The next morning I groaned as I rolled over, and came face to face with my brother. “Good morning Baby Bea.” he said with a grin on his face. “Ugh JimJam. Let me sleep.” I grumbled as I covered my head with the blankets. “Okay, fine. I’ll let you sleep. I was just coming to let you know that I’m heading home, and I’ll see you there later.” he said as he kissed my head. “I love you Brook. See you at home.” “Yeah, Love you too Jim. Be careful.” I slurred as I closed my eyes and let sleep overcome me. The next time I woke up Brian was poking me “Brook,” he said as he poked my arm yet again, “wake up. Everyone is waiting on you to wake up.” “Whyyyy” I whined “I just want to sleep. I have a huge hangover.” “Here, I got you some advil and water” he said as I opened one eye and looked at him “Why are you being nice to me Haner?” I asked. “I’m always nice to you, now shut up and take the pills” he chuckled. “That’s more like it,” I said as I took the advil and drank the water. “Thanks. Now why is everyone waiting on me?” I asked “We all want to go out to the diner for breakfast, well lunch now. Lily and Johnny refused to go until you woke up, so I decided to come up and wake you, because we’re all starving.” he explained. “Oh, I’m pretty hungry myself. Just give me a few minutes to freshen up and I’ll be down” I said with a smile. “Hey Bri, can I borrow a hoodie?” I asked sweetly. “Sure B, just grab one out of the closet.” he said as he kissed my head and walked out the door. Why does he keep doing that?! I thought, he better not be playing games with me. I’ll kick his ass. I brushed my teeth and threw my hair into a messy bun, grabbed a hoodie from the closet and went downstairs. “She’s aliiiiiive!” Zack announced as I walked into the living room, “Now lets go eat” he jumped up and headed toward the door. “Damn Zack, hello to you too” I joked as I grabbed my purse. “Hey Bri you just want to drive my car? I’m blocking you in the driveway,” I offered, extending my keys in his direction. “That works, come on guys, let’s go eat” he said as he led the way out the door.

Once we got to the diner we all crowded in two booths. I was sitting with Brian, Zack, Johnny, and Lily; Matt, Val, Jimmy, and Leana occupied the other. The topic of conversation was my 18th birthday, which was in two weeks. “We’re gonna have a massive party,” Jimmy started “its gonna be awesome. Way better than last night” “Leana, Val, and I are already planning” Lily said with a big smile as she sipped on her milkshake. “Oh come on guys. I don’t need some blowout for my birthday. Just something with you guys is enough for me” I argued “No way B” Lily said “you guys planned a massive party for my 18th birthday, I’m returning the favor” “Yeah and besides, you only turn 18 once Bea” Jimmy said, “I’m not going to let you have some shit party. You deserve the best.” “Besides” Matt spoke up, “we’re gonna be at Warped Tour for most of the summer. When we get back you and Lily will be about to start college, and then we’ll be working on the new album after the new year.” “Good grief, okay, jeeze. Just tell me when and where and I’ll be there” I said with a grin. “I can’t turn down a good party, especially if you dorks are supplying the alcohol.” “Oh Tiny you gotta get your Death Bat before we go on tour too!” Brian said excitedly, “You’re the last one of us to get it.” “Oh shit, that’s right” Johnny said “looks like we’ll be taking a trip to the tattoo parlor before the party!” he said excitedly. “Oh my Death Bat. I’ve been waiting so long for it” I said dreamily. The waitress, who Johnny had been hitting on the entire time, finally brought out our food and the next ten minutes were spent in silence while everyone was inhaling their food. “So,” Jimmy started, mouth full of food, “what’s on the agenda for today kids?” “Lil and I were thinking beach day” I said, grinning at my best friend, who nodded her head. “Oh a beach day, that sounds awesome.” Val said. “Want to do a beach day, then a barbecue and bonfire at our place?” she asked everyone. “Sounds good to me.” Leana said and we all agreed.

After we finished our lunch I drove Brian back to his house to grab my bag. I followed him into his house, and he turned around and said “I didn’t freak you out last night did I?” “No, you didn’t freak me out, but you better not be toying with my emotions. You know I don’t play that shit, and I won’t hesitate to kick your ass or tell my brother.” I said sternly. “I know, I really do like you Brook. I just want to take things slow though, I mean you’re not even eighteen yet and Jimmy would kill me if I screwed this up.” he said, rubbing the back of his neck. “Ok Bri, we’ll take things slow. We’ll see what happens once I turn 18” I said with a smile and hugged him. “Sounds good to me babe, now go get ready to go to the beach before your brother hunts you down” he chuckled and kissed my forehead.

I drove home, singing along to Guns N Roses, and stopped at a gas station to pick up some sodas and snacks. I grabbed a few Code Red Mtn Dews for Lily and I, along with Funyuns, Skittles, and beef jerky. I grabbed the guys a Monster each, and a smart water for Val and Leana. I grabbed random snacks that I knew everyone liked, paid for my purchases and left. Once I got home I was stopped by Jimmy. “What took you so long Squirt?” he asked, “Oh I went and picked up some sodas and snacks for everyone. I know we’re all starving by the time we leave the beach so I thought if we had some snacks it wouldn’t be so bad” I smiled, going to sit down beside him. “Oh Bea, you’re growing up so fast,” he said as he wrapped his arm around my shoulder. “Mom and dad would be so proud of you. You’re so beautiful and so smart. So talented too. I know I’m extremely proud of you.” “Jim the only reason I’m talented is because I learned it from you, and I’m proud of you too. You’re living your dream big bro, with an amazing girl by your side. I love you JimJam, thank you for being the greatest big brother in the galaxy” I said, leaning into him. “I love you too Peanut, now go get your swimsuit on, it’s beach time!” he said excitedly. I laughed as I got up and walked upstairs. I put on my black bikini, red khaki shorts, and a gray off-the-shoulder crop top. I slipped on my flip flops, pulled my hair into a side braid, and grabbed my aviators. I walked downstairs and helped Leana pack a beach bag, grabbed an apple, and we were off to spend the rest of the day at the beach with our very best friends.