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Lisa, an L.A. high school student, doesn't want to go on summer vacation in Nevada, but her outgoing best friend, Stacy, talks her into it. Their carefree road trip takes a sharp turn when their car breaks down. That's how they meet Nicholas, a charming college football star who immediately notices the quieter Lisa. Lisa isn't interested at first, but Stacy keeps pushing, and Nicholas's charm slowly wins her over. Soon, they're swept up in a whirlwind summer romance.But this story is more than just a first love. Stacy, always playing matchmaker, adds something bold to her summer bucket list: Lisa will lose her virginity. As Lisa experiences intimacy for the first time, she struggles with how fast things are moving and the pressure from her friend.Their perfect summer ends with promises of a future, but college life quickly shows cracks in their bond. Nicholas, who was once so attentive, starts to pull away. Lisa, missing him and believing in their connection, surprises him at his university. Her world then falls apart. She faces a shocking truth and a harsh betrayal, leaving her to deal with her first heartbreak. From that day on, the bright summer sun reminds her of deceit. This is a poignant tale about first love, friendship, manipulation, and the painful lessons learned when innocence meets a broken heart.
Chapter 1 Reluctant Farewell
Lisa's legs were hooked over the wall, her eyes glued to her laptop screen. With a sigh, she rolled onto her side, then sat up, pulling her long hair into a ponytail as her fingers flew across the keyboard.
"Baby, Stacy's here!" her mom called from the kitchen.
Before Lisa could even respond, Stacy's familiar stomp echoed on the stairs. Moments later, the door to Lisa's room burst open. Stacy stood framed in the doorway, performing a little dance, her hips swaying left and right in a bright sunflower dress. She flipped her hair dramatically, her gaze locking onto Lisa's, and they both dissolved into a loud burst of laughter.
"Girl, what are you doing cooped up in here with your laptop?" Stacy tossed her bag aside, leaped onto Lisa's bed, and snatched the laptop. Lisa lunged for it, but Stacy was already at the foot of the bed, holding it out of reach.
"Give it back! I'm just looking through summer volunteer programs."
Stacy dropped the laptop back onto the bed, shaking her head. She hopped off the bed and dug into her bag, pulling out a folded piece of paper. She unfurled it with a flourish, holding it high for Lisa to see. It was too far away for Lisa to make out anything specific.
"This," Stacy declared, waving the paper, "this right here is a list of everything we're doing this summer. And trust me, volunteering is definitely not on it."
Lisa pulled her laptop to her chest, resuming her typing. "I already have plans for summer, Stacy."
Stacy moved swiftly, taking the laptop again. Lisa rolled her eyes and slumped back into the bed, not bothering to fight this time.
"We're going to Nevada for the summer!" Stacy shrieked, launching into another dance, the paper still clutched in her hand.
Lisa sat bolt upright, confusion clouding her face. She got off the bed, walked over to Stacy, and gently held her arms to stop her dancing. "Stacy, what are you talking about? What's happening in Nevada? I'm not going to Nevada. Besides, my mom..."
Stacy cupped Lisa's cheeks in her hands, giving them a quick, soft squeeze before patting her back. Then she danced her way back to the bed, crossing her legs as she sat down.
Lisa stood with her hands on her hips, waiting for Stacy to explain the bombshell she'd just dropped.
"Your mom already agreed to everything! She's so excited about you having a fun holiday-not your usual volunteering and coaching lessons."
Lisa ran her hands through her hair, letting out a long, weary sigh. When she pulled them away, she noticed a few strands had come out. "I'm not going to Nevada, Stacy. I'm just not."
Stacy got up and wrapped her arms around Lisa from behind, turning Lisa's face towards her and giving her the full puppy-dog eye treatment.
Lisa shook her head, looking away. "You know that's not going to work on me."
Lisa started to walk back to the bed, but Stacy was faster, blocking her path. "It's going to be so much fun, I promise! I have a list of amazing things we can try. We can even go shopping!"
"I don't like shopping, Stacy," Lisa deadpanned.
"Fine, fine. Anyway, you can't back out of this vacation because your mom already paid for everything. We have a flight to catch in two days, bye love!" Before Lisa could say another word, Stacy grabbed her bag and bolted out the door.
Lisa collapsed onto her bed with a loud, exasperated sigh. She loved her best friend fiercely, but sometimes Stacy was just too much.
Lisa's idea of a perfect summer involved school, books, volunteering, and staying at the top of her class. Stacy, on the other hand, was a whirlwind of energy, always the center of attention, a true social butterfly. Almost every guy at school wanted to date Stacy; with her beautiful blonde hair, thin lips, and captivating blue eyes, she was undeniably gorgeous.
Lisa, by contrast, wasn't outgoing at all. She'd never even dated anyone. Yet, she was strikingly attractive in her own right, with light brown hair that cascaded over her shoulders when she let it down, flawless long legs, and captivating golden eyes that could pierce your soul if you dared to stare too long.
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Lisa's mom helped Stacy pull the last bag from the car. The airport buzzed with people moving in every direction, a chaotic symphony of farewells and hurried greetings. Lisa slipped in her earphones, muffling the noise, watching her mom and Stacy wrestle with the luggage. She stood there, backpack clutched to her chest, utterly uninterested.
Her mom motioned for her to remove the earphones, and Lisa reluctantly obeyed.
"I agreed to this trip because I want you both to have fun, like every teenager in summer," her mom said, her voice warm. "I'm so proud of your hard work, but you've got to have some fun too, right?" She smiled, lightly tapping Lisa's shoulder.
Lisa returned the smile, leaning in for a hug. "I'll try my best, Mom. Thank you. I love you."
Her mom squeezed her gently and kissed her forehead, caressing her face. Stacy squeezed in between them, arms outstretched for a hug too. Lisa's mom embraced them both, and they all shared a soft laugh.
After bidding goodbye to Lisa's mom, Stacy and Lisa collected their bags. Lisa's mom waved as they walked away, watching until they were out of sight. Once they were a little distance away, Lisa playfully threw an arm around Stacy's shoulder, pulling her closer.
"This trip had better be worth it," Lisa muttered, half-joking.
Stacy smirked, a finger on her chin, stroking an invisible beard. "Trust me, girl," she promised, "it will be a fun-filled summer you'll never forget."
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