Chapter 2

The next morning, I didn't want to go anywhere.

But before eight, there was already frantic knocking at my door.

"Mouse, hurry up — we're going snorkeling!"

Sadie's voice came through the door.

I didn't answer.

The next second, the door beeped — of course they had my code — and the four of them barged in, all talking at once.

My brother yanked the covers off and dragged me out of bed.

"Come on, Mouse. Catamaran's at ten."

I looked down at my knee.

Last night's scrape had crusted over, blood and grit stuck together. Just the brush of my shorts against it made me wince.

"I don't want to go."

The room went quiet for a second.

Caleb leaned against the wall, voice light, teasing.

"Oh, come on. Who's gonna take our pictures if you don't come?"

Reid walked over and bent down to look at my knee.

"It's just a scrape. You can still walk."

Finally, he fished a Band-Aid out of his pocket, pressed it gently over the cut, and ruffled my hair.

"We're all on vacation together. I'd be sad if you weren't there."

My heart softened. I went.

At the marina, the tour guide handed out snorkel wristbands.

Four of them.

Sadie snatched one first and slid it around her wrist, waving her arm.

"Ugh, this color is so ugly."

She bitched about it — but didn't take it off.

I asked why there were only four. The guide glanced at his clipboard. "Four-person package. That's what was booked."

Reid spoke first. "Sutton, we saw your knee was busted up last night. You can't go in the water, so we didn't book your spot."

My brother chimed in. "Yeah, saltwater'll get it infected. You can hang out on the beach, enjoy the view. Watch the bags for us."

Caleb shoved his GoPro into my arms with a carefree grin.

"Mouse takes the best shots. Can't wait to see them."

They started suiting up.

Reid steadied Sadie by the shoulders. My brother helped her into her life vest and adjusted her mask.

Caleb held up his phone, filming her.

I stood frozen, their beach bags, GoPro, flip-flops, and sunscreen piled in my arms.

Fully geared up, Sadie ran down to the water and shouted back:

"Mouse, get a shot of me! I want that windswept Baywatch vibe!"

I raised the camera. Through the lens, she was laughing — wild, free, radiant.

The next second, the other three crowded into the frame.

"Group shot! Something to remember our first snorkeling trip by!"

I pressed the shutter. Maybe it was the ocean wind.

My eyes stung.

At the beachside restaurant, I sat on a folding chair squeezed in at the corner of their four-top, listening to them rave about the reef they'd seen underwater.

The server brought out plates of appetizers.

Grilled shrimp skewers glazed in peanut sauce. A tropical salad topped with crushed peanuts and mango.

Sadie picked up a skewer and held it to my lips.

"Mouse, try it. It's so good."

I pulled back.

"I'm allergic to peanuts."

Her hand froze. Her smile dimmed.

"Wait—I didn't know that."

I looked at her.

"You know."

Fifth grade. School nurse's office. She'd been sitting right by the door, eating an apple.

She'd laughed and said, "She may be a Mouse, but she can't even eat peanut butter."

But now, she tilted her head, playing innocent.

"I honestly forgot."

Reid finally frowned.

"It was years ago. Who remembers that stuff?"

My brother took the skewer and put it back on Sadie's plate.

"She's being dramatic. Ignore her."

Caleb kept grinning.

"Mouse, you're mad about today, aren't you? Because you didn't get in the water."

I didn't bother explaining.

If I'd told them one bite could land me in the ER, they'd have just called me dramatic again.

On the ride back, Sadie fell asleep on Reid's shoulder.

My white first-aid pouch was in her tote, zipper peeking out.

I reached for it.

Her eyes were closed, but somehow she sensed it — her fingers tightened sharply on the strap.

Reid murmured, "Don't wake her."

I pulled my hand back.

Outside the window, the Caribbean stretched out past the glass, blue and brilliant and completely indifferent.