Goal:

"Last check! Everyone here and got everything?" Coach bellowed. I rubbed my eyes and nodded along with everyone else. It was 3am, the flights to Spain were at 6 and we were about to get onto the coach. I had decided that although it went against everything i've ever stood for I wanted to be comfortable, so, I wore some tight nude jogging bottoms with a crop top, hoodie and vans, my hair cascading down my back and my face bare of anything but moisturiser and primer. It was a key thing of mine; to keep my skin good on a flight. Once Coach was satisfied that everyone was ready, we all dragged our things to the coach. I was at the back of the line of people waiting to put their things on the coach when Theo came up to me.

"Give me your suitcase."

"What? Theo, no I can-"

"Isla you're literally trailing behind because you're struggling just shut up and go get on the coach." He ordered. It was the sternest I had ever seen him, and with his hair pointing in different directions like he had just woken up it was hard to take him seriously. His voice was deep and croaky with the lack of sleep and the tracksuit he wore looked creased like he had slept in it. However, I did as I was told and skipped the line to the coach, thanking Theo on the way. I climbed the stairs, almost falling at how steep they were and found a double seat in the middle of the coach. Not many of the boys were on yet, mainly third years, who were also on the tour. They were all rather anti-social, the third years. They always had been, even outside of the academy.

I got comfortable as people began to pile on; there was enough seats that only a few people had to share, which was perfect for me. The bus started as the last few people got on, including Elliot. Who strolled down the isle like he owned the coach. He didn't look any less handsome than normal, despite the lack of sleep he must have had. His hair was perfectly tousled, his tracksuit nice and ironed with no creases and his trainers perfectly white. Due to the volume of people that piled on there was a line waiting as people gathered their things and got into their seats and as the line slowed Elliot was forced to stop besides my chair. His hand rested atop it and I gulped as I tried not to stare at him. But I couldn't help myself. I was begging for him to look down at me, even if it was a brief, accidental glance. I just wanted to see recognition in his eyes at least. He had done everything in his power to avoid me and to not look at me. I missed him so much, but it seemed like he was getting on just fine without me.

A part of me was hoping there wouldn't be enough seats and we would have to share.

But there was. And I didn't see him again after he passed my chair.

/ / / /

The airport was a long process, our flight was delayed but after a few phone calls Coach managed to get us onto the next one. I guess that was a benefit of being from one of the most prestigious schools in the country. Everyone envied us and it was only when you stepped foot out of campus that you were forced to remember there are more normal, non-rich people in the world than we assume. When at our school, it is more than easy to forget that not everyone is bathing in money as that is all you're surrounded by.

I didn't talk to Elliot at all on our journey. I sat next to one of the third years and a stranger on the flight, both of whom were silent and fell asleep on the way – as did I. And everyone slept on the transfer from the airport to the hotel. Once we got there we were shown to our rooms and told to set an alarm for 12pm and to sleep until then.

Once I woke up I had the energy to appreciate the room I was in. As I was the only girl I had a room to myself, a quaint, small room with a double bed and pink walls. It was very homely, with Spanish decorations painted over the walls and a small en-suite attached with a shower. I woke up earlier than my alarm and had a shower. I dried my hair and unpacked my suitcase. We were here for a week, which made unpacking worth it. I checked the weather on my phone to see that it was 25 degrees, and when I opened my curtains I could almost feel the heat through the glass. The sun was shining, reflecting on the pool a few floors down, empty of residents with white sun loungers surrounding it.

I picked to wear a short-sleeved summer dress that showed a classy amount of cleavage and only came to mid-thy to ensure my pasty legs got a tan. The dress itself was beautiful, a burnt orange colour with small flower decorations of white, blue and purple. Along with a pair of tan, mid-heeled sandals due to not knowing how much walking we would be doing. I curled my hair into loose waves and did some simple, light make-up – aware that I would most likely sweat it off. Once I was done it was nearly twelve and so I grabbed my bag, packing a bottle of water, my purse, a bikini and a towel. I put my sunglasses on my head and headed for the pool – our meeting point. All our rooms were on the same corridor but only a few boys were milling around in the hall. They smiled at me as I passed them, and I returned the favour.

Once I got to the pool, I realised how beautiful the whole hotel was. It was tall, modern but traditional. It was a dusty yellow colour with hundreds of windows and doors. The staff greeted me as I passed, and I was grateful that I was taking Spanish as a subject as I was able to reply.

Most people were at the pool by the time I got there, including Elliot who looked gorgeous in blue ripped denim shorts, a white t-shirt, sunglasses and some all-white trainers. As I walked over to the group everyone turned to look at me, including Elliot.

"About time!" Theo exclaimed sarcastically and I rolled my eyes.

"Shut up there's people still upstairs!" I exclaimed. Theo just tutted and shook his head.

"Not good enough..."

"Do one." I muttered. I was feeling happier today, whether that was because I was abroad or because I had been near Elliot for a few hours I wasn't sure.

But as soon as Elliot was looking, he wasn't once more.

"Right I think everyone's here. So today, bearing in mind we only just got here, I'm going to give you the freedom to explore a little-" Coach began. After explaining to us where we were and were not allowed to go, he left us to it. I scuffed my foot on the floor awkwardly, not knowing what I was going to do.

"Hey Isla. We're going to the beach, want to come?" Theo called. I looked over to find Theo, Jack and Elliot in a line. Theo and Jack were looking expectantly at me, but Elliot kept his gaze at his feet. I looked between them all, not knowing what to do, but when my eyes landed on Elliot, I made my decision.

"Yeah, I think I will."

Just because he had given up it didn't mean I had to. He started this game, and I was going to end it.