Chapter Text
María José "M.J" Sevilla was a California (now Mexican) dreamer. She was born into a strict catholic family who wanted to shield her from the cruel realities of the world by focusing on religion. She had no idea what true love felt like or how it could look. Despite being raised in a conservative environment, MJ was always curious about the world and open to new experiences. Unfortunately, this curiosity led her down a path of heartbreak when she fell for Sebas, who turned out to be a dishonest and dreadful boyfriend. She was inexperienced, which made her an easy target for Sebas. It's why she fell so easily for his lies and false promises. MJ wasn't naive or dumb. She was just taught that everyone deserves a second chance. She saw the good in everyone, even for the antichrist himself. But that was months ago.
Despite the deep hurt and betrayal, MJ refused to give up on love. She knew that there were still good people out there who would love and cherish her for who she was. MJ was back to her old self—her old sunshine, optimistic, and upbeat self with a hint of self-confidence and assertiveness. She continued wearing her wacky hairstyles and experimented with her fashion style. But it wasn't just her appearance that changed - MJ also discovered a lot about her own identity during this time. For one, She was utterly in love with her lover, Dixon Alvarez. The person who always right in front of her. But there was something else that MJ discovered about herself that was even more surprising - she was bisexual. It was a lot to take in, but with the acceptance of all her friends, MJ was comfortable with her sexuality.
It was late May. Summer was whispering promises of love, replacing the woes of winter with blankets of hope. The Elite Way School, or as it's more known, the "EWS," has consistently offered a summer program for returning students. The summer program at EWS was a perfect opportunity for students to continue learning music in a safe and nurturing environment. The program was off campus but in the countryside outside of Mexico City. From intensive study sessions to thrilling outdoor activities to swimming in lakes, this program had it all. The best part? Students could choose to attend the program instead of going home, making it the perfect option for those who wanted to spend their summer with friends and those who did not want to return home to shitty families. Year after year, returning students eagerly packed their bags, face timed their parents goodbye, and awaited the buses to take them to the campsite. It was a time filled with excitement and anticipation as they looked forward to the adventures and memories they would create during their stay. With a reputation for being one of the most engaging and enriching summer programs, EWS always delivered an unforgettable experience to its students.
MJ neatly folded her denim jean shorts and packed them in her grey suitcase adorned with stickers and drawings before closing it. She struggled but managed to zip it up. She was incredibly thrilled and couldn't contain her excitement, skipping happily to her closet to make sure she didn't forget anything.
Jana had already finished packing and went over to Esteban's, which left MJ and Andi alone in their shared dorm room. The dirty blonde had been spending most of her time with Esteban, which made them believe they were back together.
Andi and MJ's friendship has blossomed into something remarkable since they first met at art/music school. They have weathered countless storms together, emerging even stronger and more devoted to one another each year. Their bond is unbreakable, a true testament to the power of true friendship.
So, when MJ's suitcase suddenly popped open, Andi couldn't help but chuckle at her friend's over-packing tendencies. "I think you've packed enough," Andi teased, giving MJ a playful nudge.
MJ frowned. "Maybe I'll leave some stuff behind," she said, a hint of uncertainty in her voice. The brunette took a quick peek at Andi's open suitcase.
"You haven't packed enough."
Just as Andi opened her mouth to respond, her phone began to ring, the ringtone being "I bet you think about me," by Taylor Swift.
Andi pulled her phone out of her jean pocket before rolling her eyes, shoving the rectangle back into her pocket.
MJ asked quietly, "Is it your mom?" Andi's mom had been calling repeatedly over the last few days, presumably to say goodbye to her daughter, but Andi refused to take the calls. MJ was aware that Andi and her mom had a strained relationship. Andi had even admitted that their mother-daughter bond was fading away.
"Cassandra," The brown-haired girl corrected bluntly. Andi couldn't remember the last time she called Cassandra "mom." Ever since Cassandra married that asshole named Armando, Andi couldn't recognize her mother. It was as if she chose her husband over her daughter, and it stung. She missed the days when it was just her and her mom against the world.
"Are you sure you got her to sign your permission slip?"
Andi paused for a moment, a mischievous glint in her eyes.
"I may have forged her signature," she admitted. Despite her confession, Andi's demeanor remained nonchalant and light-hearted, as if the act of copying someone's signature was nothing more than a harmless prank.
MJ widened her eyes, making a 'are-you-insane-face,' before realizing she should've seen this coming. I mean, this was classic Andi.
"Try not to get caught." MJ chuckled, shaking her head.
Suddenly a loud ding echoed throughout the dorm room. Once again, it came from Andi's phone. Only this time, It caught Andi's attention. She quickly opened the notification before sadly smiling to herself.
MJ recognized that expression from miles away—the same look Andi gave Emilia as she watched her perform 'Baby One More Time' alongside Sebas or when the two girls had to hide their situationship.
It wasn't any secret that Andi and Emilia weren't hanging out much as they used to. Things were sticky since the whole fiasco between Gus and plagiarizing song lyrics resulted in Emilia getting expelled. Although Celina would later unexpel Emilia, giving her a job as the assistant's assistant.
"It would help if you actually talked to Emilia about your feelings,"
"Maybe I should send her a cake with 'Sorry I ruined your life' written in frosting. And while I'm at it, I'll throw in a little note that says, 'Hey, wanna give us another shot?' Because nothing says romance like getting someone expelled." Andi rolled her eyes as she spoke.
Andi was no stranger to the art of dating and breaking up with girls, but when Emilia came into her life, everything changed. Unlike any other relationship before, being with her felt like a breath of fresh air. Her infectious personality, luscious honey-melon hair, and the sweet aroma of freedom, cherries, and laughter made her stand out from the rest. Andi couldn't help but cherish the sound of Emilia's soft laughter, which echoed through their minds every morning and night like a sweet symphony. It was as if they were two puzzle pieces that fit together perfectly.
MJ nervously chuckled and adjusted the ribbings holding her low pigtails in place. "Emilia loves cherry vanilla," she said in an attempt to lift the mood. However, her small talk fell flat as Andi's unmistakable sadness was evident in her eyes. Since Emilia suggested waiting to get back together to avoid another breakup, Andi had been acting this way. It was clear that the situation was taking a toll on her.
MJ wanted to do more to help, but she didn't want to push too hard and make things worse, so instead, she gave the brunette a genuine smile.
"Andi, let's try to be positive about this summer. I have a feeling it's going to be great!" Mj says cheerfully as she links her arm with Andi's.
"But I have to spend the whole summer in the same place with Emilia," Andi responds negatively.
Andi's heart was pounding with uncertainty as the thought of meeting Emilia flooded their mind. They were hesitant, unsure of the outcome, but deep down, they knew they couldn't let this opportunity slip away. Emilia was about to graduate from EWS, and this was her final summer at Elite Way's Summer Program, and this might be their last chance to make things right before it's too late. The weight of their past disagreements and misunderstandings felt heavy on Andi's chest, and they knew they couldn't let these issues go unresolved any longer. The thought of being unable to talk to Emilia and say the things they needed to say filled Andi with a sense of regret and sadness.
"I understand that it may be awkward at first, but it could also be a chance for you two to reconcile. Besides, I hate seeing you so unhappy all the time."
Andi was overwhelmed with a sea of emotions as she stared at MJ. Maria Jose Sevilla possessed a rare ability to perceive beyond her "tough cookie," mask, and it made her feel vulnerable to acknowledge how deeply MJ comprehended her.
"You just want to makeout with Dixon without me interrupting," Andi broke the ice.
With a soft blush tinting her warm brown cheeks, MJ released a dramatic gasp that echoed through the room.
"Shut up! Here am I trying to help you."
"And I appreciate it. But don't worry about me." Andi assured, as she unlinked their arms and walked over to her cabinet. She grabbed a bunch of her clothes and quickly stuffed them into her suitcase.
"We should get going," Andi zipped up her suitcase, clasping the handle.
MJ nodded, closing, grabbing her suitcase, and following the brunette out the door.
Just as the two friends walked out the door, they were met with the rest of their friend group, Dixon, Esteban, Jana, Luka, and Okane.
"What was taking so long? We were around to come and get you two," Jana spoke, holding hands with Esteban.
MJ and Andi both glanced at their hand-holding before sharing a quick look.
"MJ's suitcase wouldn't close," Andi told the group with an amused grin.
Dixon chuckled, smiling at his girlfriend.
"Let me help you with that." He took MJ's suitcase alongside his.
"Thank you." MJ expressed her gratitude, thanking Dixon with a kiss on the cheek.
Luka rolled his eyes at the sappy-in-love couple in front of him.
"God, take me now." He spoke dramatically.
"Yeah to hell." Andi mumbled under her breath, causing Okane to laugh.
Andi used to consider Luka and Okane as friends. However, due to their involvement in her overdosing, their drug dealing scheme, and their failure to apologize, Andi has become hostile towards them. Although she doesn't intend to harm them, she no longer considers them as her friends. To maintain peace within the friend group, Andi hasn't spoken out about her feelings, but she also doesn't spend time with them outside of the group.
"You would think Luka having a boyfriend would make him less bitter." Esteban commented, shaking his head.
"Nope. He's still very bitter." Okane confirmed.
Oscar Cabarga, more known as 'Okane,' was seconds away from wearing an ill-colored orange jumpsuit and being thrown into jail. Marcelo Colucci thought blaming Okane for the death of Gus was the correct way, but his two sons threatened to expose his corrupt businessman ways if it didn't remove the charges. It's scary how convincing Luka and Esteban are when they actually get along and act like brothers.
"Remind me again why I'm dating you?" Luka glared at his boyfriend.
"And they're at it again. Let's go and leave them behind." Jana suggested, earning a laugh from Dixon and Andi.
The group left quickly, leaving the two boys behind. Outside, several buses were waiting, with students loading their suitcases into the trunks. Soon, the friend group went their separate ways.
"Will you do me the honor and sit with me?" Dixon asked MJ.
With a smile, MJ pretended to do a terrible curtsey and said, "I would be honored." The couple had been watching Bridgerton and would sometimes imitate the British accent and actions from the show.
"Sure thing, I'll handle our suitcases," he pointed toward the bus's trunk, walking off.
"You two are grossly adorable," Andi scrunched her nose, her suitcase no longer in her hand.
MJ caught the sight of Emilia talking alongside Laura and Ilse. Since the breakup of Endi, Laura, and Ilse became everyone's favorite sapphic couple at the institute. How couldn't they be? The two girls ditched Esteban and began dating each other, a power move, really.
"You could be grossly adorable with Emilia. Just go and talk to her." MJ proposed in a singy-song voice.
"I was going to say-" The brunette's sentence was interrupted by MJ's abrupt wave to Emilia.
In a hushed and urgent tone, she spoke out, "What are you doing?"
"Emilia!" MJ happily called out, motioning her to come over.
"Giving you a push, you obviously need it," she whispered back.
Emilia looked confused and tilted her head. She lifted her pink squared sunglasses and said goodbye to the girls she was chatting with before walking over.
"Jesus Christ, you are so dead!" Andi gritted through her teeth, threatening the curly-haired girl before attempting to maintain her composure as she confronted her former girlfriend.
"Hi," Emilia greeted. She donned a stunning pomegranate-colored two-piece set. The mini-skirt hugged her curves while the fuzzy-fluffy crop top added a touch of whimsical charm. Andi couldn't help but feel captivated by Emilia's radiance, as if she had been gifted with a gentle kiss from the sun itself. She was love-struck.
MJ observed Andi's gaze fixed on Emilia. She couldn't help but suppress a smile. However, she delicately nudged Andi to refocus her attention on the current moment.
"Huh?" Andi accidentally blurted out loud.
With a heavy heart, MJ let out a deep sigh of disappointment upon witnessing Andi Agosti's unusual behavior. Despite typically exuding confidence, Andi seemed to be acting out of character, leaving MJ concerned and uncertain on how to help.
"Andi wanted to know if she could sit with you." MJ took the lead. Andi glanced at her before glancing back at Emilia skittishly.
"It's a long bus ride. You don't have to. Unless you really want to. Actually, don't even worry about it. I'm sure you already have someone to sit with." The long-haired girl rambled, speaking with her hands.
With a gentle smile, Emilia nodded. "I would love too."
As Emilia agreed, Andi's entire body flooded with relief and joy. The weight of her emotional burden lifted, and Andi felt like she could finally breathe again, knowing everything would be alright. The warmth of Emilia's smile added another layer of comfort.
With a smile on her face, MJ carefully took a few steps backward hoping to leave without the two girls noticing. However, her attempts were ineffective as she inadvertently bumped into someone, causing her to stumble. Despite the sudden impact, MJ managed to maintain her balance and avoid falling to the ground.
"Watch where you're going, asshole." MJ could recognize that whiny voice from miles away. Out of all people, the brunette had bumped into Sebastian Langarica.
MJ rolled her eyes at the guy in front of her, who was dramatically dusting off his shoulders. The ex-couple hadn't talked after the uneasy events where MJ confessed that she might've been pregnant with his kid. Sebas cowardly denied any form of responsibility, leaving MJ to deal with the situation alone. The hurt and anger she felt towards him were still very much present, and she couldn't help but wonder how he could be so heartless.
"Whatever you say Mr. Mamalon." MJ snickered, calling him by the nickname he so much despised before walking off to find Dixon.
She swore she heard Sebas call her an overused catholic nickname, but it was obvious that he was more bothered than she was.
With great ease, MJ was able to spot her Dixon due to their unique and standout hair, resembling that of a skunk's. Filled with joy, she called out to them, "There you are!"
"Sorry EmJay, If you want to sit with someone in particular you have to write both names down and the seats you want. I got us seats in the middle of the bus which are the best." Dixon smiled proudly to himself.
MJ felt a sense of warmth spread throughout her entire being as she gazed back at Dixon with a contented smile. She was genuinely in awe of his thoughtfulness and meticulous attention to detail. During one of their earlier conversations, MJ had casually mentioned how much she adored lilacs and sunflowers, and to her surprise, Dixon had remembered it all. To celebrate their two-month anniversary, Dixon had surprised her with a beautiful bouquet of both flowers, then gifted her couple's matching jewelry he had astutely picked out. MJ felt a sense of pride as she adorned the delicate bracelet Dixon had given her, while he proudly wore the matching necklace.
"Let's get going then," With utmost care, MJ gently grasped his hand and guided him toward the bus entrance.
As the students made their way onto the yellow bus, the atmosphere was filled with increasing noise. Conversations were being held at high decibels, mouths were chewing gum loudly, and drumsticks were rhythmically tapping against the vehicle's roof.
Dixon was on the bus, searching for their seats while MJ followed closely behind. As MJ passed by, she caught a glimpse of Andi and Emilia having a lively conversation, with Emilia laughing heartily.
"Everything must be going good," MJ thought to herself as she sat next to Dixon.
"Look like they have made up," Dixon glanced at Andi and Emilia.
"I hope so. If it weren't for me, they wouldn't have sat together."
"Playing matcher maker, huh? Well, I want in on it too."
"Oh my gods, let's help them get back together." MJ whispered just loud enough for him to hear.
During their conversation, MJ realized she had forgotten to bring her phone and headphones and that her electronics were stuck in her suitcase.
Dixon handed her the left earbud of his wired earphones, as if he knew what she wanted.
"Thank you," She took the item and put it on with a smile, then suddenly heard the sweet melody of "Endlessly" by Omar Apollo.
Dixon found comfort in resting his head on MJ's shoulder as she gently leaned into him. An air of contentment surrounded the couple, and a smile graced MJ's lips as she savored the moment.
The promise of summer always brings a sense of excitement and anticipation. There's something about the warm sun on your skin and the sweet smell of blooming flowers that makes everything feel new and vibrant. Drowning in salty lakes and drinking pink lemonade is something every human should get to experience. MJ promised herself to taste every moment of the season truly. From spending time with her beloved friends to creating beautiful music, there is so much to look forward to. And there's nothing quite like watching the sunrise and sunset as the sky transforms into a breathtaking canvas of pinks, oranges, and purples. This summer will be nothing short of amazing, and MJ couldn't wait to revel in all the beauty and wonder it has to offer.