The car ride felt like an eternity. Jace drove at a crawl, distracted by Kenna as they flirted and laughed in the front. But finally, we reached the airport. While waiting for our flight, Kenna led the group on a mission for snacks, but I wasn't hungry, so I stayed back, popping in my earbuds. Lost in thought, I barely noticed the time slipping by.
Suddenly, a hand waved in front of my face. "Earth to Kimberly!" Kenna's voice broke into my thoughts.
"Huh?" I blinked up at her.
"Plane's here!" she said, grinning.
"Oh, thanks." I stood up, grabbed my bags, and we all moved toward the gate.
––––––––––––––––––––
The plane ride? Also felt like forever. I was squeezed in next to Jessica, with Jade and Tori behind us. Kenna, of course, was tucked in next to Jace just in front. And while I tried to relax, Jessica, Jade, and Tori were in full Malibu excitement mode, chattering about boys and the beach.
"First thing we're doing," Jessica said, almost squealing, "is getting pictures with surfers. Like, we have to!"
Tori nodded. "And what if one of them is cute?"
"Or all of them are cute," Jade added, and they broke into giggles.
Jessica nudged me with her elbow. "Kim, you're not as excited as us. Not even a little crush on any mystery Malibu hotties?"
I shrugged, trying to keep a straight face. "Maybe I just want to chill without the matchmaking."
"Oh, come on," Tori teased. "I bet you'll spot someone on that beach and just melt."
I could already feel my patience slipping. With a sigh, I shoved my earbuds back in, cranking up Billie Eilish to drown out their giggles and theories about beach romances. Somewhere between verses, I must've drifted off, the hum of the plane and Billie's voice lulling me to sleep.
When I opened my eyes again, everyone else was asleep too. Jessica, Jade, and Tori had finally quieted down, their heads leaning back in their seats. Just ahead, I spotted Kenna leaning into Jace, her head resting peacefully on his shoulder as he slumped against her, also fast asleep. Through the window, I caught my first glimpse of Malibu. Finally, we were here.