Chapter Thirteen - Upheavals

The bright afternoon sun shimmered over the surface of the water and Alyssa stared at Preston Island as their ferry surged forward towards Alexandria Bay. She just couldn’t drive thoughts of Nicholas and the hug she shared with him out of her mind. Why did he beg her for a hug when they both weren’t even friends? Why did the hug feel so good? Confused she stared blankly at nothing in particular, wondering why she felt so numb as if she had left her heart behind on the island.

“Boo!” said Hayley, coming up behind her, startling her out of her mind. “What’s the matter? Don’t tell me you’re missing him already?” Eva too joined them and they chuckled at their own joke while Alyssa glared at both.

“I’m not. I was just missing Sienna’s reception party. Skye’s so lucky that she can stay as long as she wants to.” Alyssa released a deep sigh and glanced back at the island. It was good that she had been able to thank Nicholas with a hug for saving her all the time. At least she wouldn’t feel