When we made it to the backyard, the first thing I noticed was that there was a ridiculously large pool. The second thing I noticed was that no one was in it.
I gazed at the pool with a longing look in my eyes. Malcolm immediately followed my gaze.
"Don't even think abouâ"
He wasn't able to finish his sentence, as I'd already done a cannonball into the pool.
I emerged from the water with a happy smile and sleeked back my wet curls. Andre and Malcolm were already standing at the foot of the pool, and both were sporting exasperated yet amused looks.
"I couldn't resist it," I unapologetically grinned.
They both laughed at me before outstretching their hands to help me up. I began to concoct a plan in my head, and with an evil grin on my face, I grabbed both of their hands and dragged them into the pool.
"My hair," Malcolm let out a high-pitched scream.
"My clothes," Andre howled.
"I can't believe people call you guys bad boys," I giggled, splashing the pair of them. "You're such babies."
The two of them shared a look, and I squealed as they began to splash me, practically drowning me in water.
"Hey, two on one, no fair," I laughed.
They continued the splash attack anyway, untilâ
"So this is what you three get up to when I'm not around."
I froze and looked up at Elias' familiar deep voice.
He looked the same as ever, although I noticed he had a split lip. I wondered if it was new, or if it was there before and I simply hadn't noticed. Considering it didn't look fresh, I chose the latter.
"This is all Daisy's fault," Malcolm pointed the finger. "She's the one that pulled us into the pool."
"I would never do such a thing," I innocently gasped, widening my eyes.
"Oh, fuck off," Malcolm splashed me again.
I giggled. Meanwhile, Elias rolled his eyes at our antics before outstretching his hand and effortlessly pulling me out of the pool. I noticed his eyes darkened as he surveyed my appearance, though he quickly looked away and began to walk off.
"Hey, why'd you help her up and not us," Malcolm shouted.
I stuck my tongue out at him before following after Elias. I didn't have to look back to know that Malcolm and Andre were behind me, as I could hear their wet footsteps.
Elias took a seat on one of the outdoor couches. Slightly stumbling over my feet, I collapsed next to him.
"You're drunk," he realized.
"You're stupid."
He gave me a look.
"What? I thought we were just stating the obvious," I smiled.
He rolled his dark eyes. "That mouth of your's is gonna get you in trouble one day."
"By who? You?" I scoffed. "Nothing I can't handle."
"Don't bite off more than you can chew, darling," his cool, minty breath fanned my face as he whispered.
Goosebumps arose on my arms as we maintained tense eye contact. Malcolm suddenly sat next to me, causing me to release my breath and look away.
"Why'd you guys let her drink so much?" Elias asked.
Andre, who was leaning on a pillar, pointed a finger at Malcolm.
"How was I supposed to know she was a lightweight?" Malcolm raised his arms.
"They didn't let me do anything," I narrowed my eyes at Elias. "I can make my own decisions, you know."
"Of course you can," Elias didn't disagree, which surprised me. "But still, someone should've been watching over you. We're at a party. Anything could've happened."
"Wow," I was touched. "I didn't know you actually care about me."
"Don't get ahead of yourself. I'd say the same for any other girl, including Malcolm."
"Hey!"
We both ignored him.
"Right," I warily crossed my arms. "Anyways, is there a reason everyone seems to keep looking at me?"
Ever since I'd stepped out of the pool, I'd noticed multiple guys glancing in my direction. At my question, Andre averted his eyes and Malcolm let out a nervous giggle.
"Take a look your chest," Elias huskily murmured, his dark eyes steadily watching my face.
I glanced down, and my eyes bulged out of my skull. After going in the pool, my white tee had become see through, revealing my lacy red bra.
"Oh my! How could you guys let me walk around like this?"
"I didn't even notice until right now," Andre raised his arms.
"I figured you wouldn't mind, after all, it's pretty much like wearing a bikini," Malcolm nervously said.
I glared at Elias. "What's your excuse?"
"Don't have one. I just enjoy watching you embarrass yourself."
"Argh," I growled. "You are such an asshole!"
"You are such an asshole," he mocked me in a high pitched voice.
"I do not sound like that."
"I do not sound like that."
I stuck out my tongue. "You're so immature!"
"Says the one who just stuck out her tongue!"
"Oh, piss off!"
"Are they always like this?" A girl on the couch whispered to Malcolm.
"This is them on a good day," he replied.
"Okay, enough," Andre sighed, ever the peacemaker. "Daisy, if you head upstairs and enter the first door on the right, there should be a bunch of towels in there. You can dry off."
"Thank you," I flailed my arms, getting up. "At least someone here has a brain."
Malcolm giggled at my dramatics, meanwhile Elias darkly rolled his eyes. I went back in the house and maneuvered through the sweaty and drunk bodies. I hadn't even realized that someone was following me, until a clammy hand grabbed my upper arm.
"Hey, you're the girl that bumped into me earlier."
My eyes narrowed. "And you're the guy that called me a bitch."
The brunette boy chuckled at me. "Yeah, that was my bad. I owe you an apology."
I relaxed my shoulders and hesitantly smiled. "It's okay."
"What's your name?"
"Daisy, you?"
"I'm Justin," said the brunette. "Anyways, I noticed you outside just now, and I was thinking... why don't I make it up to you? Could I get you a drink?"
His blue eyes hungrily flickered down to my chest, although I didn't notice.
"That's okay, I think I've done enough drinking in one night."
"No, I insist," Justin smirked.
"Okay, sure," I shyly smiled.
Even though he wasn't exactly my type, it was the first time a guy had actually seemed interested in me, so I was slightly excited. After all, guys at school never looked at me. Who would want to be friends with Crazy Daisy, let alone date her?
We found ourselves at the bar, where I carefully watched as Justin poured me a drink.
"Here," he passed me the cup.
I slowly took a sip while Justin watched me in interest. "Your hair is very pretty," he said.
"Thank you."
"So... is it a wig?"
I blinked. "No."
"Oh," he looked surprised. "Really?"
"Yes, really," I placed the drink down in annoyance. "On second thought, I should probably get going."
"Wait," Justin grabbed my arm to hold me in place. He had the decency to look a little embarrassed. "Sorry if I'm coming off too strong. It's justâyou're so pretty. You know, for a black girl."
"Wow." I stood up in disbelief.
"Oh, come on, it's a compliment," Justin laughed at my offended expression.
"Yeah, a backhanded one. You just insulted my entire race. There are plenty of pretty black girls out there. They just don't fit your standard of beauty." With that, I began to walk away.
Ridding all thoughts of the ignorant boy from my head, I pushed through the crowed and followed Andre's directions from before, heading upstairs. Unfortunately, I didn't realize that I was still being followed.
*****
Happy New Year, I can't believe it's already 2023! This is the year that I have prom, graduate high school, start university, and turn 18, making me legally an adult! I'm excited yet scared.
It's currently 6:50am and I can not sleep. I went to a party last night and let's just say I'm experiencing major hangxiety...
QOTD: do you prefer apple juice or orange juice?
AOTD: orange juice!
Wow, we've already hit 2k reads! You guys are literally the best thank you so so much! Next chapter will be out shortly.
Love, Emmanuela<3
01/01/2023