Chapter 11

**•KAIA•**

I unlocked the door with my key and pushed it open, using my feet. Balancing the paper bags of groceries with one arm, I used my free hand to close the door behind me.

Tomorrow is the weekend, and I've already bought enough food to last us through those days. Mostly just snacks and stuff that we can microwave.

Amy can't cook for shit, and I don't usually have any spare time to cook anything either. So, microwaved food is it.

After I started to unload the things that I'd bought, I heard the keys jingle from outside, and then the door opened.

I craned my neck to the side and saw Amy walking in. She smiled before walking to the couch and dumping her bag and books there.

"What are you doing?" She asked curiously while shrugging her jacket off.

"I bought some snacks for the weekend. I figured we could stay in and do movie night or something."

"Ah, crap. I totally forgot to tell you something." She said with a sigh, and I turned around and frowned.

"Forgot to tell me what?"

"You shouldn't have done any shopping since we're going to spend the weekend with my parents."

"We are?" I asked in surprise.

"Yeah." She confirmed while casting her jacket aside. "We don't have any school on Monday, so we're going to spend the weekend at Idyllwild. My parents had already booked an Airbnb there. I already asked, and they said I could bring any friends but just one."

I braced my arm on the counter and hesitantly looked at her.

"Why are you just telling me this now?"

She shrugged. "Like I said, I forgot to tell you."

I released a sigh. "I don't think it would be a great idea, Ames. I mean, didn't your parents organize this trip for you to spend some family time together?"

She chuckled while rolling her eyes.

"They're divorced, Kaia; this is no family time. It's just an excuse that both their lawyers had suggested for them to keep reminding my brother and me that no matter how long they've been separated, they're still part of our lives."

An important question immediately popped into my mind, and I awkwardly turned back around to finish unpacking the shopping bag.

"Will Adrian be there too?"

A small pause.

"No, he's got a game tomorrow night, so he's not coming."

A breath of relief immediately escaped me. A weekend getaway to the mountains would do me some good, and it's a good thing her brother won't be there to ruin the moment for me.

I can't stand to look at his face right now after what he did to me.

"It's got a lake and everything," Amy said while staring down at her phone. "You in?"

I leaned my back against the counter, and after contemplating it for a moment, I gave in and nodded my head.

"Great!" Amy exclaimed with excitement. "Start packing; my parents are coming to get us at five o'clock."

My eyes immediately rounded in shock as I followed her to her room.

"Wait, we're leaving tonight?"

"Yeah," she replied while ripping open the doors to her closet.

"Shit. See, this is why you should've told me things in advance." I scolded her, and she smirked back at me.

"Sorry. But pack light; it's only going to be three days."

I rolled my eyes, and just as I was about to head to my own room, a thought popped into my mind again.

"What holiday is on Monday again?"

She shrugged while she started unzipping the three travel bags she had placed on her bed.

"I don't even know. All I know is that we don't have school, so more free time for us then."

I shook my head while smiling and went to my room to start packing as well.

**OoO**

Two hours later, we had finally arrived at the Airbnb that Amy's parents had booked for the weekend.

As I stepped out of the car, my eyes widened in awe at the sight before me. The double-story wooden house stood proudly, nestled in the heart of the woods, surrounded by towering trees. The entire structure, a symphony of wood and glass, captured my imagination.

The house, with its intricate wooden details, seemed like a rustic haven. Glass windows and a long wooden deck were spread out in front of the building with an outdoor lounging area, providing a panoramic view of the serene woods. I couldn't help but smile; the Airbnb was more than I had ever imagined.

A sense of joy enveloped me as I noticed a few other charming Airbnb cottages placed alongside ours, creating a quaint community in the midst of nature

A sense of joy enveloped me as I noticed a few other charming Airbnb cottages placed alongside ours, creating a quaint community in the midst of nature. Turning to the side, I discovered a breathtaking surprise—a vast lake shimmering under the sunlight.

A narrow wooden stair tread elegantly connected our house to the dock below on the water, inviting exploration and connection with the serene surroundings. The sheer beauty of it all left me filled with anticipation for the wonderful stay that awaited us.

"This place is amazing." I said  out loud, earning smiles from Amy's parents as they started to unload the car.

"Right?" Amy said while coming to my side. "I told you it would be awesome."

I nodded while we both stared at the lake. The afternoon sun made the water glimmer, and it was a breathtaking sight, almost tempting me to go over and jump in.

We helped Amy's parents take our stuff inside. Amy's dad, Gabriel, led the way and unlocked the front door with a set of keys he had pulled out of his pocket.

He walked in first and looked around the house before giving us a nod to come in. I'm immediately struck by the warmth of the wood interior.

The walls, floors, and even the staircase leading to the second floor are all crafted from rich, honey-colored wood. Massive glass windows stretch from floor to ceiling, flooding the room with sunlight that dances off the polished surfaces.

The decor is chic yet cozy, with tasteful accents scattered throughout the space. A grand fireplace stands as the focal point of the living area, inviting guests to gather around its crackling flames. Brown leather couches beckon for relaxation, positioned strategically for both comfort and conversation.

Opposite the seating area, a colossal TV screen is mounted against the wall, promising endless entertainment options

Opposite the seating area, a colossal TV screen is mounted against the wall, promising endless entertainment options. The marble kitchen gleams with modernity, its sleek surfaces contrasting beautifully with the rustic charm of the wood.

Overall, the Airbnb exudes a sense of luxury and tranquility, offering a perfect retreat from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

"Wow." I breathed out while looking around.

"There's two bedrooms upstairs and two down here." Gabriel said. "Your mother and I will take the ones downstairs, and you two can decide if you want to room together or have separate rooms."

Amy and I immediately shared an excited look before we grabbed our stuff and started walking upstairs.

"We're definitely sharing a room together." Amy said while following me up the staircase, and I laughed.

"Figured."

We chose the last room at the end of the hallway. I entered our bedroom first, greeted by its vastness. The queen-size bed, adorned with soft, earth-toned linens, beckoned from the center.

The wooden decor added a warm touch, creating a cozy haven within the expansive space. My eyes were drawn to the enormous floor-to-ceiling window on the opposite side, framing the breathtaking view of the lake outside.

The natural light poured in, casting a gentle glow, making our bedroom feel like heaven on earth.

The natural light poured in, casting a gentle glow, making our bedroom feel like heaven on earth

"Nice," Amy commented while dumping our bags and stuff on the huge bed. "I can't wait to swim in that lake tomorrow."

"Is it even safe? I don't like being surprised by any gators sleeping in there." I responded, and she shrugged her shoulders.

"Not sure, but I'll ask Dad about it."

I nodded before admiring the view outside. I guess this weekend would not be so bad.