LIBERTY

Chapter X

"So how's it going with your new boyfriend?" Chloe asks while smirking.

"We're not dating," Libby laughed, splashing her friend. It was Friday, school had just ended and they had decided to take a dip in the pool.

"Not yet," she corrected, wiggling her eyebrows. "All joking aside, would you date him if you had the chance?"

Libby had to think about that. "I don't know. I mean he's good looking, he's nice and funny."

Chloe smiled, a genuine fond smile. "He would be good for you."

"How would you know?"

Chloe shrugged. "I just ask myself, would I date him? If the answer is yes, then that means he's an asshole cuz apparently that's my type. If the answer is no, it means he's a decent guy who actually uses his upstairs brain more than his downstairs brain. And for your information, no – I wouldn't date Leon, he's too good."

"Why do you think so little of yourself? You deserve a nice guy, too."

Chloe chuckled but there was something sad twinkling in her eyes. "Nah, I don't do commitment. I don't want to get attached to anyone anymore."

Libby stared at her friend. "That's your mantra?"

"Yup, take it from me, Libby – don't get attached, it'll only destroy you in the end."

Before Libby could ask what she meant by that, Chloe had already lowered herself into the water causing bubbles to rise to the surface.

Libby climbed onto the nearest float, it was a pink donut – her favorite, and reclined on her back as she adjusted her sunglasses. She waited to hear the sound of Chloe swimming back up to gasp for air, before asking, "So are you excited for you birthday tomorrow?"

"I guess," Chloe said as she watched the way the sun reflected on the water making it seem like million little stars were littered over the clear water.

Libby frowned. "You guess? Chloe come on, you love birthday parties, especially your own. Wait until you see the present I got for you, you'll love me eternally." A sudden silence settled between the two friends and Libby sat up, pushing her hands into the water to pull herself closer to Chloe. "What's wrong?"

"Nothing."

"Chloe you look like your cat has died."

"I don't even have a cat."

Libby rolled her eyes. "You know what I mean. Why so glum? Is it Kelly again?"

Chloe ran her hands through her short, black hair, playing with the tips. She was avoiding her friend's gaze on purpose and Libby didn't fail to notice.

"Chloe?"

She took a shaky breath. "I just miss them, you know? I just miss having a Mom and Dad who would embarrass me, ground me, kiss me goodnight, all of that stuff parents supposed to do. They adopted me because my parents couldn't take care of me, but now both of them are gone and who's taking care of me now?"

"Aw, Chloe." Libby slid from the floatable donut and swam towards her friend, grabbing her in a tight hug. "I know how you feel," she whispered as she rested her chin on Chloe's shoulder. "I never realized how lucky and grateful I was until I've lost them. I took them for granted."

And she meant it. Libby would do anything to get her parents back, regardless of how shitty they were sometimes, having parents was better than having none.

Right?

"Fuck," Chloe suddenly muttered under her breath.

Libby pulled away. "What is it?"