Love in a College Town

April 29
Okay, so today, Mom and Dad told my sister, Spencer and I, that we are going on vacation, they haven’t told us why or where, they just said, pack your bathing suit and warm clothes. We are leaving next week and hey, maybe I’ll find a nice boy there.... you never know. I’m going to miss my cousin Nick though.

It is monday night and me and Spencer were packing our suitcases. I have SO MUCH homework. Well that’s one of the cons for going on vacation for two weeks! Mom and Dad still haven’t told us where we are going, the suspense is kind of fun but Spence is dying! Jess is mad that I’m not taking her. This IS the first time we haven’t gone on vacation together but mom and dad said family only... she is practically in our family! Whatever. Our flight is at 3:30 am tomorrow morning! I better get to sleep. So I lay down on my bed and dream of the perfect boy on the perfect date.


BEEEEEP, is what I woke up too.
Then mom yelling, “ Girls get up! It’s time to go!”
Before I knew it we were on the plane getting served pretzels and apple juice... not the best thing in the morning. My eyes are still almost shut so I didn’t see where we are going to. I’m just ready to fall asleep in these VERY uncomfortable airplane seats, but of course I can’t with jumpy pants right next to me... I can’t really blame Spence. 1) She’s only seven. 2) I’m really excited to just tan on the beach and meet cute boys.

When we got off the airplane it was just getting light out. It was nice about 50 degrees, that was nice compared to L.A. with 85 and humid at 5:30am. When I walk into the airport there was a big sign that said WELCOME TO SOUTH CAROLINA. I’ve never been to South Carolina, but when Megan Johnson went she came back really tan. When we got to our hotel it had Starbucks in it.... jackpot! Then we went to IHop across the street and got breakfast. We didn’t have to wait in line because of Dad traveling so much he has like a fast pass thing. We finished eating and went back to the hotel, which was on the ocean... So I put on my bathing suit, grabbed a beach bag with water, snacks, baby oil, my journal and my phone, and headed to the beach.

May 5

This is paradise. Simply paradise... Just laying at the beach, tanning and drinking virgin Pina Coladas. OMG and the boys here are so hot. Sun tanned with abs... There is this one really cute boy, he’s a lifeguard and he looks my age.... I might have to pretend to drown..... I think I wanna learn how to surf. I’m going to go try that...... Peace

When I went up to the surf hut, they only had lessons for 2:00 pm. Guess I have more time to scope out some boys! When I was coming back to my chair there were people parasailing, I wasn’t watching where I was going so all of a sudden I ran into someone and dropped my sunglasses.

“Oh, I’m so sorry!” I said. Then looked up, and of course with my luck it was the cute lifeguard.

“Hey, it’s alright! I’m Luke,” He said while picking up my sunglasses.
“Thanks, do you know when surfing lessons are?” I asked, already knowing the answer.
“You wanna learn to surf? I can teach you, for free!” He exclaimed.
“Oh, I already signed up, they just didn’t tell me the time....” I said.
“Well, I’m one of the instructors” Pointing at his swim trunks. “I will just tell Jake, the guy working to take you off the signup sheet, let’s go.”

After we went to the hut, we got boards and waxed them down then he took me out to the ocean. He was perfect. Sun-tanned, nice body, cute face, straight white teeth, kinda had the Cali look to him. Most guys in L.A. are jerks.... but he seems pretty nice.
“Let’s hit some waves mystery girl,” he said, knocking me out of my thoughts.
“My name is Maci, Maci Lochte,” I stutter.
“Nice name,” he said as we swam out together.
“This is going to be perfect,” I thought to myself.

After surfing, which I did really good at surprisingly, Luke asked me to get something to eat. He took me to this hawaiian themed place and we ordered.
Then he asked, “So, where are you from?”
“Los Angeles. What about you?” I said.
“A couple miles down the road, maybe I could show you sometime, I live with my mom and my brother Ben. Do you have any siblings?”
“Yeah, a little sister, Spencer. It’s kind of a good thing being the older one,” I confessed.
“I totally agree. I’m 16 and Ben’s ten,” he said.
“Me too, and Spencer’s seven.” After that we just kept talking then he walked me back to the hotel. It was kind of sweet. The best part was just before he left.
May 6
OMG. Last night He kissed me. On the cheek of course... but still. We made plans for later today, he’s going to take me on a picnic. I could totally get used to this.. Mom and Dad have to go do business today so I gotta watch Spence. I told Luke (that’s his name) and he said he will bring Ben, his little brother. In a way we are really alike. And I really like it. We really connect too. Yay?
Luke and Ben came to the hotel to get us. Ben’s a cutie, but obviously Luke’s hotter. They took us to the beach in front of their house, the house looked really nice from the outside. Then my phone buzzed. Then again, then again. I guess I haven’t got much signal and their house had a lot! So, I unlocked my phone and looked at my texts.
I should probably call Jess back... But, I gotta get back to Luke.The picnic was nice. After we ate, we went swimming and while Ben and Spencer were playing, Luke took me away from them and he pulled me underwater. I love swimming, but to make it better, it was with Luke. We were holding hands underwater, then he kissed me.... ON THE LIPS. I’m freaking out inside but on the outside, I kissed him back. We came up for air and then smiled at each other.
We hung out the rest of my trip, all day and when he taught lessons I would just sit there and watch him. It sucks that I have to go back to stupid L.A. The last night I was over at his house having dinner. His mom is really nice. Her name is Connie, she’s a great cook! After dinner we went into the living room, (his house is fairly big) and we sat on the couch and watched The Last Song. I love how he had the movie. Liam Hemsworth is SO hot! We cuddled all through the movie and then he drove me back to my hotel. We stayed in the car a long time until we had to say good-bye. I almost felt like crying. I don’t want to leave him, or this place. It’s perfect. He turned to me and looked me in the eyes, then he kissed me. I don’t know for how long we kissed but when we finally pulled apart, he smiled. How can he be smiling when I’m so close to crying?
“I’m really going to miss you Mystery girl, you have my number, come back soon.”
I cannot believe he’s fine and I’m not. I don’t want him to know that I’m upset so I just say, “I’ll miss you too, a lot.”
He hands me a piece of paper and tells me to open it when I get up to my room. He gave me one last kiss, I get out of his truck. He waits there for a second then drives away...
I get back up to the room and open my note, it says:


I love you, mystery girl.
I can’t hold it in anymore. I just start crying. Mom came to comfort me. She put her arms around me and kissed my head. I feel so sad and usually Mom always makes it better, but this time.... It’s not helping. I just keep crying. When I finally stop, I change into my PJ’s and go to bed.
The next morning was a blur. No breakfast with Luke, just going to the airport and the plane ride home. Spencer tried to talk to me but I just ignored her. Then my mom tells me something that got me worried.
“Honey, last night.... Nick broke his leg. He was in the bar and got into a bar fight.”
“When did this happen?” I asked worried.
“Last night, he called right before you came back to the room.”
“Why didn’t you tell me!” I yell.
“You were already sad, I didn’t want to make you worried too.”
“Well now, I’m both, and I’m mad.”
The rest of the day was bad. Usually Nick makes me happier, but when I went to his house, he slept most of the time. I was thinking to myself, “We have the best conversations.” We really do, he always makes me feel better. Along with being my cousin, he’s my best friend and almost my brother. When he finally wakes up, he takes a cigarette out of the Marlboro Southern Cut pack and asks me, “Hey, What’s wrong kiddo?”
I just look at him. Finally, I said, “Have you ever had somebody you really like, just leave?”
“What’s this about?”
Then I told him, the whole story. He seemed shocked but when he said what he said it made me feel better, it always does.
He said, “Well, I have. And it sucks. He seems like a nice kid. Maybe, one week in the summer we could go down there and I could meet this nice guy. See if he’s right for my little sis. Stay strong Mace.”
I just smiled back. We said our goodbyes and I left. On my way home I got a text that made my heart do flips.
Luke: Hi, how was your plane ride. Miss you, eating at LOCO’S, thinking of you(:
Me: It was good. My head hurt a lot. Miss you too, I was talking to my cousin and he said that we could come and visit in the summer.
Luke: Well good, I gotta go do homework. School monday.): Love you.
Me: Love you too! <3
See, things like that make me happy.(LOCO’S is the hawaiian restaurant,)Good thing it was friday.
When I got home Jess was there, along with Spence, Mom and Dad. She had a serious look on her face, not the usual smiling Jess I like to see.
“Honey, we have to tell you something.” Mom says.
I look at Jess and Spencer. They both shrug their shoulders, that tells me they don’t know what’s happening either.
“Okay,” Dad starts. “The whole reason that we brought you guys to South Carolina is because we are looking for a house”
Before I can say anything Mom budges in. “Your father got offered a job, well a promotion, and when we were down there, the day you went out with Luke,”
“Who’s Luke?” Jess says, interrupting Mom.
“I’ll tell you later,” I say quietly.
Then Mom goes on, “On that day, we went to look at your father’s new job. He won’t have to travel and so he could spend more time with us.”
“Your mother and I found a house that we like, and it’s just down the road from Luke’s... The school is close by and the house is on the ocean. Now, I want you three to think about this... Would you maybe want to live there?”
Me, couldn’t believe what I was hearing... was a little confused so asked, “Three?”
“Yes, three. We would like you to come with us, Jess. We have talked to your parents, and after a lot of negotiating. They said yes. They will pay for your schooling and send money to you, but, both of you girls need to work. Is it a deal?”
Me and Jess looked at each other, excited, and both at the same time say, “DEAL!”

Jess slept over that night, talking about Luke, doing homework as usual. Mom and Dad also said that we would be leaving Wednesday. So, the next morning was Saturday, and we spent the whole day packing. I was really sad to be moving away from Nick. I don’t know how he’s going to handle it, but I should probably tell him.. Me and Jess drive to his house. When I walk in, it’s dark then I hear Nick upstairs yelling. I run up the stairs to find Nick yelling to someone on the phone with a bottle of Makers Mark in the other hand. He’s obviously very wasted. I grab Nick’s phone out of his hand and hang up. That’s when he realizes that we’re there.
“What the hell are you doing!” he screams.
“Nick, it’s me, Maci. You need to calm down.” I’ve done this before. Many times. Nick’s a constant alcoholic and I’m pretty much the only person that can calm him down.
I tell Nick about us moving, and he starts crying. I feel sad. I start crying too. Nick is like my brother. When he said, “You’re the only thing I have left.”
It broke my heart. I just stayed there crying with him. I hugged him and just sat there waiting for him to fall asleep so he wouldn’t drink anymore. When he finally did, I took the whiskey bottle from the end table and put it in the cabinet. Then me and Jess leave, she’s also been there with me dealing with Nick. She’s used to it.
Before we know it, it’s already Wednesday. Nick is over at my house putting our stuff in the moving truck. Me and Jess are flying and Mom, Dad, and Spencer are driving. We go to the airport and get on the plane. It’s a nice ride, compared to the ride coming back last time... After four hours in the air, we finally land and when I walk out of the airport doors, I see the bright, smiling boy that I adore.
“Hi, I missed you,” he smiled, kissing me on the cheek.
“I missed you too!” I said. “Oh, this is Jess.”
“Hi..” Jess says.
“Hey, I’m Luke, I’ve heard a lot about you!”
“Yeah, same,” she laughed.
“Well, I am suppose to take you to your new house.”
“Wait, how do you know?” I asked.
“Your Mom called me. She asked me if I could pick you guys up.”
After that, we got into his truck and drove about a half hour and then pulled up at this huge, beautiful, house. Wait no, mansion...
“Luke, are you sure this is the right place.?” I said.
“Yeah, it was just built. Your Mom told me this is it, and hey, my house is right down the road.” He smiles.
“I know!” I smile back.
We walked in and the place is magnificent. Like seriously, the kitchen has all granite countertops, huge fridge.. just amazing. Then I went up the stairs to the bedrooms. There was a smaller one, which was huge compared to our old rooms. That room is probably Spencer’s. I walked down the hallway to another room and it was beautiful. I walked in and I looked round. Ocean view, nice bathroom, walk in closet, a walk out balcony... Wow. This is definitely my room. I come out and look around. I found a study, library, office, tennis court, sand volleyball court, indoor pool and hot tub, and a six car garage. How can they pay for this? Oh and a boathouse, with three jet skis, and a speed boat. That night Luke stayed for a while. He helped me unpack when Mom, Dad and Spence got there. It was 12:04am and I told him to leave because he had school so I walked him out.
Outside of the mansion we stood. Looking at the ocean. Listening. Then Luke asks, “So... will you be my girlfriend?”
Astonished, I say, “I’d love to be...”
Then he started to say something, but I kissed him instead. I couldn’t help it. I was so happy. When we pulled apart he smiled at me, I smiled back.
“So what I was saying... Our school... It has this thing... A dance...” he finishes.
“Prom?”
“Um, yeah. How’d you know? Going to an all girls school...”
“It’s not like we’re in prison, we have it too.” I laugh.
“Well, I was wondering if you wanted to go with me. “
“I would love too. Good night Luke.” He kissed me on the forehead and left.
Once I get back in the house, wait mansion, and I think of Nick. I call him. No answer. Hmm, he’s probably at the bar. I put on some shorts and lay in my king-sized bed, thinking of life, I thought about writing Nick a letter but I’m too tired so I drift to sleep.
The next day we just unpack all day. Me and Jess took breaks, going swimming or walking to the ice cream stand down the road. That night I write Nick a letter.
Once I finish it, I brought it to the post office the next morning and there they send it. Me and Luke made special plans for tomorrow, a beach date/ picnic kind of thing. I’m really excited. I tell Jess and of course, Jess being Jess she says, “Lets go shopping!”
I ask Luke where the closest mall is and he gives me directions. When we get there, it’s a small mall compared to L.A. I walk in and see all of my favorite stores. Hollister, Abercrombie and Fitch, Victoria’s Secret, Starbucks. This is awesome. We go into Hollister and look at the clothes. I find a bright pink crop top, flip-flops, a belt, and two pairs of shorts. We go into Victoria’s Secret and Jess picks up a pair of underwear.
“OOOO, get these for Luke!”
“Why would he want to wear those” I joke.
“It’s for you to wear for him, duh.”
“Well, that stuffs not happening, we are taking it slow. I like it.”
I end up coming out of there with a new phone case, yoga pants and new bathing suit bottoms. We leave the mall and get back to the mansion. It was really late so I just went to bed, but before I went to sleep I picked up my journal.
May 12(:
Today is Luke’s birthday, of course it’s only like 12:30 am, but still. I’m so excited for our date. I am a little worried about Nick though. I’ll call him tomorrow. I sent him a letter and told him to write back. It’s a persuasive letter telling him to stop drinking. I don’t know how he’s going to feel about it.
The next morning me, Jess and Luke go out to breakfast/brunch. I only wanted it to be Luke and I but Luke insisted. I don’t really stress over it though. When we finished, I called Nick. He answered.
“Hello?”
“Hi, did I wake you up?”

“Yeah,” he says sleepily.

“Sorry, I just wanted to see how you were holding up.”
“I’ve been good. I got my cast off yesterday.”
“Well hey, stay strong. I miss you. I actually have to go. Oh, I sent you a letter. Make sure to read it as soon as possible!”
“Will do! Miss you too Mace. It’s....” His voice trailed off. “Harder without you here.”
“I’ll come and visit when school’s out. Love you bud.”
“Love you too,” and he hangs up.
It’s six o’clock and I’m ready for Luke to come pick me up. He said we are going to this private beach. He packed dinner, but I’m starving for food now. When he comes and picks me up, he looks so good. He’s wearing khakis with a blue shirt. His hair messily gelled but it looks oh so nice. His straight white teeth shining like always. He’s actually looks excited.
“Ready babe?” he says.
“Yes!” I smile.
When we get to the beach, after about a 15 minute drive down twisting roads, we jump out of his new black, 2013 Chevy Silverado that he got for his birthday. We walked along the beach finding a good place to sit. When we finally found it, he sets a blanket down and puts the basket down. We run around for a bit and play frisbee. Then he runs up to me and picks me up and twirls me. Like in a movie. The Notebook? He sets me down and starts kissing me. My stomach growls but I ignore it. We sit down and eat. Then, I get a phone call, that knocks the wind out of me.
“Hello Ma’am, is this Maci Lochte?”
“Yes.”
“I’m afraid your cousin, Nicholas, was in an accident.”
“What!?” I stutter.
“He was drunk and flipped his truck many times. He’s very hurt. Unconscious.”
“Well, is he going to be okay?” I ask.
“We are not sure yet. He was taken to the hospital and we haven’t heard anything. Sorry,” The police officer said.
I hang up and start balling.
“Maci, what’s the matter.”
“Nick.... he’s... he’s been in an accident,” I sobbed.
“He will be fine,” Luke said as he put his arms around me and held me tight.

I can’t believe it. My best friend, brother, cousin... Is dead.
“Are you all packed?” Luke asked, throwing my bag in the back of his truck.
“Yeah,” I said faintly.
“Alright, better get going, don’t want to miss your flight.” We hopped in his truck and went to the airport. I was not prepared for what is going to happen at the funeral. I want to be strong, but I don’t think I have it in me.
I got off the plane and Gabi, Nick’s girlfriend came and picked me up. I haven’t really talked to her, but Nick talked a lot about her. When I saw her, she looked torn; almost like me. She ran up to me and hugged me. I don’t know her that well, but it felt good. We were similar. Both hurt, scared. Her eyes had bags under them, like me, from not sleeping and crying so much. We were really the only things that were close to Nick. I don’t want to talk about him and I can tell she doesn’t either. I get my bag and head to her car.
Once we got to her house. I fixed up and we went to the funeral. There was a lot of people there. Most that I knew, they were hurt. Like me. The priest said a couple prayers then called me up to say a goodbye. I wasn’t ready for this. All the people saying, “Im so sorry” and seeing Nick in the casket. It was too much. I couldn’t handle it. I ran out of the funeral and Gabi followed me. She caught up and stopped me. She held me tight, almost like Luke does. We sit outside and talk. Calming me down. I don’t want to go back in there but somehow Gabi go me too and it was hard.
“Nick...” I started. “Was my best friend. He was the person I could go to with anything. We could just sit there and laugh, talk, and/or cry. I grew up with him. He was my big brother. It’s so hard losing someone you love... so much. A part of me is missing, and now, I honestly don’t know what to do from here on out. I’m broken inside.” I trail off. I turn to the casket. “I love you Nick.” I say. It was hard to turn back to the audience, but I did. “He helped me throughout my life. When I was little he would always put the bandages on my cuts, now, he helped me with boys. He made me who I am today... Spending everyday together. He was such a good person, always laughing telling jokes. I love you Nick, I’ll miss you bud.”
I spend a few more days in L.A with Gabi. She’s a fun girl, I could see why Nick liked her so much.
When I got back to South Carolina, Luke was waiting. His smile, makes everything better.
That night I couldn’t find Jess, I looked around the whole mansion. I went out to the boathouse and heard whispering. It was Jess.
“Please, just kiss me.” she whispered.
“No, I love her. How could you do that to your best friend?”
“We did it the other day, when she wasn’t here.” Jess said.
Then I heard crashing noises coming from inside. I open the door to find Jess attacking, making out with who I trusted the most... Luke.
“What?” I said in disbelief.
I ran off, just down the road. I can't believe it, everyone who cared about is gone. My best friend, my brother, my boyfriend. I had to call somebody. And I knew exactly who. Gabi. I could hear Luke getting closer calling my name. I stop. He runs up to me and says, “Mace, I’m really sorry, she took advantage of me. Please forgive me.”
“Don’t call me that,” I said, thinking of Nick at his house, sitting on the couch together.
“Please. It wasn’t my fault.”
I don’t know why I did this... I just had to. I hugged him. Needing reassurance. I know I can get that from him. Me in his arms, crying. It was home.
I went back in the mansion, feeling a little better. Then I saw her. It was Jess. “I freaking hate her. She knew how much I liked Luke. Don’t forgive her Maci.” I thought. Then, she looks at me and says, “Hey. I’m leaving now so...”
“Okay... Good.” I said. “Why did you do it?”
She waited.
“Well, speak up! Goddamn...” I yell.
“Because! He’s too good for you! You don’t deserve him! I do! I’m perfect and you’re not! You’re so prude!”
“Sorry, I’m not a scuzz like you!” I yell. “I thought you were my friend...” I say quietly, almost whispering.
“I was... Good bye,” she says, walking out.
“Wait.” I paused, taking off the best friend bracelet she gave me in sixth grade. “You can have this.”
She just looked at me with sad eyes. I turned away from her and almost shed a tear, but then I thought of what she did and straightened up. When I looked back, I was alone. She left.
May 28
I called Gabi and she decided to come out here. We both needed it. Me and Luke went to pick her up at the airport and I ran out of the truck and hugged her. Like the hug at the funeral. I could tell, these are my people. They aren’t fake. Speaking of fake, Jess went back to L.A. Good.
When Gabi got here, I didn’t spend much time with Luke. I still love him... It’s just that I want to spend time with Gabi and I need it. I’m still mad at Luke and I’ll never get over it... But I don’t I have enough strength right now to give him up. But when Gabi went to go see other friends that she had here, a couple cities over I stayed with Luke. We went to the private beach where he first took me with Spencer and Ben. He backed up in the sand and set up the bed of his truck with blankets. It was a beautiful night. The stars were out and there was a nice breeze, making my hair blow. We layed there for a while, he kissed my head and held me tighter.
“Maci, I’m really sorry. I know your mad at me, and I can’t blame you. But, you haven’t really been talking to me and you know what that does to me.”
I just hugged him tighter. I could feel him grinning, knowing that I can’t stay mad at him.
The next day was raining out so Luke didn’t have to go to lessons, and Gabi wasn’t back yet so Luke and I stayed in the mansion, in the home theater, with a lot of blankets and pillows. Just snuggled up together, like the night before. We watched The Notebook and ate popcorn. Movie after movie, we laughed, I cried. I love these days, spending time with the boy that gave me a whole different view of myself. We fell asleep, cuddling. Cute.



~~~~4 months later~~~~
First day of school! I’m kind of nervous, but over the summer I met a lot of Luke's friends. They’re funny. My favorite one is Kyle. He’s really nice and makes jokes about everything. I can also tell him anything. That weekend G came (my nickname for Gabi) and Luke and I introduced Kyle and G. They seemed to be getting along, so on Saturday, since it was going to rain, we all went to the movies. They sat by each other they seemed to be pretty friendly.. One moment they’re just watching the movie the next moment, they’re holding hands! Yay! When the movie ended, they walked us to my house. Kyle was thirsty so G and him went inside. Me and Luke walked along the beach holding hands. It started raining and he picked me up and twirled me. He kissed me and set me down. I finally knew... This is where I belong. With him. My boyfriend, My bestfriend, my family... This is the new me.
October 1st
Hi, I haven’t been writing in a while... but I’ve been working and chilling with my new life. I love it. I finally know who I can trust. I love everybody that I can and I know 100% that I can trust them with my life. Luke amazing... Gabi’s my new bestfriend. She’s graduating this year the5n coming down here... I can’t wait.
Love, the NEW Maci Lochte.
When I woke up the next day, I had got a package. It was from Nick. Of course the date was the day that he got in the accident. When I opened it was a picture... Of me and him. The picture showed him and I when we were little. He’s holding me on Dad’s fourwheeler. It was a funny picture. Nick was wearing over sized boots and a pink shirt while I am wearing overalls and a hat. I look in the package to find a note.
Dear Mace,
Thank you so much for your concern, I really appreciate it. I need help and you know that, but I can’t help it. You help me with anything and calm me down when I get crazy. You are THE BEST. I so remember when you always made me be your doctor ha-ha! I scared all the bullies away for you too... Oh wait, you were the bully! I miss you. My girlfriend, Gabi, is the best. I’m sure you’ll like her! Well, I can’t wait to see the new house and so you can teach me to surf. Ain’t that the truth Roge? Love you!

Your best friend + cousin + brother,



D.D. Nick
Oh, P.S. Rolly Trolly and Fish, miss ya!
That got me a little emotional. But, I will always know that he will be, not just my brother, cousin, and best friend... but my angel.