Day One

"I can't believe this is actually happening!" Selena squeals in delight as I try to waggle my seat for some comfort. I turn my head left, but only receive a giant amount of pain from my back.

Trust me, traveling via bus for seventeen hours is torture. Pure torture.

"Calm your tits, Sel. It's not like we're going to Hawaii or something." Demi says from behind us.

"But we're going close enough. I can already imagine it; local boys, cocktails and dancing through the whole night—"

"And then working on houses the whole day. Yeah, Sel good luck with having energy to do it all." I state shaking my head as I yawn. I love my friend very much, but sometimes she can just cross the line.

She's a partier, while me and Demi prefer to stay behind our books in quiet corners.

"Watch me, I didn't pay so much money to knock a hammer against wood planking." She shakes her finger at me. "No thanks honey, I'd rather soak up the sun while I'm here."

"I don't think you have a choice there, Selena." Demi leans her head between mine and Selena's seat. "You either work or you go home. Easy as that."

"Yeah, but—"

"Please tell me you don't have a plan.." I mutter, but Selena doesn't hear me, instead she goes on blabbing,

"—as you already know I always have a plan. Always. This time it's no different."

Demi and I groan.

"What? You know you love all of my plans—"

I hold my hand up. "No we don't. We hate them, Sel. Last time you had one of your brilliant plans, we got detention. And as far as I remember, whenever you think of a plan disaster follows."

Demi grins. "Amen to that, girl."

Selena frowns. "You guys are cruel." She shakes her head. "Fine, do it your way. While you two goody-two-shoes are working on the houses, I'll be flirting with a local boy." She waggles her eyebrows at us suggestively.

I close my eyes and sigh. This whole trip is supposed to make me feel better about everything that's been going on at home, but problems are all I can think about. I can't enjoy being away because my mind can't wrap around the fact that I should have fun.

So instead I lean my head against the seat and try to get some rest before—

"Unbuckle your seat belts because we are at the hotel." Our teacher, Mrs. Swift, tickles my shoulder. I moan, opening one eye only to find her blue eyes glaring at me. "Mrs. Stewart, we're not here to rest because this is not a holiday. This is a school trip. A humanitarian, if I may add." She shakes her head and proceeds to wake others from their slumber.

I turn towards my friends who are shaking their heads, laughing silently at our chemistry teacher. "What?" I ask, annoyed.

"That woman hates your guts." Demi laughs.

"I know." I groan, putting my head in my hands. "I'm so looking forward to college next year."

"I feel you, girl." Demi agrees and we link pinkies.

"I don't understand you guys. High school is amazing!" Selena gushes, slowly taking off her sweater. I think she must be welcoming the heat wave that's waiting for us when we get out of the bus, but then I see her pink bikini and I suddenly know why she's taking off her sweater.

"Damn girl," Demi whistles, "Where did you buy that?"

"Kids section?" I inject and earn a heartfelt laugh from Demi.

"Right, ha ha thank you so much." Selena mutters. "You guys suck."

I shake my head, laughing silently. "You had that one coming, Sel. I mean, really, that bikini must be three sizes too small for you."

Selena points to her boobs. "This is fashion, bitches." She smirks suddenly and I turn around, coming face to face with no one other than Joe Jonas. My mouth kind of fall open as I stare at the gorgeous face of our school's quarterback.

"Hi," I whisper, praying that I'm not dreaming.

Joe Jonas is the most popular guy in our school. He never talks to anyone besides cheerleaders and his team mates. So him standing here is a pretty big deal. Plus, I've had the biggest crush on him ever since freshman year.

"Hey Demi, Selena." He nods in their direction, then looks down at me with a cute smile playing the ends of his lips. "Miley." He says.

I think I just melted.

"Hi," I reply dumbly, realising that I already said that.

"All students must exit the bus immediately." Mrs. Swift starts walking down our lane again. "Mrs. Stewart, didn't I tell you to stop with the nonsense? I expected it from everyone else but not from you too." She says with disgust.

I hear Demi and Selena giggling quietly behind me, and when I look back at where Joe stood I see he's gone. Just like that.

"I can't believe Joe Jonas knows our names!" Selena gushes as we climb out of the bus and step onto the pavement on the ground. "This is a miracle. I knew God exists!"

Demi rolls her eyes and links our hands. "Drama queen." She whispers to me and I giggle, silently agreeing with her.

"Don't whisper about me, Demetria. " Selena scolds as she follows us into the lobby. Golden ceilings, white marble floor, how in the world was my school in a shape to pay for this?

"Listen to me kids," Our other escort, Mr. Efron steps onto the higher part of the stairs so we can all see him. "The project starts tomorrow. We have a lot of work to do. But until then, I give you free time to explore the hotel, take a swim in the pool, play teniss at the recreation centre, whatever." He laughs as cheers erupt from everywhere around him.

"But," Mrs. Swift steps up next to him. We all groan. "You are not allowed to leave the hotel. Do you understand? No wandering around the island without an escort which means either me or Zac here."

Zac? Since when were they on first name basis?

"And we both have intended to stay in tonight, so don't even try to coax us into any little plan you have in your young mind. Understand?" Mr. Efron grins his famous sexy grin and we all bob our heads up and down.

"This is a disaster." Selena mumbles behind me. "What the hell are we supposed to do the whole night? Watch chick flicks on a laptop?" She rolls her eyes.

Demi throws her arm over Selena's shoulders. "Don't worry honey bee, " She pats her head like a dog. "If it's you, me and Miles, it's always fun."

I laugh. That is true.

Selena groans as she paddles her red suitcase down the corridor. We're all nestled in on same floor the reception is, which means the first floor.

"Don't be so grumpy, Sel." I link our elbows together as we walk. "Tonight we can just settle in and rest so we can help build as many houses as we can tomorrow morning." I say with a smile.

"Easy for you to say." Selena mumbles. "You actually signed up for this because you wanted to he—" She stops abruptly and a flash of disgust flashes over her face. She points with her small manicured nails to the end of the hallway.

"Look what the cat dragged in." She spits out, her gorgeous lips frowning. Both me and Demi look in the direction she pointed and I recognise the dark brown locks of curls that are passing us by.

A scent of a delicious aftershave shakes its way to my nostrils and I do my best to push away the sensational feeling that erupts inside me. I shake my head and take the key into the lock.

Nick Grey. Should have known his father would sleek his dirty hands into this trip and find a way for his son to go.

"Don't be mean, Selena." Demi warns. As if he he hears us, the boy turns around and meets my eyes.

"Hey Nick!" Demi waves with a smile on her face. I push her arms down and give her a glare.

"Are you insane?!" I whisper loudly. "He's dangerous, you can't just say hi to him."

"She's right," Selena injects. "I heard he killed a guy just because he said hello."

"I can hear you, y'know!" Nick yells from behind us and I turn around, placing a hand over my heart.

Fuck. Fuck. He's gonna kill us now.

"We know. That's why we're talking." Selena says, then pushes past me and Demi into the room. I glance back at the sulking face of Nick Grey, the troubled boy in town.

I give him a small smile. "Sorry." I call out to him but he shakes his head and disappears down the hall.

Talk about being weird, right?

"Arrghh!" Selena comes flying in the room, "Game on bitches!" She smiles really big and I realise she has a plan.

I groan. Not again. This is not gonna end good. I look down on my laptop and see my parents' wavering smiles. I look up at Selena.

"Not now, Sel." Demi whispers loudly. "She's skyping with the 'rents." She points over her shoulder where I'm currently sitting behind a laptop,

"Okay," Selena shakes her head. "Get off now. Seriously, this is urgent!"

I look at Demi and when she shrugs with a hopeless look, I look down onto the screen and give my parents' what I hope is a regretful smile.

"I have to go you guys. Mrs. Swift is screaming lights off."

My mom smiles and blows me a kiss. "We understand honey. Have a good night and don't forget we love you!"

"Call us tomorrow." My dad says before the line goes dead and my screen turns black. I sigh and close the laptop lid before casting my eyes back to my friends.

"Okay so get this," Selena says, "I was down the hall washing my teeth and cleaning my face when," She pauses for a dramatic effect. "no one other than Joe Jonas walks in, chest naked only in his boxers." She screams.

Literally screams. I take a pillow and throw it at her. She dodges it with a giggle.

"What happened then?" Demi asks, and I can tell she's excited.

"Did you two.." I look away, biting my lower lip, "like hook up or something?"

Selena places her hand over her heart. "Y'know what, I'm hurt you'd even ask me that. I'm your best friend, of course I'm not gonna play around with the guy you like." She roll her eyes. "Anyway, he said that Hemsworth got us a big boat tonight and Joe is throwing a party."

Demi sighs. "Selena you know it's strictly forbidden to go outside of the hotel without—"

"—an escort, yes. We know, Demetria." Selena rolls her eyes. "But Joe strictly asked about you, Miles. This is it, it's finally happening!" She squeals loudly, clapping her hands together.

"Don't hold your breath, Sel. I'm not going." I shake my head. "He's just a guy and I'm not risking this whole trip because of him."

"Do you not understand the value of this party?" Selena walks over to me on the couch. "You have to go. Look," She sighs, aggravated look flashing across her face. "how about this, we go check it out and I promise we'll be out before midnight."

I sigh. I cast my eyes to Demi for help. She smiles at me encouragingly.

"To be honest, Miley, I'm with Selena on this one." She arches up from her chair. "I think we need to loosen up and have some fun. Besides, Mrs. Swift is probably doing Zac as we speak. She won't even notice we're gone."

I giggle at that. So I wasn't the only one who noticed the flames going on between Mrs. Swift and Mr. Efron.

"I don't know you guys.." I place my hands over my face.

Selena stands up and points at me. "Oh, no. You are going. I don't care if I have to tie you up and drag you to the boat, but you are going."

I shake my head. Oh God, this is just great. This is what happens when Selena has plans. I moan. "Okay, fine I'm going."

Demi and Selena scream, jumping up and down. "Hell yeah, baby. It's time to rock this party up!" They give each other high fives and I watch as happiness radiates from both of their faces.

We can't get in trouble for doing one reckless thing, right? I mean, it's not like we're gonna get caught.

Thirty minutes later, I'm jumping out of the cab and hurrying after them down the dock. My flip-flops are banging against the wood as we run down the small wooden bridge in front of the boat.

I scan the crowd and almost immediately spot Joe, who waves at me with a cheeky smile. Ah, I knew this wasn't a mistake after all.

The music is loudly playing as we step onto the boat. I reach for Demi's hand, but she's throwing her arms up as the beat pumps out of the speakers.

This is so good!

"I'm so glad we decided to come!" Demi tells me over her shoulder as we push through people.

"Miles, -" Selena goes to say something but she's swallowed by the sea of people and I turn to Demi.

"I'm gonna go find Joe, okay?" I point toward the back and Demi nods then goes after Selena and soon her brown hair is lost from my sight.

I turn around, sighing as I mash against people dancing, drinking and kissing. I feel a dash of sweat run it's way down my back and I realise I've dressed to warm.

Wearing long jeans is obviously not a tropical weather piece of clothing. I shake my head and grab my purse between my hands.

My head looks from left to right, trying to spot the dark brown mash of hair. I look for the checkered shirt I know he's wearing, and as I pass the captain's cabin I finally spot Joe.

But he's busy. Kissing another girl. I swallow a deep breath and suddenly words get stuck in my throat.

I knew the moment he smiled at me that I couldn't of have had my hopes so high, but then he knew my name and I thought, why wouldn't he like me?

And now I'm watching him stab his tongue into another girls mouth.

I try to shake away the tears that are threatening to spill over the brim of my eyes as I turn left and start walking down the boat. I need to find Demi and Selena so we can go back to the hotel.

I've had enough of partying for one night.

"Is that you new boyfriend?"

I turn my head and see Nick leaning against one of the wooden tables. He has a beer in his hand and a lighter in other.

I roll my eyes. This is just my luck. I look back at Joe and see he's now gripping the girl's ass. "What's it to you?" I ask, and before he can answer, I start walking further down the boat.

Suddenly the police siren is heard and I turn around and to my biggest horror a police boat is slowly floating towards us.

"This is the Police Department. Please move to the front of the boat. I repeat, please move to the front of the boat."

Everybody starts running around, spilling white powder bags into the sea, drinking the last drop of alcohol left. Some are even deciding if they should jump or not. I turn around, shaking. I can't get arrested!

I'm gonna kill Selena. I—

I scream because someone bumps really hard against me and I lose my balance and I slip the handle of the boat out of my hands and suddenly I don't feel ground at my feet.

Splash. Cold water. I try to breathe but water makes it's way into my mouth. I start waving my arms around me and I can see the surface. Three sweeps later I take a deep breath, I fell in the water. Some stupid ass dick pushed me off the boat and I—God, it's freezing.

"Miley!" I hear a distant shout behind me. I turn around and see Nick jumping down and swimming towards me.

"Are you okay? Are you hurt?" He places his hands on my shoulders and looks at my face. His hair is wet due to the water, and I see a few driblets drop from one curl that always stays on his forehead.

"I—"

"What the hell are you doing?" He yells, looking back at the boat and as I follow his eyes I realise that we're floating away from the boat.

"I just...I fell okay don't yell at me!"

Nick looks around us, and then he points to an object floating near us. "C'mon there's a dinghy there. We gotta swim."

I start sweeping my arms after him, telling myself softly that it's okay and that we will get back to the shore soon enough.

Nick helps me climb into the small boat and I lean my head left to right, my neck still hurting from the bus ride. "Oh, God." I moan as I see the boat and the police floating incredibly fast away from us. "What the hell are we supposed to do now?!"

"I'll just turn the motor running and we'll keep up with them." He points to a blue tarpaulin in the corner. Nick reaches forward and pulls it free.

We sit there watching the empty spot where the motor should be.

"I don't see a motor, Nick." I say, glancing behind me towards the white boat going further away. My eyes cast back to Nick who is crazily moving things around.

"I found it!" He triumphaly holds a pair of paddles heigh in the air. He passes one to me and points to the end of the dinghy. "C'mon we'll paddle our way towards the shore."

"You're crazy." I mutter. "We can't catch up to them with paddles!"

"Well the least we can do is try. We can't stay here and hope that someone saw us in the water." He shrugs and starts paddling.

I shake my head. "They'll notice we're missing and then they'll come back for us." I say, reasoning with him. It's what always happens in movies, right?

Nick chuckles. "Yeah, but it'll be hours before they even realise we're missing. By that time we'll be on the other side of the world." He shrugs again and nods at his paddle. "Look, we can either float and wait for them or we can start paddling towards the shore and maybe come back before they even start—"

He stops mid sentence and looks up. I follow his eyes and a wet driblet drops on my cheek.

"Please tell me that's not rain." Just as he mutters, the driblets start to fall endlessly from the sky, making us drenched in a mere second.

He glares at me. "This is all your fault. Why did you have to jump off the damn boat?" He shakes his head.

I gasp. "I didn't jump you idiot. I fell!" I yell. "Besides, you didn't have to jump right after me!"

"What was I supposed to do? Let you drown?!"

"I wasn't drowning, I know how to swim."

"How am I supposed to know that? I did what I thought was right at that moment, how could I have known that your little ass would get us lost in the middle of the damn sea!"

I shake my head. This is not happening. We're just left behind. They'll come and get us really soon. Probably in a few minutes.

"Look, we should just start paddli—" I stop, my eyes widening at the sight behind Nick. "Oh my God, Nick it's a giant wave and it's coming our way!" I scream and Nick turns around, cursing under his breath as the wave comes spiralling our way.

I realise the sea is frantically moving, we're stuck in a storm. In the middle of the sea.

"Quick, help me with this," Nick takes the tarpaulin and I help him dissolve it. Just before the wave hits us, Nick covers us with it. I hear a distant sound of water splashing and I can feel the boat move,

And then it's dark.

A/N: As promised, a new story in a new year! This is an original story of mine, it's gonna be quite a challenge, but I promise to give my everything to it. Happy 2013, and I hope you all are wearing red lingerie so true love comes knocking on your door. P.S, is any of you guys obsessed with the movie The First Time? I haven't watched it yet, because it supposedly comes out 17th of January, but seriously. Looks extremely good.