Chapter 2: Summer Hopes
"So, what do you think about that assistant kid Luke?" Rosalina asked Kristina quietly, making sure none of the boys could hear them. They were lying out on lounge chairs as the boys were all fooling around in the pool. "Your mouth pretty much dropped when he walked in."
"Did not!" Kristina exclaimed, her mouth dropping in shock.
"Yeah, just like that!" Rosalina pointed out with laughter. "You so think he's cute!"
"So what if I do?" Kristina said. "But it's not like anything could happen because we'll be spending all summer together, I don't want things to be awkward."
"Oh believe me girl, anything could happen this summer." Rosalina said as she glanced over at Nat, who was talking to Cooper at the side of the pool. Nat looked up and smiled at her.
Meanwhile…
"Coop, are you sure this new assistant guy is the best idea?" Nat asked his best friend as they splashed their feet in the pool.
"Nat chill out, Rosalina's not gonna fall for Luke, don't worry about it." Cooper told him, patting him on the back.
"How'd you know I was even worried about that?" Nat asked, a little embarrassed that he was so easy to read.
"Come on Nat, Rosalina's always the first thing on your mind." Cooper said. "I'm your best friend, I know this stuff."
"Yeah I guess that's true, I just hope things get better this summer. Our friendship isn't exactly where I'd like it to be." Nat said. "I miss her being my best friend."
"Hey now! No one replaces the Coopa Troopa, right?" Cooper exclaimed, playfully punching Nat's shoulder.
"Yeah yeah, you know what I mean. All I know is that anything can happen this summer, and I hope it's something good." Nat said, glancing towards Rosalina. They made eye contact and Rosalina smiled at Nat. Maybe this summer wouldn't be too bad after all.