The Lake (The Lake Trilogy, Book 1) by AnnaLisa Grant Page B

for each of us. We decide to do the bridge after our hike, so the boys pick a trail they say they think will lead to less whining from Gwen, Caroline, and me and I begin my first real encounter with nature.
    We hike the trail for about two hours before we turn around and make our way back to the famous bridge. I spend most of the time walking with Gwen and Caroline. They talk about their excitement for senior year, and general girl stuff like clothes and boys. I add my two cents every now and then, but mostly just listen and answer questions they have for me.
    “So, Layla, did you leave a heartbroken boy back in Florida?” Caroline asks. I have decided that it is impossible for her not to be cute. She could make Jules Vern’s Mysterious Island sound adorable.
    “No, no one. I didn’t really have time for boys. Not that I was interested in any of them anyway. They were…not my type. Of the guys I knew, I’m pretty sure their dream vacation is going to Comic Con dressed as obscure Star Wars characters.” A few boys come to mind and the thought of anything romantic with them makes me shudder. “What about you two? Are you dating anyone?” I ask. Anything to get the conversation off of me.
    Gwen answers for both of them, “We’re not dating anyone right now. We both have been totally into Will. I mean, who wouldn’t, right? But nothing ever came of it. Tyler and I went out a few times but found out we were better suited as friends. Caroline and Chris actually dated for a year before it ended. Can you believe they’re still friends?”
    I’m impressed. I would never have known they had been an item. I always figured people broke up under awful circumstances, which meant they couldn’t be friends.
    “Gwen! You make it sound like it was a terrible break-up!” Caroline squeals. “It was just like you and Tyler, only you realized early on. Neither of us wanted to be a quitter, so we held out longer. When our feelings finally came out we were both so relieved. That’s why we’re still friends.”
    “What about the guys? Chris, Tyler…Will? Are any of them…you know…seeing anyone?” My attempt at sounding nonchalant is weak, but I have an unyielding need to know what Will’s story is. He spent a lot of time with me yesterday, more than a guy with a girlfriend should. Twenty-four hours ago I wouldn’t have cared, but after being on the dock with Will last night I have to know.
    “No. Chris and Tyler aren’t dating anyone, not that they aren’t teaming with choices,” Gwen answers. “And Will…” She smiles as she catches me snapping my head up and I know I’m busted. “…he’s not seeing anyone either.”
    “Oh.” What else was I going to say? I quickly change the subject. “So…I’ve got a little bit of Will’s take on it, but what’s the scoop on Heyward?”
    “Heyward is, well, it’s interesting. The entire school is made up entirely of our own little neighborhood community, and only our neighborhood community. It’s a bit incestuous, really. Anyway, 95% of the people there are absolutely obsessed with how wealthy they are. They talk and talk and talk about their cars, clothes, trips to Aspen…blah, blah, blah. It drives us crazy, especially Will. Don’t get me wrong, I love being rich. Actually, I love the opportunities that being rich brings me, but it’s not everything.” Gwen answers. “That’s what binds the five…”
    “Six!” Caroline corrects.
    “…yes, six of us together. We like the advantages of wealth, just not the annoying, pretentious part. Had we not met now , there are any number of vultures who would have tried to take you under their wing.”
    “Yeah, we’re glad you’re here, Layla!” Caroline giggles, “ Now Gwen and I aren’t outnumbered!”
    Gwen and Caroline give each other a look and then put their arms over my shoulder and around my waist from either side. I feel incredible emotional warmth from them followed by the sting of tears coming to my