Page 2 of Guarded By Death

"I figured you were going to ask for a new screen, but I decided to just get you a newer phone!" she beams. I run around and wrap her in a tight hug. "Careful or you're going to get flour all over you!" she laughs in my hair.

"Thank you, Mom, really I love it!" I sit back down in my seat, admiring the shiny new iPhone.

She looks between me and Liv. "So, what are you ladies doing today?" she asks. I quickly glare over at Liv for moral support… okay maybe not for moral support, more for her ability to lie.

"Probably go to the beach and do a little shopping at the boardwalk!" Liv says excitedly. This is true, the daytime plans aren't a lie, but I still feel bad for lying at all.

Mom nods her head, taking a sip of juice. "What about tonight? Coming back here for a movie marathon?" She knows me so well.

I grin nervously, about to blow our cover. "Umm, we’re actually staying at my place." Liv sounds hopeful. My mother's face doesn't show that same emotion.

She pours a tall glass of orange juice and slides it across the table to me. I take a long sip; thankful I haven't brushed my teeth yet.

I nearly crack under her watchful gaze. She tilts her head, trying to read us. I know what she's thinking, our house is Liv's home away from home. We rarely ever stay at Liv's house; her parents aren't really involved in her life. They go on extended vacations and leave her behind. This week is no exception, but we aren't going to talk about that.

Liv leans back in her chair, not a single shred of worry lining her face "My parents are going to cook and we're just going to have a chill night," Liv realizes her mistake when my mom’s face lights up.

"Should I come? I can bring a dish." She asks.

"Eh, thanks Ms. Wells but-" Liv stumbles.

"Hey, don't you have that date tonight? Brock or...?" I finally interrupt. I'm confident now, although I can't remember the name of the guy my mom's been dating for a few weeks.

"Brian." She corrects with a warm smile. "Honey, I can cancel if you want." She takes a bite of her pancake.

I shake my head. "No Mom enjoy your date! Besides, it's only Thursday. We can always have a family dinner this weekend." As the words come out, my mother's wrongful trust in me makes her perk right up.

She nods, dusting out her apron. "Okay then, that should be fun girls. I hope you have a great time!"

"Just make sure you tell me everything about your date tomorrow." I wink, and it makes her blush.

Changing the subject, Mom focuses her attention on Liv. "Don't forget to take your medicine, sweetheart." She reminds her.

"Got it, thanks!" Liv replies as she pulls a bottle of iron pills from her bag. Downing a couple with a glass of juice. She constantly forgets to take them and one time she zoned out, causing my mom to call her parents. So now Liv’s mom – Becca - asked us to always remind her.

A small puff of black smoke rises in the air. "What's that smell?" Liv wrinkles her nose. Mom darts for the stove cursing under her breath as the burnt scent seeps through the kitchen. We can't help but laugh as she tosses the smoking pancake in the trash.

After breakfast, I brush my teeth and grab my overnight and beach bag before heading out the door.

We slide into my Altima, cranking the radio to full blast. Enjoying the perfect summer breeze that's flowing through the open windows. Summer is perfect here, warm weather and clear skies. Not to mention the short drive down to the beach. The perks of growing up on the coast in North Carolina. We pull into the parking lot and, luckily, we find a spot. The beach is crowded today, like usual.

I fluff a blanket onto the warm sand and place my favorite book next to me. Seeing the familiar, happy faces of our classmates enjoying their newfound freedom is a great feeling. Music is playing and the waves are rolling in. As I rub suntan oil onto my skin, one of my longest friends -Zack- walks over to us. He's a good guy, and I’ve always liked him as a friend. Although, I think he wants more than that.

"Hey Liv, Hey Scarlett," Zack says my full name of course, and he flashes a flirty smile.

"Hey, Zack!" Liv and I say in unison.

He shakes the blond hair from his face. "Do you two want to go down to the drive-in tonight? They're playing Jaws for summer break; Max is coming too." He sits next to me on the blanket.

I go to speak, but Liv beats me to it. "Thanks, but we're going out tonight, girl's night for Scar's birthday!" she sings, pointing in my direction.

He rubs a large hand over his face. "Happy Birthday Scarlett! I meant to text you this morning. I like you being an older woman." He laughs, slinging his arm around me.

"Haha, Zack." I playfully punch him in the stomach.

After catching up for a moment he stands up. "Well, you two have fun tonight. I'll see you later." He waves bye and turns to walk off. Before he gets too far, his eyes pan back to me. His smile is charming as he runs a hand through his salt drenched hair, "I know you’re busy tonight but maybe on Saturday, we could do something? I'm having a thing at my place for all of us graduates since my parents will be in the city for the weekend," he suggests.

"I'm working at Pop's until 7 tomorrow, come by! I'll let you know about the party then." I say happily, I always have a good time with him.

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