Chapter 18: Beach Trip

Phoebe POV

It's Saturday and the day I'm going out with my friends for the first time in two months! I would be lying if I said I wasn't nervous; every other time I'd gone out of the house was with my parents and even then it's only been once or twice. Dad insists I take security with me and I decide not to argue. If anything I think, I'll feel more comfortable with them there, especially since Taylor demands to go with me until new security is hired. I know he sees me as another daughter since he watched me grow up and cares a great deal about me and my brothers. I know he feels guilty about Barrell but how could he know the man turned out to be a piece of shit?

I haven't seen Ava at all after dads birthday this week so I haven't had a chance to grill her about the 'details' she said she'd tell me about Matt. I know it must be bad if she did cry about it because it takes a lot to upset Ava. Or maybe she's just more sensitive than I realised. I'm hoping to talk to her before everyone is due to meet up since we're going together.

Kenny's been round a lot this week, not as much as he has been because his dad had some time off but enough to make Ashley happy and spend time with me. He bravely asked dad if he could take me out on a date and dad agreed, as long as security goes with me. Fine by me as long as they sit away from us. We're going out next Saturday, I can't wait and mom said she'd take me out to find a nice outfit to wear and we can have a spa day so I can be all pampered. It will be my first date after all.

Everyone's meeting at about one o'clock and we're all going to have a picnic lunch at the beach. Ava was meant to come to mine at ten but she's not here yet and its nearly eleven thirty. This is odd, she's normally on time or if she's running late she's never this late and she always rings me. Has Matt upset her that much? She finally arrives at eleven forty-five and at the point we need to start heading off to get there on time. I'll have to grill her in the car. I politely ask Taylor if he can listen to his iPod so we can talk and he does. Thank God!

"Right, Ava, what's going on?" I ask.

"What do you mean?"

"I mean, what's going on with you? What happened with Matt? You said you'd tell me on Tuesday but you never did."

"I never got the chance to," she shrugs.

"Tell me now then," I plead. She sighs.

"I told you Matt broke up because of you and Nicky. Well that's only partly true." She takes a deep breath, almost like she's preparing to give me bad news about myself, which I suspect she is. "It wasn't just causing awkwardness when everyone's hanging out. He was always going on about how I could take your side after what you done to Nicky. I mean you did practically cheat on him."

"I know and I feel guilty about that. I didn't mean for him to find out that way."

"I know. And I know now that Kenny is better for you than Nicky. I mean, after the way he treated you while with Carly I'm surprised you even considered going out with him."

"Does it really count though? I mean we were only together for a weekend and we didn't even see each other except for the show, where he caused me to bang my head."

"Bee, I'm not blaming you for any of this. I guess I just got annoyed that he was putting you and Nicky as an obstacle in our relationship. We started arguing and I found out the real reason he was growing distant from me and it had nothing to do with you or Nicky at all."

"What was the problem then?" she looks embarrassed as I asked this question. "Ava?"

"He'd been pressuring me into having sex. He kept pushing and pushing but I kept saying no. I've only just realised how persistent he was but I put my foot down and he didn't like it. He refused to accept the fact I am a virgin and that I wanted to wait until it was the right time for me, not just him. So he made up as many things as he could to argue about and you and Nicky was his favourite choice of conversation. The night we broke up he said he'd let it all go if I give myself to him."

"And I take it you didn't?"

"No. I absolutely refused and then he got angry. I was actually scared he was going to hurt me or force me but he just stormed away from me. I went to my room and just cried for the evening. Mom and dad tried to talk to me but I just wanted to be left alone and as a result started shouting at them. I'm a terrible daughter." She looks like she wants to start crying again. I wrap my arm around her and gently stroke me hand through her hair, a gesture my mother does to help calm me I'm upset or angry.

"It'll be ok, Ava. If he's there today, you don't have to talk to him. We'll talk to the girls." She nods her head as we continue to drive.

I don't know why, but I glance up and catch Taylor's eye in the rear-view mirror. They're narrow as if he's angry and I swear his knuckles look white from gripping the steering wheel too tight. Is it possible he just heard Ava's confession?

... ... ...

Ava POV

I feel strangely better after talking to Phoebe about what happened between me and Matt. I know my parents have been worried about me since Monday night when they came home from dinner to find me crying my eyes out in my bedroom. I feel so bad for screaming at them when they tried to ask me what was wrong and comfort me but I was in no state to try and explain myself; and seeing them so happy together just made me jealous. Maybe I should have stayed round Phoebe's on Monday like the original plan instead of meeting my boyfriend at the last minute.

Once I've calmed down, I realise we've arrived at the beach. Phoebe and I grab our bags with our swimsuits, towels, clean clothes and lunch and head towards the bathroom. Uncle Christian's security guy asks Phoebe to hang on for a minute as he needs to talk to her so I walk ahead of her. I quickly use the toilet and slip my bikini on and once I've set my light blue sundress into place, replacing my jeans and t-shirt, Phoebe enters the restroom. I exit the stall and we smile at each other.

"What did what's-his-face want?" I ask her as she goes into a stall to change.

"Just reminding me that he'll be lingering nearby so I don't need to worry about being alone. He'll near enough to get to me if needed but far enough away to give us all some space and not look like a weirdo spying on a bunch of teenagers in bikinis," she answers. There's something in her tone that has me convinced that's not the whole truth but I let it go. I've got enough of my own problems at the moment.

She comes out of the stall dressed similar to me, though her sundress is light pink and longer than mine, reaching just below her knee and we head out to the meeting point next to the ice cream parlour to wait for our friends. It would just be our luck that Matt and Nicky are the only ones there at the moment and they happen to notice us as we're walking over. I guess there's no hiding back in the bathroom until someone else turns up.

We stand in an awkward silence, no one knowing what to say, until Nicky decides to break the ice.

"Hey girls," he says. We smile a small smile. "Phoebe, you look good."

"Thanks." I sigh inwardly. I know Nicky helped find her after he saw her disappear down that alley and was threatened by Carly not to say anything. I know he feels guilty for how they left things the day he caught her kissing Kenny and wanted to make up with her but never got the chance to. I also know that Phoebe doesn't know any of this as I 'forgot' to mention it to her.

"Feeling better?" he asks. She nods. "Good. I'm glad you're ok. I've really missed you." Can someone pass a bucket to throw up in? I glare at Matt, as he looks pissed off at his best friend.

"Really? You're not just saying that?" Phoebe asks unconvinced.

"No. I have. I've been wanting to talk to you about what happened between us and hoping we could forget what happened and move on, even if it had to be as friends. But when I saw you disappear down the alley..." he stops, looking embarrassed.

"You saw me?" she asks. Shit! This could go two ways; one she could be pissed at him or two; she could be pissed at me if she finds out I knew and didn't tell her. Both could mean she will want to leave and go out another day. He nodded. "Ava did you know this?"

"Yes," I admit. She sighs.

"Why didn't you tell me?"

"I didn't want to remind you of everything that happened," I lie. Truth is I didn't want him to use this as an excuse to be her boyfriend again, especially after the way he treated her.

"So, you were the one who helped find me? Told my dad Carly was part of their plan?"

"Yeah. Sorry I thought you knew all of this. I'm just glad you're ok and that you decided to come out today. Everyone's so eager to see you. They thought you were ill." Phoebe laughs. Yeah our friends would never visit us if they think we're ill as they want to run the risk of getting 'infected'. Stuck up bitches.

Luckily the awkwardness dies away and five minute later, Rebecca, Susan, Julie and Taylor (our friend) turn up. Just got to wait for Kenny, Dave, Deana and the last two members of Matt's band. Dave and Deana would obviously arrive together since they're twins as will the last two members of Matt's band. Phoebe just got a text from Kenny saying he'll be five minutes so hopefully we can all hit the ocean soon.

Dave and Deana arrive the same time as Kenny, having seen him in the parking lot by the restrooms where Phoebe and I got changed. I look at Nicky as Kenny heads over to Phoebe and I must say his face is a picture. He looks pissed off that Kenny's here and his mouth nearly drops off when he and Phoebe have a brief hug and he kisses her. I know Phoebe's been struggling to accept touch so this small hug is a big step for her. Nicky gradually edges closer to her but crosses the line when he tries to put his arm around her; almost like telling Kenny to back off as he's trying to win Phoebe's heart back.

"Nicky, what are you doing?" Phoebe shrieks moving away, closer to Kenny.

"Nothing, just standing next to you," he says defensively.

"Really? Is that why you were trying to put your arms around me? We broke up!" she snaps.

"Chill! You never minded before."

"Hey, mate. Why don't you leave her alone and let her decide who's arm she wants around her?" Kenny intervenes.

"Excuse me mate but I was talking to my girlfriend!"

"I'm not your girlfriend anymore. We broke up." Phoebe states.

"Phoebe, you don't have to pretend for his sake. I know you didn't mean it."

"She did mean it. And she's with me now," Kenny states. I smirk at Nicky.

"What?" he's shocked.

"I'm going out with Kenny, now. So back off!" Phoebe snaps. Everyone laughs at the look on Nicky's face. Phoebe turns to face Kenny again, having stepped in front of him to stand up to Nicky.

"So I take it your brothers decided not to tag along after all?" he asks.

"Nah, they all had plans of their own." She wraps her arms around his neck and allow him to wrap him lightly around her waist. He laughs and the final two guys turn up so we can finally head onto the sand and find a nice spot to chill and eat lunch.

... ... ...

Phoebe POV

I can't believe Matt have the fucking nerve to show up today after what he did to Ava. And I can't believe Nicky tried to put his arm around me and claim that I'm his! He knows we broke up and I will not take him back. Why would I when I have Kenny to look after me now?

We finally get onto the sand and it feels so good to lie down in the sun and not have to worry about anything. We've kind of separated into groups. Nicky and Matt have decided to ignore all of us and hang out with their band, I'm hanging with Kenny, Ava, Rebecca and Susan, while Julie, Taylor, Dave and Deana are having their own conversation next to us. Obviously we're all talking with everyone but that's how we've ended up sitting.

Kenny's sitting next to me with his arm around my shoulders, after I put it there. I'm trying to hide my fear from my friends as I don't want them to question me about it but I couldn't hide my new hearing aide. I actually forget it's there sometimes as I can't feel it. Obviously everything is much louder now I have it but physically, it's like there's nothing in my ear. I just explain to them all that I've had trouble hearing for a while and dad decided it was time to do something about it.

After we've finished eating lunch we talk a little longer before going swimming. Half hour later Dave calls over to everyone.

"Hey, guys! I'm going into the sea, whose coming?" Deana stands up next to her brother which causes everyone else to follow. Kenny stands and pulls me up with him.

"You know, I want to throw you over my shoulder and run down to the water with you." I giggle. I know he won't do that because I can't take it. He leans down and kisses me.

"Phoebe, Kenny come on!" Rebecca shouts over to us. We break the kiss and I run off without him, silently starting a race. I hear him laughing and follow me, overtaking me without trouble. Running never was my strongest point. He runs straight into the water but I stop at the waterline.

"Phoebe, you gonna take your dress off?" Julie asks stopping next to me. I shake my head. Even though the cream my grandma gave me helped them fade away better than dad's, my scars are still there and I don't want to risk all my friends seeing them and asking questions. "Why not?"

"I just don't want to."

"But won't you get cold if your dress is wet when you get out of the water." Shit! I hadn't thought of that. I suppose I could take my dress off, since I'm wearing a tankini instead of a bikini, at least it covers my scars better. I nod my head and run back to our stuff so I can take my dress off. I debate whether or not to pick up my towel and wrap that around me until I get back to the water but decide against it. Don't want to risk it getting wet.

I get back to the water and find my friends easily. Sneaking u behind Kenny I attempt to jump and wrap my arms around his neck from behind. The jumping didn't work very well because we're in the water but I manage to wrap my arms around him. He turns around, wraps his arms around my waist, and kisses me. Everyone else goes 'whoop whoop' causing us to laugh.

"I think we're giving everyone else a show," he whispers against my lips. I giggle.

"Well they can keep on looking," I say as I press my lips to his again. Suddenly he picks me up around the waist and drops me under the water. I resurface, coughing and giggling and splash him. He turns and swims away from me while I go and join Ava who is talking to Rebecca and Susan.

"You two should really get a room," Ava tells me.

"You're just jealous," I reply jokily. We all laugh and Ava gently nudges me. I don't freeze up that much anymore so I ignore the contact.

"So, how are you and Kenny doing?" Rebecca asks, teasing me.

"We are doing very well. We are actually planning on going on our real first date soon."

"Ooh! That sounds cool. When? Where?" Susan starts asking.

"Slow down. We haven't sorted out details yet but when we do, I'll let you know."

We spend some time messing around in the water, having swimming races and splashing around before us girls decide to go and sunbathe for a bit. I lie back on my towel and stare at the clouds, making out different shapes. We all find different shapes and make simple conversation; mainly about boys. After a while, I close my eyes and drift off to sleep. I'm awakened with soft kisses being placed on my cheek. I open my eyes and see Kenny leaning over me.

"Hey, sleeping beauty. It's almost five and we were all planning on leaving soon." I yawn and stretch before sitting up.

"That's cool. Are you going straight home or you fancy coming to mine for a bit?" I ask.

"Hm, if your parents don't mind, I'll come round for an hour or two. Maybe challenge Ashley to a soccer game?"

"I think Ashley's spending some time round his new friend's house tonight so he won't be home. But I can let him know you were thinking of him." He smiles and kisses me. Ava shouting distracts us.

"Just leave me alone Matt!" She was trying to move away from him but he grabbed her by the arm and pulled her to him.

"Come on, Ava. I know you want me back, just admit it."

"No, I don't. Leave me alone." She screams. She actually screams at him. Kenny and Dave go over to try and defuse the situation but it just ends up in a screaming match between all the boys. Even Nicky is getting involved. I look around for Taylor and see him making his way over to us.

Taylor takes hold of Ava's other arm and gently pulls her to him. Matt looks unsure of him but since Taylor is technically a stranger to him, he tries to pull Ava back to him.

"Who are you? Let go of my girl." He spits.

"Matt, I am not your girl!"

"I think it would be wise for you to let go of Miss Grey." Taylor says.

"Who do you think you are?!" Matt snaps.

"Matt this is Jason Taylor. The head of my dad's security and is looking after Ava and I today," I intervene. Small lie there, he's technically watching me but since Ava is with me he keeps an eye on her too. "Taylor doesn't take too kindly to people man handling other people so I think it would be better for you to let go of Ava's arm."

Taylor continues to glare at Matt until he lets go. Reluctantly he does and Ava gets back to packing her stuff away. As I slip back into my dress I sense someone behind me and it's not my boyfriend. I turn and see Nicky standing there watching me.

"Hey, Bee."

"What do you want?" I ask.

"Why him, Phoebe? What does he have that I don't have?"

"I chose him, because he treats me like a human being, not something he can show off to his friends. He doesn't act like a show off and try to be the most popular guy in school. Kenny was actually there for me when I was recovering from-," I cut myself off. Nicky gets right up in my face.

"I wanted to. Trust me I wanted to be there for you but I knew there was no way anyone would let me near you. Please I want to try again." He places his hand on my face but I shove him away, shaking my head.

"No, Nicky. We tried and we didn't work. It's too late for you to decide to grow up and want me. I like Kenny and I want to be with Kenny, who by the way, has never wanted me to change and liked me for who I am the whole time he's known me. He likes my brothers and my parents like him. We go to school together and that is the only reason why we should even acknowledge each other. So leave me alone."

"Everything alright, Bee?" Kenny asks coming up behind me. I nod and pick up my bag. We follow the others up the beach to the parking lot where our parents agreed to pick us up. Obviously Ava and I are going in the SUV with Taylor.

Since we are going with Taylor, we decided to wait until everyone else has gone home before we leave.

"Well, we're going now. See you guys later," Matt says as he and Nicky get their bikes and ride off. Thank God.

Dave and Deana are the first ones to be picked up. Their parents are lovely and are so much like their children. They shout their greeting out the car window as the twins climb into the back. Ava and I smile and wave as Julie's mum pulls up behind their car.

"Hi guys," she calls.

"Hey, Mrs Fowlis," I say. Julie throws her bag in the back of the car before climbing in the front next to her mother. Our friend Taylor is getting a lift home with Julie so she climbs in the back of the car. Julie and her mum don't look or talk to each other and I know it's because Julie's pissed that her parents are getting a divorce after her mum had an affair with our 7th Grade Chemistry teacher. Let's just say Julie's having a hard time accepting the fact her mum gets custody of her until she's 18. Talk about complicated.

Rebecca, Susan, Kenny, Ava and I sit on the brick wall next to the shop and restrooms while we wait for Rebecca and Susan to be picked up. Kenny goes and gets us some chips and we just sit and talk.

"So, Kenny, when are you taking Phoebe out on a date?" Rebecca asks, taking a chip from Kenny's wrapper. He laughs.

"Well, I need to ask Mr Grey first, but I'm hoping next Saturday."

"What? Saturday? As in seven days from now?" I ask, taking a few chips off him. He nods and smiles. "Needs ketchup."

"Phoebe you're the only one here who has to have their food covered in ketchup," Ava laughs.

"Just because you can't have it anymore!" We all laugh even though Ava's allergy is no joking matter. She can no longer have tomatoes and has to be careful with what she eats.

"Becky, Aunt Sheila's here," Susan suddenly says. They climb off the wall and climb into Rebecca's mum's car. "See you guys later," she calls.

I look at Kenny.

"Do you still wanna come round for an hour? Maybe have dinner?" I offer. He nods and we head off towards the SUV. "Ava, are you staying tonight?"

"Yeah. As long as that's ok with Uncle C and Aunt Ana."

"You know it is. They never mind if you stay over."

We all climb in the back of the car and make our way to my parents mansion of a home. My home. Sometimes it overwhelms be at how wealthy my parents are and even though I've grown up with it, I've always known it makes my brothers and I different.

When we arrive home, I see my grandparent's car in the drive. I smile as we get out of the car and Ava and I run up to the house to greet them. They're sitting in the kitchen talking to my parents and hug us when we enter.

"Hi girls," Grandma says.

"Hey Grandma," I say.

"Wow, you look like you've caught the sun a bit girls," Grandpa says. Dad looks at first Ava, then me and sees my bright red shoulders.

"Ana do we have any after sun? Phoebe's a bit burnt."

"Kenny!" Grandma suddenly exclaims, seeing him standing in the doorway. "How are you dear?" she asks holding her hand for him. He walks in and takes it for a handshake but Grandma pulls him in for a hug. Mum comes back with some after sun and dad gently puts it on my shoulders. I can deal with touch to the shoulder so I don't flinch.

"Do you guys mind if Ava stays the night?" I ask.

"Of course not. You know Ava's always welcome." Mum answers.

"Did you all have fun at the beach?" Grandpa asks.

"Yes, except for Nicky and Matt being there." Ava answers.

"Why? What happened?" Dad asks. Between us, Ava, Kenny and I explain what happened, leaving out the details from mine and Ava's conversation this morning. I know it will take a while for me to convince her to tell her parents or allow me to tell mine.

Grandma and Grandpa stay for dinner and we all discuss our days which turns out no-one did anything new. Ashley is still round his friends house and will be home tomorrow afternoon as he'll be going to soccer practice with this friend. I'll have to ask him what his name is.

... ... ...

Christian POV

It was lovely to spend the afternoon with my parents while my children were ll out for the day, though I was pleased when they were home for dinner. Well, all except Ashley but he was round Jackson's house tonight and won't be back till tomorrow after soccer practice. I'm glad he finally has a friend.

I'm upset and slightly angry that Phoebe got burnt from the un today. Did she not wear any sunscreen? I know she wore her tankini today as she's insecure in her bikini because of her scars and I thought she would wear a t-shirt or dress to cover her up when she's not in the water. I'll talk to her about it later.

After dinner mum and dad start getting ready to go home and since Kenny was leaving soon as well they insisted on taking him home. I'm glad, at least his father won't have to come out to pick him out and at least he won't have to get the bus. Before they leave, he asks for five minutes to talk to me.

As I suspected, he asks my permission to take Phoebe out on a date. I smile and agree to his plans of next week, though I warn him that Taylor will be there as well to make sure they're both ok. That doesn't seem to bother him and I let him tell Phoebe of his plans.

Once my parents and Kenny have gone, Phoebe hugs me, thanking me for allowing her the date. I kiss the top of her head and just hold her for a few minutes. I am so glad she is getting over this fear quicker than I did and that she can hug Ana and me again. After a few minutes she and Ava head up to her bedroom.

I think there is finally some light shining down on my daughter.

... ... ...

I am so sorry it has taken so long. Been really busy with work lately.

Thank you so much to all my reviewers for your kind words and inspiration!

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minaryan
elainamcmanus – Don't worry, there will be more on Christian and Phoebe's relationship
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Northshorex02
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Next chapter will be on Phoebe and Kenny's date and maybe include some Ana and Christian time...

Please review and let me know what you all think and what you would like to see.