Because of Haven Beach

38 | epicaricacy

epicaricacy (n.)

the joy that results from others misfortune

* * *

AFTER school, we all gathered on the beach outside Delaney's house. She dragged the firepit onto the beach and surrounded it with chairs. We were there to get to know Lorelei, but instead sat in tense silence. Eli hadn't shown up yet, however that didn't stop them from walking on eggshells around me. They spoke slowly and carefully as if I would burst into tears any second.

But when Ben arrived, the sensitivity was thrown out the proverbial window.

"So, Char, when are you gonna apologize to Eli?" he asked as soon as he sat down. "Don't you think you're making a big deal about this? You girls always overreact."

"Shut it, Ben."

"C'mon, I'm just looking out for you. You're so sad, and so is Eli. Cancel the two sads out, and make 'em into two happys."

"Ben, just give it up," Aliyah said. "You lost the bet, move on."

"What bet? You must be thinking of something else. Or someone else. Char, I can assure you that there's no bet."

"Okay," I drawled.

I was just surprised that nobody had caught onto our ruse. Being a dick was so out of character for Eli, it was very odd that they didn't even question it. Sure, he was stubborn and got mad once in a blue moon, but he always apologized for lashing out.

"So I take it that you're not apologizing?"

"Why should she ap—" Delaney trailed off as Eli appeared on the path to the beach. "He seriously came? Char, want me to get rid of him?"

I shrugged noncommittally.

"Hey man," Jarod, Aliyah's boyfriend, greeted.

Eli nodded his head in hello before sitting down in the chair furthest from Delaney. It was a wise move, given the daggers she was shooting from her eyes. "Sorry I'm late. Did I miss anything?"

Delaney snorted derisively as she crossed her arms. "You weren't even invited. And no, Ben, your so-called invitation didn't count."

"Delaney, grow the fuck up. You're seriously going to uninvite me because Charlotte's being a bitch today?" His lips twitched, barely holding back a laugh. "There must be something in the water around here."

"Eli, cool it," Ethan hissed. "Can you just... not?"

"Yeah, Elliot," Delaney piped up. "Look at poor Charlotte! She looks like she's about to burst into tears."

Burst into laughter, but alright.

Eli shrugged, feigning nonchalance as his eyes flitted to me. "And I care because..."

"Because you're being rude," Aubrey scolded. "Honestly, Elliot, we're all beyond upset with you. I thought you were better than this." She gave him one of her disappointed looks that could make any grown man cry. "Either apologize or get new friends."