Location: Avalon Beach – Two Days Later
The sea smelled like summer.
The breeze was warm with salt and laughter.
And the sun? The sun was perfect.
Avalon's Beach Immersion Trip had officially begun.
Four luxury charter buses pulled up along a private coastal road, unloading dozens of students dressed in sunglasses, crop tops, and sheer excitement.
Phones were already out.
Music blasted from portable speakers.
And somewhere on the horizon—freedom waited.
Scene: Arrival at the Vale Beach House
The Vale siblings' group didn't head for the university-rented villas like everyone else.
They took a separate route—toward a gated, oceanfront property with private beach access, a rooftop fire lounge, heated infinity pool, and floor-to-ceiling windows in every room.
"You bought this?" Noah asked, wide-eyed.
Caelan: "Technically, we overpaid for it. But yes."
Zaria: "I'm sleeping in the room with the giant mirror. Don't argue."
Selene: "I want the one with the balcony. It faces the sunrise."
Jace: "As long as I get a bed and no ghosts, I'm solid."
Isla (playfully): "No promises on ghosts."
Azra, Liora, and Caelan smiled at each other as their friends scattered inside.
This was home base now.
Scene: Beach, Day One
The first few hours blurred into beach towels, volleyball, music, and splashes.
Azra dominated every competition without mercy.
Liora wandered the tide line taking candid photos of everyone.
Caelan lounged beneath an umbrella, dark shades on, sipping water like he was on a fashion shoot.
Every few minutes, someone would walk by and whisper:
"That's their house?"
"How did they get beachfront?"
"Who are they, actually?"
But none of that mattered.
Not here. Not now.
Scene: Student Leaders & Faculty Setup
Meanwhile, a team of student organizers and teachers finished preparing activity rosters:
Beach relay games
Bonfire talent show
Paddleboard races
Couple trivia nights
A mystery team challenge called "The Avalon Gauntlet"
There was laughter and real excitement buzzing among them.
This wasn't just a school trip.
It felt like a teen summer film coming to life.
Inner Thoughts: Their Friends
Noah (watching Caelan joke with Jace):
He's different here. Lighter. Still sharp, but… human. Like this is who he was always meant to be.
Zaria (fixing Isla's braids in the sun):
I can't remember the last time I laughed this much. I want this to last. I want this group to last.
Selene (journaling on the deck):
I didn't expect to feel this safe so quickly. It's rare. It's real.
Jace (sneaking photos of the group while they laugh):
This? This is the kind of memory that hits you years later in the middle of a boring life and reminds you what happiness tasted like.
Inner Thoughts: The Siblings
Azra:
I always thought I'd stay cold to protect us. But now? I kind of like being warm.
Liora:
I don't want to miss a single moment. I want them all in a photo album. I want to remember what it feels like to be loved by friends who don't need anything from us.
Caelan (watching the sky turn gold):
For once… I'm not waiting for the other shoe to drop. For once, I'm just here. And it's enough.
Final Scene: Bonfire Night Begins
The fire was lit.
The stars were waking up.
Everyone gathered around in sweats and swimwear, toasting marshmallows, teasing each other, making up ridiculous dares.
Music played low. Drinks clinked. Laughter carried on the breeze.
And the Vale Beach House glowed in the distance like something sacred—full of stories already.