After they returned to their towels, Sarina stood up with a mischievous grin.
"Okay, everyone," she said, "it's time for a beach challenge."
Jay raised her eyebrows. "A challenge?"
Sarina nodded, eyes sparkling. "Yes. We're going to play Beach Olympics."
Keifer looked at her, amused. "You're serious?"
Sarina nodded again, as if it was the most normal thing in the world.
"Very serious."
Mr. Watson sighed, but Jay could see the smile tugging at his lips.
"What are the rules?" he asked.
Sarina clapped her hands. "Simple. Everyone has to compete in three games. The winner gets… a surprise."
Jay looked at Keifer, a little nervous. "What if we lose?"
Sarina smiled. "Then you have to buy us ice cream."
Keifer's eyes widened. "Wait—what?"
Jay laughed. "That sounds like a deal."
Keifer sighed dramatically. "Fine."
Sarina announced the first game: Sandcastle Building.
They all split into teams. Jay and Keifer against Sarina and Mr. Watson.
Jay and Keifer worked together, laughing as they tried to build the most perfect castle.
Keifer's hands were strong and steady, but he couldn't stop teasing Jay the entire time.
"Your castle looks like it's going to collapse," he said, smirking.
Jay rolled her eyes. "It's not going to collapse."
Keifer raised his eyebrows. "Are you sure?"
Jay stuck her tongue out at him, but then she smiled.
They worked together, side by side, and the castle began to take shape.
Sarina and Mr. Watson's castle was impressive too, but it looked more… structured and perfect.
When the time ended, Sarina walked over and inspected both castles.
"This one is cute," she said, pointing at Jay and Keifer's castle. "But this one is… too perfect."
Mr. Watson nodded, trying to hide his amusement.
Keifer crossed his arms. "Hey. Perfect is good."
Jay laughed. "We're going to win."
Sarina grinned. "Not so fast."
The second game was Tug of War, and the beach erupted in laughter as they all pulled, stumbling in the sand.
Jay was surprised at how strong Mr. Watson was, but she was even more surprised at how fiercely he was cheering for them.
Keifer laughed, his voice loud and joyful.
Sarina pulled hard, and for a moment, everyone was laughing so hard they could barely hold on.
In the end, Jay and Keifer won, mostly because Keifer's grip was impossible to beat.
Sarina pretended to be upset, but her smile was wide.
The final game was Beach Sprint, and everyone ran toward the water, laughing like they were kids again.
Jay felt free.
She felt alive.
When they reached the water, they collapsed on the sand, breathing heavily and smiling.
Sarina held up a hand. "So, the winner is…."
Mr. Watson looked at Keifer, then at Jay, and said quietly, "They win."
Sarina nodded, and then she turned to Jay with a smile.
"The surprise is…" she paused dramatically. "Ice cream."
Jay laughed. "Of course it is."
Keifer looked at her, grinning. "I guess we lose."
Jay leaned into him. "No, we won."
Keifer smiled softly, and for a moment Jay saw the relief in his eyes.
He wasn't afraid anymore.
He was just… happy.
The Serious Talk
Later, as the sky darkened and the stars began to appear, Jay and Keifer walked a little away from the group.
They sat on a large rock near the water, watching the waves.
The mood was calm, but Jay could feel the seriousness in Keifer's silence.
He stared out at the sea for a moment, then finally spoke.
"Jay…" he began.
She turned to him, her heart tightening. "Yeah?"
Keifer looked at her, his eyes soft but intense.
"I need to be honest," he said quietly. "I've been thinking a lot about us… about everything."
Jay nodded. "Me too."
Keifer took a breath. "I'm scared. Not of losing you… but of the future."
Jay's heart sank a little. "What do you mean?"
Keifer looked at her, his expression sincere.
"I don't want to be the kind of man who only loves you when things are easy," he said. "I want to be the man who stays even when it's hard."
Jay felt her eyes fill with emotion.
Keifer continued, "I've never been in a family like this. I've never seen love like theirs… or felt it like that. And I'm not used to it."
Jay squeezed his hand gently. "You don't have to be used to it. You just have to want it."
Keifer's eyes shone.
"I want it," he whispered. "I want you. I want us."
Jay's voice was soft. "Then we'll build it together."
Keifer nodded, and for a moment he looked like he was holding back something.
Then he spoke again, his voice a little shaky.
"I'm worried that I'll hurt you," he admitted. "Or that I'll mess up and you'll… leave."
Jay shook her head gently. "Keifer, you're not going to mess up. And I'm not leaving."
Keifer swallowed hard. "How can you be so sure?"
Jay looked at him, her eyes shining.
"Because you're not just someone I love," she said. "You're my home. And home doesn't just disappear."
Keifer's expression softened, and he pulled her closer.
"Promise me something," he said.
Jay nodded. "Anything."
Keifer's voice dropped. "Promise me you'll always tell me when you're scared. Don't keep it inside."
Jay smiled, her heart full. "I promise."
Keifer's eyes held hers, and he whispered, "And I promise I'll try to be the man you deserve."
Jay leaned forward and kissed him gently, softly, like she was sealing a promise.
"I already think you are," she whispered.
They stayed there for a while, wrapped in each other's arms, watching the night sky.
And for the first time in a long time, Jay felt completely safe.
Not because she was protected.
But because she was loved.
The ride back to the mansion was quiet, filled with the soft sound of the car's engine and the occasional laughter from the beach memories.
Jay leaned her head on Keifer's shoulder, feeling content.
Keifer's hand was wrapped around hers, and the warmth between them felt like a promise.
When they arrived, the mansion looked calm and peaceful, but Jay could sense something in the air—like the house was waiting for something.
They stepped inside, still carrying the sand from the beach on their feet, and were greeted by the familiar quiet.
Sarina walked ahead, smiling softly.
"Let's go freshen up," she said, "and then we'll have dinner."
Jay nodded, and Keifer squeezed her hand.
They started to head upstairs when they heard voices from the living room.
Jay stopped, and Keifer froze.
The voices were familiar.
Keifer's brother—Kieran—and his cousin—Keigan—were talking, but their tone was… playful.
And a little dramatic.
Jay glanced at Keifer, who looked like he already knew what was coming.
They walked toward the living room, and there they were:
Kieran sat on the couch with a pouty expression, arms crossed like a child who didn't get candy.
Keigan stood beside him, also pouting, leaning against the armrest.
Both of them looked like they had been personally offended by the universe.
Sarina walked in behind Jay and Keifer, and her eyes widened slightly at the sight.
"Oh no," she whispered.
Mr. Watson, who was already in the room, looked up from his book and raised an eyebrow.
Keifer sighed, but he couldn't help the smile that tugged at his lips.
"Kieran," he said, trying to sound serious, "Keigan."
Kieran didn't look up. "You went to the beach without us."
Keigan nodded in agreement. "And you didn't even tell us."
Keifer raised his hands in surrender. "We did not."
Kieran looked up finally, his eyes dramatic. "That's not fair."
Keigan took a step forward. "We were supposed to be your beach buddies."
Jay couldn't help it—she burst into laughter.
Sarina's smile widened, and even Mr. Watson looked like he was fighting to keep a straight face.
Keifer walked toward them, trying to maintain his composure.
"We didn't plan it," he said, still smiling. "It was a family day."
Kieran stood up dramatically. "We're family too."
Keigan nodded. "Yeah. We're your brothers."
Keifer rolled his eyes playfully. "Brothers, yes. But you're also… annoying."
Kieran gasped. "Excuse me?"
Keigan crossed his arms. "You know we're sensitive."
Jay laughed again, watching the two of them sulk like little kids.
Sarina stepped forward, her voice calm but amused. "You two look like you've been rejected."
Kieran looked at her, offended. "We have been rejected."
Keigan nodded. "We were left out."
Mr. Watson finally spoke, his voice calm and dry. "You were not left out. You were simply not included."
Kieran frowned. "That's the same thing."
Keifer shook his head, smiling. "You guys are ridiculous."
Jay walked closer and placed a hand on Kieran's shoulder.
"Don't worry," she said gently, "you'll get your beach day too."
Kieran's expression softened slightly. "You mean it?"
Keigan's eyes brightened. "Yeah?"
Jay smiled. "Of course."
Keifer glanced at her, and Jay could see the gratitude in his eyes.
He pulled her into a quick hug and whispered, "Thank you."
Jay smiled back. "They're harmless."
Keifer chuckled. "Mostly."
Kieran cleared his throat. "So… when are we going to the beach?"
Keifer raised an eyebrow. "Are you asking nicely?"
Kieran nodded. "Yes."
Keigan leaned in. "Please."
Keifer sighed dramatically. "Fine. Next weekend."
Kieran and Keigan cheered like they'd won a championship.
Jay laughed, watching them run off to start planning.
Sarina shook her head, smiling.
"Looks like you've got your hands full," she said to Keifer.
Keifer shrugged. "They're my family."
Mr. Watson looked at Jay and smiled. "And you're part of it now."
Jay's heart swelled.
She looked at Keifer, and he looked back at her, his eyes warm.
And for the first time, Jay truly felt like she belonged.