Chapter 10
LAUREN'S HOUSE
Amber was right, she and Mia were about the same size. Eventually, Mia and Amber walked into the backyard in swimming suits and got into the pool. Imogen and Josh were already there. The four started talking, and Mia was soon friends with all three.
JOSH: How long are you here for?
MIA: My mom and I are leaving tomorrow. She's kinda showing me around all of Australia.
IMOGEN: That's really cool! If you go anywhere, make sure you stop by Ayers Rock.
MIA: What's that?
IMOGEN: It's this giant sandstone rock formation in the Outback. When the sun shines on it, especially at sunset, it is the most gorgeous thing ever!
MIA: I'll have to ask my mom to check it out.
AMBER: Do you know where you're going next?
MIA: Funnily enough, the Outback. A place called Alice Springs.
AMBER: That's awesome! Alice Springs is so cool!
IMOGEN: Just watch out for the mosquitos out there. They are vicious!
Josh had been doing dives into the pool for the last few minutes. Mia was watching.
MIA: You're really good at that.
JOSH: Thanks.
Josh jumped in again.
IMOGEN: Josh, stop showing off for the new girl.
JOSH: I'm not showing off, I'm having fun.
Josh splashed Imogen.
IMOGEN: Oh, that is it!
Imogen splashed Josh. Soon, there was a full on splash war. All four were laughing.
MIA: This is awesome!
The splash war ended after a while.
AMBER: That really was fun, but I'm gonna go in and dry off.
IMOGEN: Me too. You guys coming?
MIA: I'll be in in a few minutes.
JOSH: I'll be there in a bit.
Amber and Imogen got out of the pool, collected their towels, and went inside.
MIA: That was so much fun!
JOSH: Yeah, it was awesome!
MIA: So, if you don't mind me asking, are you and Imogen...?
JOSH: What?
MIA: You know, are you...?
JOSH: What d'you mean?
MIA: Are you guys a thing? Are you together?
JOSH; What? No, no, no! She's, uh...she's my sister. My twin sister.
MIA: Oh. I'm so sorry.
JOSH: Don't be. You never know 'til you ask.
MIA: What about you and Amber?
JOSH: We were together once. Not anymore, though.
MIA: That sucks.
JOSH: Nah, it's all good. We're better as friends. Besides, my sister and Amber are practically inseparable, so we got over any potential awkwardness really quickly.
MIA: That's good.
They spent a few minutes swimming around, but both kept looking at each other.
MIA: I wish I didn't have to leave tomorrow.
JOSH: Maybe you could come back. Ask your mum if you can come back at the end of the trip.
MIA: I think I will. There's some people here I want to get to know better.
The two got closer. They touched hands.
MIA: So, you're a swimmer?
JOSH: Competitively? I was. Messed up my shoulder a year or two ago, so I just do it for fun now.
The two looked into each other's eyes. Then, the door opened. It was Lauren.
LAUREN: All right, lads. Come on in. Dinner's almost ready.
JOSH: Be right there.
Mia watched as Josh got out.
JOSH; You comin'?
MIA: Yep.
Mia got out of the pool. Josh handed her a towel.