Swim
Un. Pool Party
People make turning 18 look like so much of a big thing.
But I guess I get the hype.
José
Bitch it's your day, are you just gonna sit there and watch us have fun?
Charlotte
I can't swim, José.
José
Then why organize a pool party?
Mirabel
Come play in the shallow end!
José
There is no shallow end.
Mirabel
What sort of pool doesn't have a shallow end?
José and Mirabel, other than Evan, have been in my life since... Forever. We met in the 3rd grade, Classic Trio, except Mirabel assumes there's a duo. Though she doesn't seem to mind, even though there's not. I love them both equally.
It's been a couple of hours since this thing begun, and majority have already left. Now it's just 5 of us— Evan, Chase and the rest of us
I look up at the sky.
Everything so perfectly set in place. My chain of thought gets interrupted with my boyfriend coming in with more drinks.
Chase
"Anyone up for more?" He says leaving the house with a tray of cocktails
They all have one, leaving one more on the tray— mine
Chase
Babe, You're finally 18, you can actually drink, you know?
Mirabel
Mirabel climbs out the pool "Never really stopped any of us. She doesn't... Alcohol."
Charlotte
"I don't get how you guys like it, The aftertaste is not worth it" I defend myself, laying unnecessary emphasis on the 'not'
Chase
Babe, come on, it's your birthday.
José
Yeah, one drink never killed anybody
Chase
Charlotte, come on, for me?
Charlotte
Fine, only because I love y'all
Mirabel
Would you choose chase over us?
Charlotte
"Wow, guys." I say with faux hurt, dramatically putting my hand over my chest
José
What a delightful day to be single.
Chase
Don't be like that, José.
You're not entirely single.
We all laugh, and I finally down my drink— That, was the begging of disaster.
Evan
Jeez, Char, slow down
Mirabel
She is definitely drunk
Charlotte
Y'all overreact too much. I've barely had anything
José
Aren't your parents home?
Charlotte
"No, and I'm not drunk." Slurring my words, throwing another one of those cocktails down my throat
Chase snatches the glass when I try to take another as I stare at my empty palm in drunken despair.
José
Tsk tsk, look what you've done, Chase.
Chase
Me? This is a WE problem.
Mirabel
Excluding me, I'm out.
José
Yeah, it's getting late.
Evan
Such friends you guys are, I'll take her inside
Chase
In that case, I'm free to go. It's nearly 11 and I, unfortunately still have a curfew
Mirabel
I just realized you've been dating a minor
Chase
Aren't you 17 and dating Evan?
Mirabel
Well I'm not the pedophile, you both are.
Evan
Technically, you're turning 18 next week so...
José
I guess I'll escort my single ass out of here.
Chase
Chase chuckles behind her as they both make their way out front "Happy birthday Charlotte!"
Mirabel laughs, mixing with Chase and José's laughter from the gate as she gathers her things
"Of course" Mirabel grins as she pecks Evan
Mirabel
Bye babe, Happy birthday, Char
Mirabel laughs as she goes to hug me
Mirabel leaves, and Evan tries helping me get inside
Charlotte
"I know how to walk, Evan" I protest, pushing him away lightly
He leaves me alone, snickering at my lost ability to walk in a straight line. All fun and games until i slip
I throw my hands and feet all over the place. It's nice not knowing how to swim
He trIes grabbing me, but i only drift away. He can't really swim either.
He screams my sister's name, but no response. I don't quite remember, but something about adrenaline being an amazing thing, he threw himself in the pool.
I nearly drowned, and the life-threatening experience had long since knocked the alcohol out of me
He did manage to swim and drag my semi-unconscious body to the edge, but by the time he'd managed to pull us both out, It was fear, rather than relief that decorated his eyes
Evan
He taps my face "Charlotte?"
Evan
"Charlotte? Char, Open your eyes!"
He attempts CPR, pushing down on my chest, but i don't wake up
Evan
Charlotte, open your fucking eyes!
He repeatedly taps me, hoping to see my eyes light up underneath the dim pool lights
Eventually, he operates a mouth-to-mouth, in which finally results to my turning to cough and splutter the water dwelling in my lungs
Evan
He lets out a long exhale, relief finally washing over his dripping body "Thank God! Charlotte what the fuck?"
I continue to drag out the remnants of water in my body, trying to catch my breath. I turn back around, confused as to why he was staring at me so intensely.
I guess the alcohol never really left my body, or because of the adrenaline rush i just had from almost losing my life, maybe my own drunken way of gratitude, all I knew was that he was close. Too close...
Evan
"Charlotte?" He calls, noticing how I'm just blankly looking at his face from my position on the floor with him over me, and him keeping both his hands at either sides of my head
I lean closer, wrapping my own hands round his neck, adorning his lips with mine
He froze for a split second before kissing me back for what felt like forever
I don't quite remember what happened after, but I do know that, that was the start of all the problems in my seemingly perfect life.
Charlotte
Here's a little from the author— xoxo
Please tell me how to improve my works!
Evan
She's still an amateur
Charlotte
Please be polite 🫶🏼💗
Evan
Just tell us how in the comments
I'll take them to heart❤️ and work with your replies💕
Deux. What the fuck?
I wake up in my bed.
In my alone.
With no memory whatsoever from the argument on who was to babysit me
I knew I felt guilty, but i didn't know why.
I quickly pushed aside whatever other thing i was feeling, and got up to go about my daily routine
I called Evan— As I normally do every other day, along with José or Mirabel, but he ignored it.
I didn't think much of it though
Charlotte
💭Maybe he's hungover
I later spoke to Mirabel though all through my daily walk of going to my daily destination, in hopes of getting that hopefully free cake that Kasey promises me.
Charlotte
'Daily customer Bonus' I think to myself, snickering a bit. 'Well, an excuse in my favor'
Kasey
"There's my favourite customer!" She calls out, waving through the empty shop
Charlotte
"Hey Kasey" I respond In a calmer tone as i lean against the counter
Kasey
"You good?" She asks concerned, passing me my regular Latte
Charlotte
"No. I'm hungover as fuck, and my head hurts" I whine
Kasey
Abusing your adult rights already, huh?
I give her a lazy grin, masking my face with the hot cup of coffee as i drink
Charlotte
"Circumstances" I shrug
Kasey
Mhm, Happy birthday babe.
Kasey
"So..." She begins, drawing circles on the counter with her finger
Kasey
Hook me up with your sister
Kasey
Who else? You have more?
I shoot her a judging questioning look as i obtain my free cake
Charlotte
"Well... She's straight"
Kasey
"Put in a good word for me" She winks
And at that very moment, Evan walks in, Lays his eyes on me, and walks right out
Charlotte
I stare confused at the door "I don't know either"
The rest of the day goes on normal. I unexpectedly meet up with Chase at the bar when meeting up with Mirabel, everything still sort of in place.
Chase drops us off at mine, Mirabel and I, laughing and giggling about God knows what, as we reach the front door.
Mirabel
"Omds Char you need help" She laughs
Mirabel
We both walk in, Mirabel following behind me as I make my way to the kitchen island "Where's José?"
Charlotte
She couldn't make it. Said she had a shift
Charlotte
Well, wanna go upstairs?
Mirabel
Yeah, sure, gimme a second though, I left my necklace here somewhere
Charlotte
Should I help look?
Charlotte
Hm... I'll be in my room, so join me when you find it
Mirabel nods, and I tread up the stairs, reaching my room door. I hesitate when i hear some rattling and rummaging inside.
So i slowly open the door, my face twisting when i see my unsuspecting little sister going through my things
Charlotte
Kathy? What the fuck you searchin' for?
Katherine
She jumps "Jesus Christ! Can you not knock?"
Charlotte
"In MY room?" I say folding my arms, eyeing the mess she created
Katherine
She puts her hand on her hips, overflowing with attitude "I can't find my phone, Char" She speaks my name with unnecessary sass
Charlotte
I snatch my things from her other hand "And you assume that I took it?"
Charlotte
Fix your dementia dripping brain and go find it where you LEFT it.
She eyes me and just walks out
Mirabel
Mirabel then becomes visible, earning a glare from Katherine as she heads over to her own room "What's wrong with her?" She says, necklace in hand as she walks into my room.
Charlotte
"When is there EVER 'right' with her?" i roll my eyes, tidying up the place
Mirabel
You guys would be so cute if you'd just get along
Mirabel
So... How are you and chase?
Charlotte
"Chase? Pretty good" I shrug
Mirabel
You say it so casually
Charlotte
Why would i not?
Mirabel
You liked him for a whole year before he finally asked you out
Charlotte
That was forever ag—
Mirabel
You threw a party that night
Charlotte
Okay, well, he's been a bit different now
Charlotte
Like... It's back to normal when others are there, but when it's just us, it's—
Charlotte
My face switches colour so bad when I realize what she's thinking about "Not like that!"
Mirabel
"Sure, sure~" she nudges my shoulder suggestively
Charlotte
Anyways, what about you and Evan? When'd all that start?
Mirabel
She shakes her head "You know, I used to think he was disgusting, and you were crazy for being friends with him back in elementary school"
Mirabel
Then in middle school he was just okay
Charlotte
Then in high school you thought him 'cute'
Now it was her turn to change colours, but the following laugh quickly hid it
Mirabel
Yeah, and now he's hot
We both laugh and spend the rest of the night enjoying each other's company.
The next day was a Monday, so we both got up early and drove to the university that morning.
Mirabel headed over to her classes, but i didn't have any until later in the afternoon, and neither did Evan and José.
While searching for them both, I ran into Evan and his friends. I tried saying 'Hi' to him, but he completely blew me off
That didn't click though, so i went on closer to call him again, thinking he didn't hear me the first time.
Still, no response. His friends definitely heard me though, 'cause they turned my way
But he remained rigid with his back towards me
And even then, I hadn't come to terms with anything, came closer, and gave him a light tap
Evan
Can you not touch me?
Charlotte
"Sorry?" I ask questionably
Charlotte
"Uhm, sure... Are you okay?
He lets out a deep exhale and walks away
His friends quickly follow after him, leaving me stranded and confused
José calls, snapping me out of my thoughts
José
📞Hey, you're not doing anything right? I'm at that big ass restaurant next to campus
Charlotte
📞 Yeah, I'm coming
I spot her waving at me and go sit next to her
José
Fucking break up with Chase!
I don't have much to say, so just please continue telling me how to improve and such.
Katherine
While being polite!
Charlotte
That's rich, coming from you. 😒 smh
Anyways, Like and subscribe!😛🫶🏼
Trois. Childhood friends complex
I spot her waving at me and go sit next to her
Charlotte
What's with the fancy?
José
She shrugs "Nothing much, just here to bask in luxury until they kick us out for not ordering"
Charlotte
Did you pick here to get me to order?
José
No, but I don't mind😉
I shake my head, laughing as i order a simple breakfast for us both
José
In my next life, you'll be my sugar mommy
I laugh some more, as we then continue to eat and gist
Charlotte
Why not just get a boyfriend? You know you can easily.
I notice a flash of something weird in her eye, but it quickly disappears as she continues
José
I'm not very... Committal, i guess? They never seem to last, I get bored easily, and when none of that happens, then they just.... Do stuff...
José
Whatever, so, how's it with you and your boyfriend?
José
He's not right for you?
Charlotte
What? Is that a question?
José
No— I mean— No. You.... You can do better
Charlotte
Where's this coming from?
José
I know you've been together for almost half a year now, but you and I have been half our lives
José
'Why?' What do you mean why?
Charlotte
I mean, this is real spontaneous
Charlotte
And you're just on a hunch
José
Gut feelings are the best feelings, y'know?
Charlotte
I'm not just going to end things with Chase over somebody else's 'Gut Feeling'
José
"Yeah, well, I'm not just 'Somebody else', Char, I'm your friend." She holds my hands from across the table "—Your B̲e̲s̲t̲ Friend."
I shoot her a skeptical look
José
What? You don't trust me?
Charlotte
I do, it's just—
José
Just Fucking break up with him, Char!
José
I-.... I'm sorry, I—... I've been day drinking, and I'm just trying to look out for you
José
He's been giving me weird vibes lately
She squeezes my hands in her palms
Charlotte
💭Why is she so desperate for me to break up with him?
José
I don't want you to get hurt
Charlotte
Sure, I guess, I will
Charlotte
💭 Definitely not
José
Her eyes light up like she's just struck gold "Thanks babe"
Charlotte
For agreeing to break up with him?
She hesitates, like she's thinking of an answer
José
No, no, obviously not, for trusting me
Charlotte
💭 What's up with everyone lately?
Trying to ease up the mood, I change the topic
Charlotte
I love your necklace by the way, where'd you get it?
José
Oh, this? It was a gift from my parents
Charlotte
Aw, cute. Chase got me the exact same one in diamond for my birthday
José
He's got style at least, I'll give him that
Charlotte
I know you've never liked Chase, but what amplified it?
José
Hah... Long story honey
José
Next time i see him, I'll have his head
Charlotte
Did he do something?
José
Hm? No, nah, If he did, I'd have told you.
José
It's just like... Subtle.... Behaviours.
José
How'd it go with you and Evan after we left? Did you throw up on him?
Charlotte
I chuckle "Probably, It's all foggy from when you guys started leaving. I remember... Swimming though, but that's odd, 'cause I can't swim"
José
How do you own a pool and own the inability to swim?
Charlotte
Hey, you own a kitchen and can't cook.
My phone rings, interrupting our conversation
Charlotte
Time for class, I guess
Charlotte
"Lol, Katherine should be free right now, go meet her"
José
Nah, she gives me weird vibes. No offense
Charlotte
None taken. Evan is free
Charlotte
I get my bag, standing up As she sighs. "Kasey should have time"
On my way over to my first class of the day, I run into Katherine
Katherine
Watch where you're going, slut.
She shoots me a dirty look (like always) and walks away
That didn't really bother me though, Katherine is always a bitch. The 17-year-old cunning manipulative little psycho in her freshman year.
I make my way over to class, and around evening, Kasey invites me for a drink
I get drunk, faster than I'd expect, and the rest of the day goes by in a blur
I wake up the following morning, thanking Kasey for bringing me home that night and waste my day feeling weird and hungover with Netflix, Popcorn, and Chase.
I wanted to invite Evan and José too, but he wouldn't answer, and José refused after she heard Chase. And Mirabel has just been MIA lately
And so the cookie crumbles
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