Episode 3

That’s where Katie settled it in her mind, just in time for Sarah to turn around and yell, “Check this out!”

Sarah cocked out her hip, which lifted her shirt. Flat stomach. Low cut jeans. Any man’s desire.

“It’s my new bathing suit,” Katie said. “It’s so hot, right?”

A bright red bathing suit with even brighter yellow flowers on it. Loud. Annoying. Just like Sarah.

“Perfect fit,” Katie said.

“I was so happy to find it, especially in a two-piece.”

A two-piece.

Katie swallowed hard and forced a smile.

She couldn’t remember the last time she found the confidence to think about a two-piece, let alone wear one. The closest thing she came to that was a bra and panties and even for that, she did her best to avoid mirrors. Some days she felt like herself and other days she felt big enough to be embarrassed by anyone who saw her.

“You know my body,” Sarah said, “I need a small bottom and larger top because of these damn things…” Sarah pointed to her breasts, breasts that were large for her small size. They, of course, were natural, another beautiful gift handed down from good genes and good luck. “They had the top and bottom in my size. I felt bad splitting up two bathing suits but oh well, right?”

“Looks nice,” Katie said.

“Aren’t you going to ask why I bought it?”

“Because it’s summer…?”

Sarah laughed and snorted. “I love you, Katie. No, it’s all part of my note. Did you read it? I put it on the fridge. I used pink sticky notes. Easier to see, right?”

“I saw it,” Katie said. “I read it. Just said we need to talk.”

Sarah started to shake her hips as her face lit up. “Nick surprised me with a cruise! We’re going in early October.”

“And you bought a bathing suit now?”

“Of course. Need to plan.”

“That’s great,” Katie said. She did her best to hide her emotions but knew it couldn’t last forever. “I’m happy for you and Nick. Cruises are fun. Or I’ve heard they’re fun.”

“We’re going to have a blast. Seven days in the sun… the… Katie, you don’t seem yourself. Oh no, is it because of… this?”

Sarah didn’t identify what this was, but Katie could read her roommate’s eyes. This means talking about the cruise and sharing seven hot-filled days with her boyfriend. This means buying a two-piece bathing suit and having the confidence to wear it. This means Sarah is everything Katie secretly thought she should be.

“No,” Katie said. “I’m sorry. I’m really happy you’re going on a cruise. I… I just had a long day. Work was rough. Then I got home and saw your note. I thought it was going to be bad news.”

“Well…” Sarah put the bathing suit away and went back to her lip-biting stance.

“What’s wrong?” Katie asked. “Are you pregnant?”

Katie’s eyes lit up. She hated herself for a few seconds as she quickly imagined Sarah carrying a baby. How big her stomach would get. How her perfect little body would be used up. How…

Stop it, Katie told herself. Just stop it.

“Hell no!” Sarah yelled. “Pregnant? Not even close. I haven’t even let Nick touch me without… something on himself. Are you kidding me?”

“Just asking a question,” Katie said.

Sarah walked to the couch and sat down next to Katie. Her knees instantly started to jump. She stared straight ahead. She looked guilty and suddenly Katie felt like she was a parent, trying to pry something stupid out of a teenager.

***Download NovelToon to enjoy a better reading experience!***