The Geek Revolution ✓

16 | carwash

OVER THE LAST FEW DAYS, Leah has become much more determined and resilient towards the Monarchy.

She's been purposefully ignoring Madison, but maintains her cheery self around us. It's great to see a smile on her face again, though I know that the effects of bullying never really leaves anyone. When I see her and Delaney in the school car park, a wide smile breaks out on my face. All classes have been cancelled for the annual Carsonville Carwash, and everyone seems more energetic than usual.

To fit the theme of Summer Splash, Delaney wears a t-shirt and shorts of lighter colours than the usual dark palette most of her clothes feature. A hibiscus sarong is tied loosely around her hips, the fringing swaying as she moves. Leah wears denim cut-off shorts and a tank top with a nautical pattern. She's also drawn a wave pattern around her forearms in blue Sharpie.

I found an old wetsuit in the attic and squeezed myself into it. It looks pretty out of place, but no-one would say that it doesn't fit the theme. The three of us wait by the road, expecting Drew and Benjamin to arrive shortly. They said they had some last minute shopping to do for their costumes, which makes me curious to see what they're wearing.

When the pair of them emerge from Benjamin's car ten minutes later, we all scream in glee. They came wearing something that looks oddly like a couple's costume. Pink and orange hula skirts over their board shorts, coconut bras and nothing else. I have to avert my eyes from their torsos, focusing instead on Drew's proud smile and Benjamin's miserable frown.

Immediately, my question to Drew is, "What did you use to bribe Benjamin? The newest model of scientific calculators?"

But I can't even handle saying that, whilst looking at the insulted expression on Benjamin's face, and how misplaced he looks in the hula girl costume, without losing it. I shake my head through my side-splitting laughter, deciding that I don't even need an answer.

"Didn't you know?" Drew raises a brow at me. "Benjamin just loves awkward tan lines and a fresh breeze in his–"

I hold up both hands, as if the physical barrier can also block the words. "Nope. Not necessary."

At first, a slight pucker of lips is the only reaction from Delaney. Followed with a scornful smirk melting naturally onto her lips, and then a minute of loud, mocking laughter. Delaney tries to speak, but can't form complete sentences. Leah is so far gone, you can't even hear her laughing, her mouth is just hanging open emitting inaudible wheezes.

"Wow. You have even bigger boobs than I do," Delaney exclaims, voice weak with residual chuckles. Benjamin's cheeks flush red, while Drew only guffaws. "Who came up with the idea?"

Benjamin, still raspberry-tinted, points to Drew, who wears a goofy, proud smile.

"Of course he did." Delaney rolls her eyes.

Leah beams, shooting the odd glance down to the voluptuous grass skirts and giggling. "Come on, Quen and the others are waiting for us."

Callum, Quentin and Ashley are setting up our cleaning supplies at our station — a small section of concrete marked with pavement chalk and cones. In swim trunks and rash shirts, the band of musicians is dressed more sensibly than Benjamin and Drew. I hope they've used sunscreen today.

Callum steps around a bucket of sponges to give me a hug, lifting up his hand between our chests. A shark tooth necklace dangles from his fingers. I raise my eyebrow, but he quickly explains, "My grandmother is really enthusiastic about school events. So, yeah, she bought these for all of us. Don't worry, they're fake, and cost about one dollar."

"Aw, she sounds lovely," I coo, as Callum strings it over my head.

"That's one word. More like, fiercely fanatic about Carsonville." Callum drops his voice, as if divulging a secret, "I think she was one of the first settlers who came here. Like, two hundred years ago."