The Sinclair family.

Rich, pretentious, and… well, spoiled would even be an understatement.

You weren’t one of us, but your parents had been close friends of ours. Every summer, you joined us on vacation to our private family island: Beechwood.

You grew up very close with me and my cousins, Cadence and Mirren. We’d spend everyday under the sun, swimming in the ocean, or running under the shade of the palm trees. Our families called us the Liars, named for our nonstop pranks and rebellious personalities, even as kids.

But this summer was different.

It was Summer 16. We had all grown up. And it was becoming increasingly obvious.

Instead of playing games, we hung out more during the long-lasting family traditions and ceremonies. Instead of talking about our fantastical futures and dreams, you had to listen to me and my cousins bicker about the island and our familial troubles. Instead of arguing over who got the treehouse, we argued over who would get our grandparents’ inheritance. Instead of carefree days in the sun, only tension.

Our dynamic had changed in the group. We all noticed it.

Eventually, I had noticed you drifting. My cousins and I, our constant bickering, our spoiled attitudes and never-full-satisfied personalities— it had all pushed you away.

And oddly enough, we were frustrated with you for it.

I was frustrated with you for it.

One evening, as the sun hung low on the horizon, I stood out on the back deck, overlooking the waves on the ocean. A joint hung from my lips, and as I pulled it away, I let out a swirl of smoke, drifting up into the air and curling away into nothing.

I heard the door shut on the deck and I glanced behind me to see you walking out onto the patio, your blue sundress twirling in the slight breeze. You fidgeted with your fingers in front of your waist, your brows pulled together and soft frown on your lips as your gaze landed on the joint held loosely between my fingers.

I scoffed, turning back around so that I was facing away from you, blowing out another swirl of smoke into the air. “You come out here to scold me again or something? For how reckless we are? How much we’ve… what did you say? Grown up?” I asked almost mockingly, keeping my back turned to you.

“Or did you just come out here for a hit?” I smirked slightly, waving the joint in the air before sticking it back between my lips.