Page 36 of Summer's Echo
“I’ve got someone on the inside,” I said with a grin, feeling my excitement build. “I’ll sneak in right as it’s getting dark and be out before morning.” Donte nodded in approval, while Maxell, who followed rules only when it was convenient for him, wasn’t convinced.
“Just tell your parents I’m staying just in case my mum calls your mom,” I said, patting his shoulder. “Call my cell phone if some shit pops off,” I continued, sounding all too confident.
Maxell shook his head, muttering under his breath, “This dude,” as we jogged to the court. My plan wasn’t perfect, but as far as I was concerned, nothing would stop me from seeing Summer tonight. After a few intense games of basketball, I went home to shower and pack a bag before heading to Maxell’s place.
Walking into his house, I couldn’t help but shake my head at the scene in his basement. For someone who always gave me grief about following rules, Max clearly didn’t follow them all. He, Donte, and a few other guys were chilling with a group of girls I recognized from school, music blasting as they sipped from colored cups. The vibe was pureHome Alone, and they were clearly enjoying it. Before heading out, I ran down my plan one last time for the guys, just in case things went sideways, and they needed to cover for me. Max nodded begrudgingly, agreeing to play lookout if needed.
Sliding into my car, I said a quick prayer, even though I was pretty sure God wasn’t thrilled about me sneaking around. I made a few stops to grab a few essentials for my surprise, including the bribe that would get me past the gates of Camp Quest. The sun was sinking lower, painting the sky in deep purples about an hour into my drive. Another forty minutes, and it’d be completely dark—but by then, I’d be at Quest. I had no idea how Summer would react to me showing up unannounced, but I hoped she missed me as much as I missed her.
When I pulled up to the oversized gate marking the camp’s entrance, a wave of relief hit me as I spotted Lincoln in the security booth. Last year, he’d been my partner in crime when it came to pulling off Summer’s birthday surprise, and he’d come through for me again. My text earlier with the details of my plan had been met with a single request:shrimp fried rice and grape Vess soda. I parked in one of the security spots and stepped out, backpack slung over my shoulder and greasy paper bag in hand. Lincoln’s face lit up as I approached, the scent of takeout already putting him in a trance. We exchanged a quick dap before he snatched the bag from me, holding it up like a prized trophy.
“Man, you gotta be outta here by six at the latest,” Lincoln warned, his tone serious despite the grin. “If your ass gets caught, I don’t knowshit.”
“I got you. Thanks, dog,” I said, grateful as I followed him through the gate. He pointed me in the direction of the assistant director’s lodge, though I didn’t really need it. The layout was burned into my memory from last summer.
To stay low-key, I wore my camp shirt and pulled my hat low over my face. Lincoln had told me most of the campers were at the amphitheater, which explained the quiet walkways. Still, I leaned against a tree near the lodge, waiting for the coast to be clear. A few campers lingered nearby, but they quickly ran off toward the theater. I exhaled, silently questioning how I’d get Summer’s attention without drawing a crowd. As if the universe heard my plea, she appeared, walking slowly down the path. My breath caught as I took her in—her hair tied back, her soft features illuminated by the glow of the lanterns lining the walkway. She was as pretty as ever, but I noticed a hint of sadness on her face.
I couldn’t help but smile, even as my pulse pounded at the sight of her like this. She didn’t see me at first, so I stayed still, watching her, waiting for the right moment to call out. Maybe this was crazy, but seeing her made every mile of the drive and every ounce of sneaking around worth it. I stood frozen, watching as the moonlight bathed her face in a soft glow. Her gaze was fixed on the stars above, a look of quiet wonder sparkling in her eyes. Then, as if sharing a secret with the universe, she slammed her eyes shut. My eyes darted upward, catching the streak of light racing across the dark sky—a shooting star. She was making a wish.
I could’ve stayed rooted there for hours, soaking in her presence, her peace. But she was too close not to touch. The ache in my chest won.“Psst,”I whispered, low but clear. Wide and alert, she scanned the path like a hawk searching for prey.
“Hello?” she called out, her voice sharper than usual, laced with the kind of authority only an assistant director could master. “If you’re supposed to be watching a movie, you better get there…now,” she fussed at imaginary campers, and I couldn’t help but be amused as I stepped out of the shadows.
Her head whipped toward me, and when her eyes met mine, the squeal of my name echoed through the night air. The pure joy lighting up her face was all the confirmation I needed—I’d made the right choice. I was probably going to be grounded for life for this stunt, but in that moment, her smile made it all worth it. Before I could say a word, she closed the gap between us, leaping into my arms like she’d been waiting for this exact moment. I held her tight, feeling her warmth melt into mine.
“What are you doing here?” she asked breathlessly, her voice trembling with joy and disbelief.
I rested my chin gently atop her head. “Did you really think I’d miss your birthday, Sunshine?” I said, the nickname falling from my lips like a promise. We slipped quietly into her suite, moving quickly to avoid any curious eyes. Once the door clicked shut behind us, I finally exhaled, leaning against the wall. But I couldn’t stop staring at her—the way her shy confidence lit up her face, a perfect balance of playful curiosity and disbelief. It was one of the things I loved most about her.
“How…How’d you do this?” she asked, her voice a mix of wonder and amusement.
“What do you mean?” I replied as I leaned forward. “I’m spending the night at Max’s house, remember? You haven’t seen me.” I winked.
“Echo Abara,” she said, her voice dripping with sarcastic disbelief, “you lied to your mum.”
I nodded with zero shame. “I did.”
She lowered her head and asked softly, “Was it worth it?”
Her question carried more weight than she realized, but I didn’t hesitate. “Most definitely,” I said, stepping closer, lowering my voice. “Now, get dressed. We have to celebrate.”
Chapter Sixteen
Summer
Post-Graduation, Summer 2005
I hurried into the bathroom, eager to let the hot water wash away the whirlwind of emotions swirling inside me. Meanwhile, Echo remained in the bedroom of my suite, his presence quiet but undeniable. I still couldn’t believe he was here. As the water pounded against my skin, I pictured him moving around the room, his curious fingers tracing the edges of the pictures and posters tacked to the walls.
Knowing him, he was analyzing every little detail, piecing together parts of my life. If he looked closely, he would see that he was a part of my life. The photo from prom night—the one where he crashed the evening I had carefully planned with Devin—hung within the collage. I imagined his smirk, the knowing gleam in his eyes as he took in the moment we’d frozen in time. He was probably feeling pretty damn proud of himself for that one.
I was prancing through the house singing mybest rendition of Mariah Carey’s “Emotions.” A clear indicationthat I was in a good mood—correction, a greatmood. It was prom night. The night I’d beenwaiting for since I’d stepped foot into high school.
My mom had my dress steamed, and it was hangingon her bedroom door. My sparkly silver pumps with thematching clutch were still in the box on my dresserright next to my jewelry. Raqi had just applied thefinal touches of my makeup, and I was ecstatic bythe reveal. I felt pretty.
I was nervously getting dressed,praying that the look I was envisioning was going tobe to Devin’s liking. I heard my mother inthe family room chuckling on the phone. “Boy, you arecrazy. Let me see if she can come to thephone.”
I was sure it was nobody but Echo. Irolled my eyes as soon as my mother peeked inmy room handing me the phone. “E, I’m gettingdressed. Shouldn’t you be doing the same?” I said,irritation lacing my tone.
