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I shrug, not really convinced knowing how energetic Blue becomes after midnight. “Maybe.”

“You literally taught him how to open the cupboards.”

I grimace… that's a valid point.

After a few seconds of hesitation, I opened the conversation anyway.

Me: They just told us we're spending the night on the beach.

The reply comes almost immediately.

Library: Where?

I look up at the cliffs around us before sending him my location and typing another text.

Me: Survival exercise. With Jensen and Green

A few seconds pass.

Library: What about the Blue?

Me: That’s why I’m texting you…

Library: I'll take care of it.

Me: Don't forget to play with him before he falls asleep.

Library: I'll spend the night in your room, don't worry. Take care. If anything happens, call me.

I reread the reply once before locking my phone.

“So?” Hayzel asks with a mischievous smile.

“Mister Caldwell is going to see him.”

She looks at me for a few seconds too long, then winks at me, “Of course he's going to see him.” she stops and looks back at me with wide eyes. “What do you mean, he's going to see him? And how did you get his number?"

She shouts the end of the sentence, and I have to put my hand over her mouth so everyone can't hear us.

“We're friends,” I lied.

“‘Friends’ when he's actually taking care of your cat? Do you think I'm an idiot, Reya?” She whispers against my hand. “Take your hand away from my mouth.”

“Promise you'll speak quietly?”

That makes her laugh. She nods, and I take my hand away. “We'll talk about it when we're alone. I have a shit ton of questions, young lady.” Then her smile disappears as quickly as it appeared. She pulls her knees up to her chest and looks out at the ocean.

Around us, groups continue to form. Some are pitching tents, arguing over instructions. Others are already trying to light a fire. Further out, a few students have managed to sneak into the water for a few minutes before the supervisors call them back.

Everyone seems to have found someone to spend the evening with.

“I want a 'friend' too.”

I turn my head slightly toward her. “What?”

She shrugs. “I'm feeling lonely right now.”

I frown as I sit closer to her and grab her hand. “What about that old guy you were seeing?”