Fact no.20: Here's to family reunions

APRIL

I guess I've been waiting on this veranda for one hour now. Soph texted us on the friend group the moment they entered in Spain. And the moment their GPS showed thirty minutes left of their ride until the Summer house. However, it's been double the time now and no sign of them.

"Try calling them again", Dia suggests. She's next to me, both of us sitting on the stairs. Cami and Kai are at the beach, saying they'll come join us later. Noah is still in the house, chilling in the air conditioning. Because it is hot. Really hot. I would also rather dump the short crop top I'm wearing now along with my biker shorts and the sneakers, and change in my bathing suit, but the girls take priority. And they could arrive any minute now. So, I'll stick to my clothes and the heat.

Dia next to me is in one of her looks. A black crop top, beige skirt and Converse. She looks pretty, like always, the freckles now taking over her face. I don't remember her having so many freckles in December. We even talked about it in our boredom, and she says the freckles usually come out at heat and disappear in the winter. She says she likes them, but also likes her face without them. I like her with freckles on her cheeks and nose. It gives her something unique.

We're talking about the latest Lana del Rey song, which Dia played to me yesterday, as my phone lights up with a message:

SOPH: Open the gates :)

"They're here", I say. I then shout: "NOAH!"

Dia, who obviously knew what Noah and I have been up to these last few days, kissing on the beach, going on hidden dates, jogging with each other both at morning and at night, got used to me calling him by his first name and also started doing it, after Noah's requests. We don't do it in front of Kai and Cami though. They still don't know what's going on.

Noah walks out, wearing only his grey sweatpants and flip flops.

"Yes, precious?", he greets us.

I hardly stop my gaze from wondering on his chest. I meanwhile tested out my theory. It's not a six pack. But a ten pack. I didn't even think it possible until I met him. And until I traced every single one of those pack with my tongue. But, here I am.

"First of all, put a shirt on, we have guests", I begin, hiding the real reason. I would stare at him too much if he kept his shirt off, and we agreed on our friends not knowing about us. Whatever we are. We are not together yet, and we're clearly not enemies anymore. Well, not like we were before. I still swear at him and call him names. And we kiss. And make out. So, I don't know what we are.

But now isn't the time to discuss this.

"And please open the gates with the remote. You're already standing and both Dia and I are sitting. It is easier for you."

"I was lying on the couch five seconds ago before you called for me", he replies with a glare.

"Such a pity", I add, my tone sarcastic.

He smirks and shows me the middle finger before he goes to open the doors. As soon as I hear the metal in the distance open, a loud roar from a car tones throughout the estate.

"What in the world?", I ask Dia but my answer is given in a few seconds. Rolling on our pathway is a Ferrari. A damn Ferrari. All red and shiny, convertible with the windows down, showing off the four passengers. Alec on the driver's seat, sunglasses on. Soph sitting on the passenger's seat, looking at the Summer house. She hasn't spotted us yet. Nini and Caden are on the backseat, also looking around.

Noah meanwhile came back outside, probably surprised by the noise, and is now smirking bright. I couldn't tell if the smirk was for the car or the sight of his friends. I guess a bit of both.

Following the Ferrari was a very big black SUV, one person inside. Darrel. Soph's bodyguard has been driving behind them this whole entire time. I couldn't help but chuckle a bit, looking at the man inside the car, who looks like the bodyguards in the movies. Black tux, black sunglasses, earpiece. He didn't dress so fancy even back at Wrencore. Usually Soph makes him wear a hoodie or a T-Shirt with some jeans.

The Ferrari stops at one of the parking spots and two doors immediately slam open. Soph and Nini get out, and I can't stop but look at them once. It's clear the two have had a great time so far. Both of them tanned and smiling bright, almost glowing with joy. Soph embodies a Barbie right now, a pastel pink Summer dress that shows off her silhouette. She has white heels on that match the pearls around her neck, her wrist and hanging from her ears. Her blonde hair is styled perfectly, as usual. She doesn't wear much makeup, she never does, rather lets her blue eyes shine. Her lips are covered in a bright red lipstick though, but that's her signature color.

Noah must also notice Soph's look since he whispers: "Told you she's a Barbie."

I smile. She's a damn pretty one.

Nini next to her is wearing a more casual look, a Summer light blue jumpsuit with some sandals. She has a pair of sunglasses resting on her head, just a casual makeup with nothing popping out. Her red hair is up in a ponytail, moving every time her head tilts. Nini too looks damn pretty.

Both girls remain in front of the car, looking at the house. The moment they spot Dia and I, their mouths go in a wide smile. Soph starts jumping a bit from happiness and cheering. Nini smirks as she says: "Hello, hello."

And with that, I lose it. So does Dia. We both rush towards them at the same time they rush to us. We meet halfway and wrap our arms around each other making a big group hug. I can swear I'm tearing as I feel them close again. The moment is almost perfect. Almost. Nessie is missing. I promise myself that the moment she arrives, we'll have another big group hug. And it will be perfect.

We let go only to look at each other. It appears the two of them started tearing too, so did Dia.

"I missed you", Soph is the first to say what all of us are thinking. I chuckle lightly and we end up in another group hug.

We are only interrupted by some footsteps behind us. As we let go again, we all turn to see Noah, now with a plain white T-Shirt, covering up the masterpiece of a chest he has. Better.

"Sofia, Nini", he greets them. "Fancy seeing you here."

"Coin", Nini replies, mischievous smirk already on. "Glad to see you too. Rumor has it you're still an asshole"

Gosh, how I missed this girl.

Noah also smirks a bit, probably seeing Nini's insult as a compliment. "Nini. I forgot how delightful you were."

Nini grins the same moment someone places a hand on her waist protective.

"Watch it", Caden tells Noah, his tone sending warnings. Nini smirks wide. I also take some time looking at Caden. He looks so much better than I remember. Although I was there even after they got back together, I remember how pale he looked when Nini and him broke up. The color seemed to be drenched out of him. His usually green-blue eyes were always tired and hollow. Compared to now, he seemed like a ghost. Those eyes are now almost sparkling with the sky, his dark brown hair a bit messy probably from someone, guess who, playing with it. He is wearing a dark green T-Shirt, Amor vincit omnia written with white letters in a corner, with a pair of grey shorts, like from sweatpants material and some white sneakers. He's look is casual, yet enough to show the guy is an athlete. The way his forearms have a large bump says enough.

"West", Noah greets Caden using his last name, a meeting as formal as it can be between two captains. Caden shakes his hand but they soon end up in a bro hug, clapping each other on the back. I look surprised, Nini gives a what-the-heck look and Dia and Soph are so confused, they don't even know what emotion to show.

As they let go, Caden also shakes my hand greeting me and thanking me for having him and Nini over. As if it were even a question. He also says hello to Dia then, shaking her hand as well.

Cami and Kai meanwhile came out as well, both standing on top of the staircase. Kai rushes down as he sees Caden and comes greet him. They also end up in a bro hug. Cami notices our guests and is shy to come to us. As soon as she's standing next to me, she takes in Soph and gasps. Full-time gasps.

"It's an honor to meet you, Your Royal Highness", Cami says, leaning down to bow in front of my bestie. Soph is quick to stop her with a handshake.

"You don't have to do that", Soph adds, probably noticing the surprise on Cami's face. "Any friend of April's is a friend of mine. Please, call me Sofia. Or Soph. And no bowing." My bestie is smiling so bright and honest right now, it's impossible for Cami not to smile back.

"It's an honor to meet you, Sofia", Cami tells her, deciding to go with Soph's full name. My bestie smiles again. She smiles even more as someone comes hug her from behind, leaning in to her neck to kiss it. Alec Dunn is standing in front of us, his outfit like Soph's showing the guy is a billionaire. He's wearing a white shirt, the sleeves rolled to his elbows. A pair of beige shorts that scream old money matching the look with some white expensive sneakers on his feet and sunglasses clipped on his shirt. I can't help but notice his two scars, the one on one of his cheeks and the one on his neck. If people weren't scared by the death glares he give, they are for sure scared about the scars.

Alec smiles for Soph, yet that smile fades to a stone-cold expression as he turns to us. Cami freezes, even shivering from being afraid. Alec's death glare doesn't help much. I already got used to it.

"So, Cami, you already met Soph. This Nini", I say, pointing to the redhead, who smiles bright. She was busy in a conversation with Caden and Kai, her boyfriend still holding his hand on her waist.

"Hi, it's so nice to meet you, Cami. April has told us so much about you", Nini says, reaching her her hand. Cami shakes it, smiling at Nini.

I indeed told my besties about Kai's engagement. They were all mad at him for not telling me at first but understood as I explained I am not mad and told them how nice Cami is. Their urge to kill the two faded away.

"It's lovely to meet you too", Cami replies. As she lets go of Nini's hand, Kai is there next to her, wrapping an arm around a shoulder. If someone here didn't know the two were together, they knew now.

"This is Nini's boyfriend, Caden", I continue the introduction round and Caden also says how nice it is to meet her and the two shake hands. "And this is Soph's boyfriend, Alec." Alec gives her a nod, his gaze getting a few degrees warmer. From I-want-to-kill-you to I-might-spare-your-existence-if-you're-nice-to-me-and-my-girlfriend. Cami gets it and swallows hard. Soph rolls her eyes and hits Alec softly in the ribcage, like a demand for him to be nice and say something.

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Cami. Congratulations on the engagement", Alec says, and I almost can't stop a laugh at his deadpanned tone. He adds a: "Foxy told me" like an explanation, not to creep Cami out that he new about her relationship status. I see Cami look a bit confused at the word Foxy. I help her out and point at Soph with my eyes. Both my besties have weirdo nicknames from their boyfriends. Soph is Foxy and Nini is Broadway. It takes a while to get used to them, but my besties love them, so we just roll with it.

"Thank you", Cami says. She wants to relax and smile, yet freezes once more as she takes in the man currently standing behind Soph and Alec. Darrel. In his tux, sunglasses and earpiece, clearly with a weapon on somewhere. Soph notices the shift in her mood and follows her gaze to discover Darrel. Soph relaxes immediately and tells Cami:

"That's Darrel. He's my bodyguard. He goes wherever I go so he'll be staying with us. He's really all sweet, no need to fear him."

Nini and I chuckle at that. Darrel is anything but sweet. He hates us both because we keep doing fun stuff with Soph he sees as dangerous. It's not our fault we went zip-lining and Soph had a great time, so she wanted to go again. Not our fault.

"Cami", she says, reaching out her hand. Darrel only nods. Soph sighs again, noticing how the men around her keep acting all though and not polite.

Darrel must have heard her sigh since he shakes Cami's hand. "Hello. I'm Darrel."

Soph slaps her face with her hand, making Darrel tense. Nini and I both smirk bright now.

"Darrel, can you please act like a normal human being for once", Soph snaps. "And please change your clothes. We're at a family reunion, not the MET gala."

There are two things I notice. One, she called this a family reunion. Both Soph and Alec have messy family situations, so they started seeing us as their family. Hearing her calling this a family reunion made me smile. And two, the way she said the words MET gala show she's actually been there before and knew what she was talking about. I'll gladly hear that story one day.

Darrel nods and takes out a rucksack from his SUV, probably having some extra clothes there. I use the opportunity and say: "Let me show you all to your rooms."

They all nod and follow me inside, and I lead them to their guest rooms. Soph is sharing a room with Alec, so are Nini and Caden, so we gave them the two guest rooms on the ground floor. As soon as they saw where they will be sleeping, they thank us and go outside to take out the bags. Kai and Cami disappear at the beach again while Dia, Noah and I go help our friends with their luggage. I can't say I judge Cami and Kai for wanting a break. My friends can be a lot to deal with at first. However, it gets better with time.

Half an hour later, Nini, Dia, Soph and I are lounging at the sitting are on the terrace, almost sinking in the couches. The guys decided to make a barbecue tonight for all of us, so they headed to the grocery shop to buy some ingredients. Soph and Nini have been telling us all about their trip so far, each story better than the other one. They've been discovering Italy and France these past months, and were going to head to the South of Spain after their week here. Until now, their holiday has been a lot of beaches, new cities, good food and dates. Many double dates. Kinda happens when you freely decide to spend months in a double date combo.

From all their stories, I guess I liked the one with the dolphins most. They rented a yacht on the French Riviera and sailed along the coast. Once, they saw dolphins and Nini and Caden immediately jumped in the water to swim with them. Alec joined later and flinched, FLINCHED, as one dolphin touched him. Soph has it all on video, since she stayed on the boat to film it all before she jumped in the water too. Another story I liked was when they met a Formula 1 driver who competed in the Grand Prix and he took the four of them out for a ride on a race track. Caden threw up at the end, Nini was dizzy, Soph eager to drive the car herself and Alec almost wanting to kill the guy for giving him a headache.

"What's with the Ferrari?", Dia asks, after a while. She ditched the headphones long ago and was now fully smiling while chilling with us. I don't think I'll ever be able to stop smiling now.

"Alec wanted it", Soph explains. "He saw it even from before we started this trip. He wasn't hundred percent sure a double date trip was a good idea, but he agreed to it anyways since I really wanted to do it. He took this Ferrari like a moral support. Really wanted one. He always said his dream was to drive one Ferrari through Italy. He now made his dream come true." Soph's smile shows how deeply and truly happy she is for him. I couldn't help but smile too.

We look at some more picture before the two ask: "And, what about you? What did you do so far?"

"Did anything interesting happen?", Nini adds. "Apart from Kai's secret engagement."

I think of Noah. Of what we've been these days. "Nothing interesting."

Nini sinks deeper in the couch. "Girls, you've been in this house for over a month now. Something must have happened."

"We've been to the beach a lot", Dia says, helping me out. "It is really nice. Can't wait til we all go there."

"Me too, trust me", Nini replies. Soph nods next to her.

"But we're waiting for Nessie", the blonde adds and we all agree.

"Have you heard from her? Or did Adam tell you where they are?", I ask her, knowing her boyfriend is besties with Adam.

"Yeah, he texted Alec a few hours ago. Said their plane was about to depart and that the flight might take seven and a half hours. They'll be here at around nine", Soph answers.

"Should we pick them up or something?", I continue. I can also see the excitement on Dia's face. Not only does Nessie come, but also Leo. The girl is counting down the seconds.

"No need. Adam told Alec he talked to his HQ in Barcelona. They are bringing him his car."

"He has a HQ in Barcelona?", Dia asks for the both of us.

"He has a HQ in almost every city in the world", Soph explains. "And a personal car in every one of those cities. The guy doesn't show it, but he loves cars. Has many of them. So, they're in good hands."

Didn't know that about Adam. Just going to write it on the list of odd things I know about my friends.

We quickly continue our conversation about the holiday so far, Dia and I actually telling them about our time. We leave the part with Noah and me away, but still give enough details and show enough photos to occupy hours. The guys meanwhile arrived and we were still talking, also as they started their barbecue on the terrace next to us we didn't stop. They started joining our conversation from time to time, sometimes adding details or commenting. We mostly ignored them, yelling "girl talk "at them. They smirked each time and kept saying stuff. The three were engaged in a conversation of their own, talking about mostly the same stuff, only with less detail. Way less detail. And no photo showing.

The guys said they'll grill some vegetables to eat with the barbecue, but my besties and I decided to make a salad too. So we sat down at the table and began cutting vegetables and putting them all in a large bowl, all while gossiping and "girl talking" again. Noah once commented: "You really seem to have no off-button", to which Nini and I both showed him the finger. Noah chuckled while Caden looked proud at his girl. I was glad to have someone who will tease Noah along with me.

The four of us jump as I get a call from Adam, telling me they're here and that I can open the gates. After pressing the button on the remote, the girls and I rush outside to greet Nessie. I know the three guys followed us, but they remained somewhere behind. We were too fast. We only stop as we see the car. A Lamborghini black SUV, looking like it stepped out of one of those car show episodes my Dad loves to watch. I wonder what one might think of our parking lot. Lamborghini SUV, red Ferrari...I would faint.

One of the car doors flies open and out of it rushes Nessie, who lets out a gasp as she sees us. We all cheer and go have a group hug. A perfect group hug this time. With all my four besties. The reasons I smile daily.

My second family.

"I missed you so much, you have no idea", Nessie says as we let go. It's then I get a better look at her. Her black hair is falling freely down her shoulders. She's wearing a knitted white tank top with a pair of short jeans, flowers embroidered on them. Her Converse also have daises on. Yet her eyes are the ones that catch my attention most. Nessie's eyes have always been the one thing about her anyone can't miss. They are very big, huge, and very blue. Now, there's faded red at the corners. Showing she's been crying lately. A lot. I can't help but worry.

But the smile on her face tells me this isn't the time to talk about it. We hug again and help her carry some bags to the house, while the rest of the guys get out of the car. We're already back as Adam is hugging Alec. As they let go, Adam comes closer to me and I see that he's wearing a tux, although it's extremely hot. Well, truth to be told, Adam always wears a tux. No matter when or where. His ginger hair is perfectly styled, but his brown eyes have some rings around them. As if he hasn't been sleeping lately. Again, I push that away and go hug him, especially as he gives me a bouquet of flowers, to mark my birthday and to thank me for having him. I smile and he hugs me tighter. As he lets go of me, I spot Jacob, who was grinning wide. He is the most sunshiny one from the Fab Five. Actually, the most sunshiny person I know from this entire world. His look is casual and fit for a holiday. Jacob has a beige T-Shirt on, some blue shorts and a pair of sneakers. His blonde hair is almost like the sun, sparkling. His blue eyes covered by some sunglasses. As our eyes meet, he smiles even wider and comes give me a hug.

"There's the birthday girl", he says, spinning me around once. As he lets me go, Caden has him in a bro hug. The two are thicker as thick, besties and all. Adam was already talking to Alec and Soph, while Jacob was greeting Nini as well. She might become his sister-in-law soon. Dia is talking to Nessie, both of them smiling. Jacob then goes greet the others as well. First Nessie and Dia, then Soph and Alec and Noah. He hugs all of us, but I can see him tense as he's hugging Dia. I can't hide a smirk.

Exactly then, Leo walks out of the car and Dia gasps, letting go of Jacob and running to Leo. I can almost see the pain on Jacob's face. Caden must have seen it too, since he calls his bestie's name and Jacob goes to him.

Talk about Jacob not wanting Dia.

I let the two lovebirds kiss and do their thing while I lead everyone else inside. Dia and Leo can take their time undisturbed. Inside, the Fab Five, now complete, continue working on their barbecue, Nessie, Soph, Nini and I working on the salad. I can't help but glance over at the guys from time to time. The way they are all smiling bright. Even Alec's mouth is twitched. The girls also seemed to have noticed the guys'good mood, since they smirk now.

"We did good, didn't we?", Nini says.

Caden shouts throughout the room: "We heard that."

Nini sticks out her tongue at her boyfriend, who does a dirty gesture making my bestie blush. I can't help but chuckle.

"Someone has been at it", I whisper to her.

"I wouldn't say that", Nini replies, trying to escape an uncomfortable situation. Soph's smirk tells me the answer.

"Oh trust me, April, it's been very PG", Caden adds, coming from behind and hugging her. He bends down to kiss the top of Nini's head, but she lifts herself up a bit from the chair and kisses his mouth. Soph rolls her eyes amused, as if she had to witness that daily for the past weeks. I guess she has.

We chuckle and continue preparing the meal. After a while, Cami and Kai join us and we introduce the newcomers to them. Cami is shocked to see Adam Cunnan, CEO of Atlas Enterprises grilling on our terrace, but doesn't let it show. Adam acts like the gentleman he is and kisses her hand, saying what a pleasure it is to meet her. And Cami almost blushes. Damn, I almost blushed at that.

Jacob is next to be introduced. "So, this is Jacob", I say, and the guy comes to hug Cami.

"Hey there", Jacob says as they let go and I can see the girl checking him out once. Then grins. I can't say I don't get her. Four incredibly hot guys just entered his house. All looking too good to be human. I don't blame her for going a bit pink in her cheeks. "It's so nice to meet you", Jacob continues. "Welcome to the family."

Cami smiles wide and thanks him. We also introduce her to Nessie, and the two quickly get along. After the introduction round, Kai goes help the Fab Five with the grill and Cami comes cut vegetables with us. The meal is ready in no time, and we set the table outside to eat on the terrace. As we're all sitting down, food on the table, I take out a good wine and some lemonade. I know for a fact that Soph doesn't drink alcohol when in public, only when it's just the five of us or just her and Alec. Alec also stopped drinking alcohol ever since he came together with Soph. When our glasses are filled, they all look at me to hold some speech or toast.

I stand up, smile on looking at my favorite people in the world all together, and say: "To friends, old and new. And to family reunions."

They all smile. I guess they all feel this way too.

And as we all cling the glasses, I just know that this week will be one of the best I've ever had.