam and Alexandra had made an agreement that they should take turns watching their stuff and tending the dogs. And in a simple game of rock-paper-scissors, they decided who would swim first, and he had won, which meant Alex had to be on guard duty first.

Near the shore, Bryce and Connor were knees-deep in the water. Bryce's dog, Oddy was trying to approach his master, but unable to do so because he was afraid of the riptide coming fast that he'll just run back to the shore.

Liam's dog, Tippy was waiting for him on the shore, wagging his tail playfully. His snowy white Husky barked in excitement when he saw him approaching.

"Liam, are you guys, okay?" Bryce asked when he saw him getting nearer. "We heard you and Brooke scream."

"We're fine," He assured. "It was just Hunter playing a practical joke on us."

Tippy ran to him and nearly knocked him off his feet.

"Hey, buddy," Liam said as his dog licked his face.

Alex glared at him with Artemis and Bullseye at her heels. "Am I free to go now?" She asked.

"Yeah, you're good, little cousin," Liam confirmed. "It's my turn to watch the dogs."

Alexandra smiled. "Thanks." She took off her shirt revealing her purple rashguard underneath, then ran towards the shore and swam towards Trevor, Brooke, and Hunter.

Bryce watched his sister with envy. "Why can't I go there?" He asked. "It's not fair."

"Because you can't swim," Liam pointed out. "Both of you can't swim, and if either one of you drowns," He shrugged. "Your parents will kill us."

Liam sat at the edge of the sandy shore with the four dogs. Well, three, because Oddy was still trying to get to Bryce.

Liam had to smile at that. Oddy was always the playful husky out of the six his Uncle Harrison had brought home nearly three months ago. He remembered that day. He was really worn out from football practice when Alex burst into his room with a snowy white Siberian husky, which he had named Tippy, because he's the most silent among the six pups. He's so quiet it's like he's on his tippy-toes all the time.

Tippy's brothers and sisters: Trevor's dog, Bullseye, is the fastest runner among the pack, hence why Trev named him such. Because he runs like the wind, he said; Olivia's dog, Cleo, a shortened name taken from Cleopatra, an Egyptian queen, because her dog is the most behaved of the pack and 'acts like a queen'; Alex's dog, Artemis, the most stubborn of the pack, much like her master actually, whom Alex named after her favorite Greek goddess; Bryce's dog is Oddy, the most playful of the bunch, and you always see him scampering after his master. He named him after the Greek Hero, Odysseus. (Alex and Bryce are obsessed with Greek Mythology); and then there's Tyler's dog, Shadow, the most aggressive of the six, they literally had to restrain him everytime they get a visitor because the last time his Uncle Harrison had a visitor from the Aquilosi Capitol, Shadow nearly bit him, and he is named such because of the color of his fur.

Liam was busy tending to the dogs that he hadn't notice Bryce wasn't on the shore with Connor anymore and Oddy was already barking in alarm.

"Bryce!" Connor screamed.

"Oh, my god!" Alex shrieked. "Bryce!"

Liam stood and saw the thing he was afraid that would happen. If either one of you drowns, He had said. Your parents will kill us. Now, he was seeing Bryce floating in the water, lifeless and drifting with the current.

"Oh, shit." He muttered, then ran to the water.

Hunter swam over to Bryce's unconscious body and started to drag him ashore. Liam swam towards them and helped carry Bryce towards the shore.

Once they got ashore, they laid him on the sand. All their dogs were now barking in distress.

Liam shook his cousin's shoulder. "Bryce!" He screamed. "Wake up!" He slapped his cheek hard. "Wake up, Bryce!"

Bryce was unresponsive and his skin was turning pale. Oh, god, he thought. He tried not to think what his aunt and uncle would do to them when they find out about this.

Brooke ran over towards them and knelt beside him. She took Bryce's pale arm and checked his wrists for pulses.

"I don't feel a pulse," Brooke said. "He don't have a pulse."

Liam looked around for any sort of help, but they were alone. Finally, he took it upon himself to help Bryce from all the training he had from being a football player and a few things he learned in Health class.

He placed his hands over the other and continuously pressed them on Bryce's chest.

Brooke seemed to understand what he was doing so she scooted closer to Bryce and pinched his nostrils shut. She then pressed her mouth against Bryce's and started blowing air into his lungs.

Liam could see Bryce's chest rise and fall, but nothing else. For about a minute, they were in sync performing Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation on Bryce. He continued pumping the spot over his heart with the heels of his hands and Brooke blew air into Bryce's lungs.

"Come on, Bryce," Liam muttered. "Come on."

Hunter had one arm around Alex and the other around Connor, trying to calm them down. Alex had her hand clamped her mouth and Connor's jaw dropped in shock. Obviously, they were still both stunned at what just happened.

Trevor was pacing back and forth, like he always does when he's in panic mode. "Shit!" He cursed as he raked his hands through his wet hair. "I killed him," He cried. "I killed him. I'm going to prison for fratricide."

"Trev, you're not helping," Hunter pointed out.

Suddenly, Bryce coughed out water and his eyes fluttered open as he sat gasping for air.

Liam and Brooke sat back in relief. Thank god, he thought.

"I'm never swimming again," Connor said in a small voice.

Bryce rubbed his forehead. "Oh, god. What happened?" He asked.

"Bryce!" Trevor cried as he crushed his brother in a hug. "Oh, god. I'm so sorry, little brother." He gently rubbed Bryce's back. "It's okay, You're okay. We're all okay now." He said, half-muttering to himself. He then turned to Liam and Alex, while still having an arm around Bryce. "Don't tell Mom and Dad about this, okay?" He pleaded. "We're gonna be grounded for the rest of our lives if we do."

"No, you're gonna be grounded for the rest of your life." Alex corrected. "Because you dragged him to that deeper part of the lake and you know he can't swim." She said.

"Are you kidding me, Trev?" Brooke spoke up. "Your brother nearly died today and all you're worried about is being grounded? Come on, you know better than that."

"I agree," Alex concurred. "I'm telling Mom about this."

"Look," Hunter spoke up. "How about we just stay away from the lake for the rest of the trip?" He suggested. "That way, we don't have to worry about anyone drowning again."

"Couldn't agree more, Beckett." Liam said.