HER

Twenty Two: water guns

Analia

I stir my drink absentmindedly, watching the partygoers around me. I question why I'm still here when Lexie is upset with me, considering she's the only reason I came in the first place.

Finishing my drink, I cringe at the unpleasant taste of the alcohol overpowering the cranberry juice, even though I added only a small amount. I really should just stick to plain juice. 

Charlie and Lucas approach me, their hands intertwined. I perk up a bit, happy to have some company. "Hey, are you okay?" Charlie asks, settling down beside me in the sand. Her red hair is damp and her fair skin glistens under the sun.

"I'm alright, I'm just not sure how to act in these situations," I admit, wanting to ask about Lexie but not sure how.

Charlie gestures to the water and grins. "Why don't you come in with us? We've got water guns."

I consider for a moment, then nod and follow them into the water. We race towards the water guns, bursting into laughter as we stumble and fall onto the sand. I grab a water gun and aim at Charlie, but she beats me to it, drenching me first.

With my eyes closed, I simply aim and shoot. Suddenly, I hear someone scream, "What the fuck?" It's Birdie, standing behind Charlie, her shirt soaked, scanning the surroundings for the culprit. Crap.

I meet her gaze guiltily, and she grins mischievously. "Game on, Ana!" She swiftly removes her clothes, revealing a black bikini, grabs a water gun, and charges after me with determination.

I shriek, running away and laughing. However, I don't get far before my breath gives out. Birdie catches up to me, both of us laughing, as she continuously sprays me until her water gun runs dry.

When I regain my breath, Birdie tells me she wants to talk. "Look, do you actually like Lexie?" she asks seriously.

I nod, feeling guilty. "I do like her. I just...have some things to figure out."

"Good. Because she really likes you - like, a lot. She's new to relationships, and you're not making it easy for her. She trusts that you'll break up with him, but I don't know how much longer she can wait. I'm not telling you what to do, but Lexie is my best friend, and I don't want to see her hurt again. So, don't hurt her, okay?"

Before I can respond, she walks away. Birdie is nothing like I initially thought, nor is she like what Melanie described. She's kind, caring, and fun. I briefly wonder what happened between them, but now is not the time for that—I need to find Lexie.

I spot her sitting in the sand next to another girl. I remember her from the party, Samantha. I couldn't quite appreciate it then, but she's stunning. Her caramel skin, covered in sand, still appears flawless. Her milk-chocolate eyes glisten under the moonlight. Her bikini barely covers her beautiful body, leaving it on full display.

I try to reassure myself that I have nothing to worry about. It's unfair for me to have anything to say. Yet, a pang of jealousy arises as she starts kissing Lexie's neck upon noticing me.

Lexie notices my presence too and says something to Sam, who glances at me before storming off. Lexie pats the spot beside her, and hesitantly, I make my way over and sit down. The first thing she tells me is that there's nothing going on between them.