Chapter 1

In two days it would be my first day back to high school . . . awesome. I had been dreading this day since I had to move back with my dad. My mother was an archaeologist and had been leaving me home for years, but she got a permanent job leading an archaeological mission in Egypt to the Mut Temple precinct of Karnak and was adamant that I would move back to Victoria with my dad. There was a reason I left to Arizona in the first place. I hated everything about Victoria. It was a small town where everyone knew everything and being good at gossiping was a credential that was a must. My only saving grace was my best friend Blake. She lived here and I missed her terribly. She sometimes would come to visit me in Tucson, but sometimes I felt like she only came to check out the cute American boys that wouldn't even look twice at me. I mean I wasn't an ugly Betty or anything, but I definitely wasn't Blake. And I was only half serious about how she only came out to see boys, she and I have been friends since pretty much birth. . she couldn't help it if she was gorgeous.

To make matters worse not only did I miss my flight but I had forgotten the one picture of me and my mom when I was 5 years old in Egypt. It was the last time I remember me and my mother spending 4 whole months together on a dig in Cairo.

I missed her already.

"Excuse me miss, could I please have your passport"

"Ya, sure" I said

"Are you travelling alone?"

"Unfortunately, are there any flights today that are available?"

"Actually yes, I could get you on the 4:45pm flight to Vancouver, which then connects to Victoria. You should arrive in Victoria at around 9:45 local time."

I looked down it was only 11:45am. Getting to Victoria was like trying to solve the rubix cube.. Impossible.

"Excuse me, Ms. Philips, you forgot your passport." the American Airlines lady looked at me like I was and idiot.

"Thanks." I replied. I could feel my entire face burning with embarrassment.

As I walked towards the luggage pick up reality started to set in. Just as I started to feel this intense feeling of dread,

"Summer!" I heard my dad yell my name.

"Hi Dad" I replied

"It's good to see you kid, it's pretty cold here eh? I hope you brought some warm clothing"

Wow . . My dad was so Canadian it was ridiculous. As per usual it was pouring rain outside, and I began to think about all the sunshine I was leaving behind.

The truck drive home was pretty quiet. Its amazing how two years apart from your dad can seem like twenty. My dad was a pretty simple guy, he loved to drink his beer and he loved sports. I'm sure it was just as hard for him to make conversation as it was for me.

As we pulled up to my old house I saw the old tree that my dad and I had carved in the shape of a castle. I smiled. With all my feelings of dread, I had seemed to forget all the great memories I had here.

As I hulled my luggage up to my old room I saw that my dad had made an attempt to clean up and make it more of a "grown up" bedroom.

"So… tomorrow I could drop you off downtown so you could do some shopping? I left some money for you on your bedside table"

"Uhh, thanks dad but Blake and I have plans" I said as I glanced over to the bedside table to see two twenty dollar bills. Two twenty dollar bills? At least he tries.

"No problem, I'll be home around 5:00 for dinner. Karen will be over to help you with dinner" He said as he walked down the stairs " I'll let you settle in".

Karen was my aunt. She took care of my dad since he never really got over the break up with my mom. My auntie Karen was eccentric to say the least. She was 29 and she went through boyfriends as often as I went through underwear. She would always – adapt – to their style. For instance, these days she was dating a white rapper whose name was actually Vinny but his 'stage name' was "SoldierBoyy" and she was dressing like JLo dressed when she was dating Puff Daddy. As I sat on my bed thinking about all of Karen's old boyfriends, my phone started to vibrate in my backpack. It was a text message from Blake

"I know your home biotch .. call me ASAP xox" I laughed. You had to give it to Blake, she was always on top of everything.

"Hey Bl—"

"SINCE WHEN do you not call me the minute you LAND???" She interrupted.

"Sorry, my dad came to pick me u—"

"It doesn't matter – get dressed we are going out" She blurted.

"B, I can't go out I just got home and plus Karen is coming over and I haven't seen her in like 2 years" I insisted. I had to stay here; my dad would be devastated if I went out tonight.

"Boo.. If you change your mind from being lame.. call me. Love you" She hung up. She was probably already calling the other girls. I swear sometimes she had seven cell phones.

"Summer, can you come down here for a second" I heard my dad yell from downstairs.

"OH MY GOSH -- I cant believe it" I heard as I walked down the stairs. There she stood in white jeans, a white tank top that said "Bling Bling" and a bandana

"Hi Karen" I wondered if she could hear the snicker in my voice. I loved Karen, and she was always someone I could talk to but wow. She gave me the biggest hug and said how beautiful I was and went on and on about how long it's been since we had seen each other.

"I actually came by to tell you guys that I can't join you for dinner cause Vinny has a show tonight" she said with a huge smile on her face. "I would love it if you could come, Summer"

"Aww, thanks Karen, but I think I'm just going to hang out with my dad tonight"

"Actually Sum – I've got plans to meet the guys at the pub to watch the game" He said as entered the kitchen.

This was quite typical. I come home after being away for 2 years and everyone has plans.

"You know what, Blake asked me to go over to her place tonight, so I might just go over there if that's ok?" I lied.

"Just make sure your home on time" He said

"And what would that time be, dad?" I wondered.

"What time does your mother let you stay out until?" He looked at me seriously.

"Around 12" I was hoping he wouldn't catch on to my lie.

"11:30 then don't be late." Typical dad, always trying to out-manoeuvre mom. "Alright dad" I rolled my eyes.

Thirty seconds passed as I waiting for Blake's reply to my message and I began to worry. Blake never took this long … ever. Just as I began to dial her number my phone buzzed:

"Sorry, I was getting my hair done. Glad you come to your senses. Pick you up in 25 minutes. XO"

Great. Blake was going to pick me up wearing something totally fantastic, and I will be wearing my . . . converse sneakers. Before I knew it, I heard Blake's horn honking in my driveway. As I ran down the stairs my entire bag fell spilling everything inside of it all over the kitchen floor.

"Shit" I muttered.

"I heard that Summer, watch your language." I swear my dad was always listening.

As I scrambled to pick up everything and shove it mindlessly into my bag I heard to door swing open:

"S, we don't have all night.. people to see.. places to go.. boys to tea-- Oh hi Mr. Philips. Didn't see you there" She stumbled over her words as my dad walked into the kitchen.

"Blake. Good to see you." My dad snickered as he leaned on the kitchen counter.

"Don't forget Sum, 11:30." He insisted.

"Don't worry Mr. P, she won't be late." Blake was always good at convincing parents that nothing would ever go wrong. It was part of her charm.

"You know I love you S, but didn't you have anything more suitable to wear tonight, I mean we are going to Bannister's house for christ sake" She said as we walked towards her perfect little Mercedes convertible. Wait.

"Do you mean Mike Bannister?" I choked out.

"Of course, silly" She said as she checked her lipstick in the mirror.

Mike Bannister ughhh. Mike Bannister was the most popular guy at school. Played on all the sports teams and was captain of the basketball team. Most girls would pass out when they saw him, but me, I wasn't that interested. I mean he was cute but after a few summers of visits he got in a little. One summer while I was visiting a few years ago he invited me to a party. I thought what the heck, he was pretty cute and it's not like we were going to get married or anything. I was nervous, but I thought it was pretty sweet how out of all the girls at our school Mike Bannister liked me. Well, that night I showed up his house and who was he making out with? Angie Dalton. Angie Dalton was Blake's greatest enemy. They had been competing for attention since the first grade. I couldn't believe my eyes! I put on lipstick for christ sake. I immediately turned around and never looked back. I hadn't seen him since.

Oh god, I felt like I was going to throw up.

As we pulled up to Mike's house I began to sweat a little bit. Another perk about Victoria, you could be anywhere in 10 minutes. This was the first time I didn't actually appreciate it.

"Blake, I don't know if this is such a good idea." I said anxiously as I tried to peer in the windows.

"Summer, this is a perfect opportunity for you to show that little skeeze that you are SO over him and that he is clearly the one that missed out" She said confidently. . She ran her fingers through my hair, trying to help me out, but really only making me more insecure. I looked in the mirror, and didn't know if there was a point in putting on lip gloss; I was who I was… but a little more warning would have been nice.

The door opened and someone I didn't know answered the door. Phew. Typical Blake was out of my sight within 2 seconds but yelled from afar that she would be right back. I stood awkwardly by the door.

"You're the new girl, Summer right? Summer Philips?" A pretty little brown haired girl asked.

"Um, ya. Hi." I said uncomfortably.

"I'm Zoe. I'm a friend of Blake's. She's been talking about your for months."

"Oh Zoe! Hi, I'm Summer. I've heard a lot about you. Sorry about the awkward hello, it's a little strange being the new girl. When I am not really new… but … umm" I stammered.

"Don't worry. If you're a friend of Blake's you're a friend of mine. Come and I'll introduce you to some people you absolutely need to meet" she insisted.

Phew. Thank god I didn't have to sit here waiting for Blake like a loner. Zoe took me through the party introducing me to a whole bunch a girls that had last names that ended in 'ie' like Jennie, Mandy, Sandy, Stephanie. She led me into the kitchen where all the guys were hanging out.

"Hey, Hey what do we have here… fresh meat?" I heard this guy yell from somewhere.

"Zip it Jason, you would have no chance so put your tongue back in your mouth." Zoe snapped back. I immediately knew I loved Zoe.

"She's no fresh meat. Are you Summer?" I heard from behind me.

My heart stopped.

Mike.

"Looking as beautiful as always, Summer." He said as he came from around my left side.

"Oh, he- hey Mike. Good to see you" I stuttered.

Getting a good look at him, he was pretty cute, but not the Greek God that I had once fantasized about. He still was pretty charming though, but he hadn't really changed much. He interrupted my train of thought

"Can I get you something to drink?"

"No thanks, I'll be alrine.. I mean alright. I was going to say alright and then I started to say fine. Sorry." I mumbled with embarrassment.

"No problem, just make yourself at home." He laughed. "Oh and by the way. Welcome back to the island." He said as he walked away.

Mumbling like an imbecile probably made him think I like him. Summer you idiot.

"Come on, lets go." Blake said as she grabbed my arm and began leading me to the front door.

"Where did you come from?" I asked surprised. "Thanks for leaving me by myself by the way." I spat out.

"Summer, I know everything that goes on around here. I told Zoe to come help you mingle. Come on, you know me better than that." She rolled her eyes.

"Why are we leaving, we've only been here for 20 minutes." I said.

"Because, S, you can't stay at a party too long, you have to make your entrance and leave at the precise time." She looked at me like I should know these rules. Just as I was wondering about what her reasoning's were, I saw her. Angie. I smiled, but I didn't say anything. Pointing out Blake's insecurities would be a bad decision.

The whole ride home consisted of Blake and Zoe commenting on people's outfits and how high school fashion is so sad. I looked down at my plaid button up shirt and sneakers and thought to myself that I am one of those fashion victims they were talking about.

"I'll pick you up at noon tomorrow. Love you" Blake said as I got out of the car.

I smiled. I forgot what it was like to be on Blake's schedule. She had 5 days in advanced planned down to the last second of the day. I shook my head and laughed. As I walked towards the house I thought about the party and all the new people I would have to be acquainted with at school on Monday. I was definitely not looking forward to it.

"Dad?" I said as I unlocked to door and walked in. I looked at my watch it was 10:45. I peered outside and noticed that his truck wasn't in the driveway. Well, at least I had some alone time to get settled in. I unpacked my computer and plugged it in and tried to find an internet connection. I search by the computer desk downstairs to find that my dad had a wireless modem. I stared in disbelief. My dad, buying a wireless modem? Did he even know what it was? I guess he wanted to seem tech savvy for when I arrived.

I logged in and checked my email. My mom had sent me about 15 emails from Egypt wondering why I hadn't written her yet. She had sent about100 pictures. She was having a fantastic time but missed me. I missed her too.

Mom,

Things are fine here, don't worry. It raining here and cold and I finally understand why we moved. Dad is great, and has made me feel at home. Blake is her usual self and forcing me into social situations that make me uncomfortable, but, that's normal right? Anyways, I miss you a lot and hope you are having fun.

Love, S

I checked facebook and all my friends from Arizona had written on my wall about how much they missed me and how I was a traitor for moving back to Canada. I didn't have to energy to write everyone back so I just wrote in my status box:

Summer Philips is cold

That should satisfy them. I got into bed and stared at my ceiling for about 20 minutes until I started to drowse off. I heard the front door open in my sleepy haze and rolled over. I was so tired.

I woke up and looked at the clock. It was 8:15am. Way too early but once I woke up, I was up. I stumbled down the stairs

"Morning" dad said as he took a sip of coffee. "Want some?" he asked.

"No thanks dad, I don't drink coffee."

"I guess you're still a little young". He filled his coffee cup up again. "Well, I have to go into the fire station today for a while. There are a few rookies starting today that need some training. You'll be alright today?"

"Ya, ya dad, I'll be fine. Blake is picking me up at 12:00 to go somewhere." I said in my haze as I rubbed my eyes and yawned.

"Before you head out, would you mind taking the trash out?"

"Umm sure." I stumbled to the trash and tied it up. I got to the front porch looking for a pair of shoes to wear outside. All I could find was my dads hunting boots so I slipped them on and clumsily found my way down the stairs up the trail to the trash can. As I walked towards the can I noticed someone in the neighbour's yard unpacking something out of the truck of a car. Just as I looked for a better view he stood up.

I was stunned.

He was the most beautiful thing I'd ever seen; dirty blond hair, piercing green eyes. I couldn't look away. Everything was in slow motion for a second, and as I took my next step forward I hit the garbage can and fell straight on my face.

Idiot.

As I lied there too embarrassed to get up and closed my eyes praying that he didn't see me, I heard a voice

"Are you ok?" He said

I just sat there. And then it hit me. I was wearing my pink pyjama bottoms with butterflies on them, my dads hunting boots that still had blood on them, an old ripped t-shirt that says 'Frankie says relax' on it, no bra and morning breath. This couldn't get worse.

As I turned around on my back I was completely distracted on how beautiful this guy was. He reached out his hand to help me off the ground.

"That was a pretty hard bail you took there" He said with this adorable smirk on his face.

"Um yeah. . . I shouldn't be aloud in public with my feet." I said trying to make a joke as I took his hand to lift myself up.

As I got up and brushed the dirt and mud off of me I looked up at him again. So dreamy.

"I'm Rhys." He said as he put his hands through his hair. He was wearing a leather jacket with a zip-hoody underneath and a pair of jeans. His eyes were completely distracting I couldn't look away.

"Uhmm.. su -- Summer" I stuttered. "So do you live near here?" Once I said it I realized how stupid the question was.

"Uh" he chuckled "Ya, I live next door with my aunt. I've never seen you before though?" He said looking down at my shoes.

"Oh ya, I umm.. I just moved here to live with my dad" I said shuffling my feet backwards to hide my shoes behind the garbage that now was thrown all over the sidewalk.

"Oh, you're Jim's daughter? Well it's nice to meet you." He said with a smile. His smile was intoxicating. He was older, he had to be older.

"You should go take care of that." He said pointing to my hand that was now covered in blood with little pieces of rock embedded into my skin.

"OH. . . ya I guess I should." I mumbled. Among other things, like brush my teeth, change, not come out again until I look great, or just climb under the garbage and die.

He started to walk away and I was mildly horrified that he didn't want to make more conversation with me. Then again, I was in my pyjamas. I didn't want to stop looking at him quite yet.

"I always liked that song." He smirked as he turned to walk away. I looked down at my t-shirt and smiled.