The It Girl [COMPLETED]

Chapter 24 - "I'm not fake."

• The day, a beautiful blend of clear blue sky, enough sunlight to make the day warm but not overbearingly hot, and a breeze that cooled hot skin? Check ✔️

• September but the smell of summer in the air: a mix of sunblock, chlorine, and fried food? Check ✔️

• A happy vibe infused the waterpark by the bright melodies of pop songs playing in the air? Check ✔️

• Shrieks of girls combined with the teasing laughter of boys adding a wild spirit to the day? Check ✔️

• A perfect day? Depended on who you asked? Check! ✔️

• Was Courtney wearing a one-piece and board shorts because it had been two weeks without cheer and two weeks with comfort food?

She would neither confirm nor deny that.

• A chart made with shifts for people to keep her company. Check! ✔️

• Ripped up that chart when it was clear how eagerly people wanted to get back to the waterslides? Double check ✔️✔️

• Attempted taking a dip in the lazy river? Check ✔️

• Rescued from a near disaster of the wild kids and inner-tube variety by Miguel throwing her over his shoulder and carrying her off? Sadly check ✔️

• Tried to melt away the trauma with ice cream dots? Duh.

• Rosa taking it upon herself to see that Micah felt comfortable and welcomed by all? Check ✔️

• The whole squad helping Rosa with her task and treating Micah like he was the main exhibit at the Cute Boys museum? Double check ✔️✔️

• Continuing to fight the desire to run all the way home - even on her bum ankle, climb into her bed, and wait for the perfect day to pass her by?

Check ✔️ Double check ✔️✔️ Triple check! ✔️✔️✔️

Courtney sighed and rested her head back against the lounge chair. A kind breeze walked by her and brushed away some of the sun's heat. It was a very attentive breeze, making sure she never got hot enough that she'd have an excuse to find sanctuary with an Uber home.

The music playing in the speakers also wasn't on a repeat playlist making it impossible for her to blame her short mood on the endless repetition. This waterpark was all too accommodating to someone who wanted to find a way to grouse about something.

"Why are you still sitting here," Courtney asked Miguel.

He didn't open his eyes or stir at all. But she knew he wasn't asleep. She kept making comments too consistently for him to have found escape through dreams.

"Because the alternative is being out there," Miguel said.

"But out there are waterslides and girls in swimsuits all too eager for an excuse for a flirty water fight."

"As you can see, you've clearly laid out my argument for remaining where I am."

"You are such an old man."

"I'm glad at least someone in my life can see this."

Courtney would feel bad for Miguel but she wanted to be out there running around and causing water fights and so she couldn't muster the emotions.

"How did your parents even find out about this?" Courtney asked.

With a world-weary sigh that made him sound even more like an old, heavy-burdened man, Miguel draped one arm over his eyes.