The New Boy

Chapter 37: Reliving Bad Memories

It's tradition. All of my class go up to my friends neighborhood pool on the first day of school ever since freshmen year.

Every year things have changed and we all like to point them out.

For example: the good girl turns into the bad. The bad boy turns into the good. For me freshmen year I was scared and timid, sophomore year I loved to have fun, junior year I was the popular bitch, and now I've become the best out of all of those.

I'm determined, strong, I've become more nice, and a I've finally found someone who I love that pushes me to be a better person.

This is the change that surprises everyone at the pool party. This year is the second year where alcohol is served.

"Last year, you were a bitch." Nikki my old friend says.

"Yeah and you caved into it." I say sipping my drink.

"I was weak back then." Nikki says. Somehow Nikki's always been part of this group.

"True. I've noticed you haven't been following Natalie, or anyone around." I say stripping down to just my bikini.

"Yep. I wish Lily and Allie would learn to be more independent. They're still following Natalie around."

Lily and Allie were still known as the followers of our school. They follow everyone who becomes popular.

I spot Jason with his girlfriend. The ironic part is that his girlfriend is the same girl he cheated on with me.

They dated throughout all of high school and still get along great. Sometimes I'm glad he cheated on me, because he met her. But then I remember he cheated on me and that was not right.

I dip my toe in the water and pull it out quickly. The water's cold against my big toe and it leaves an icy feeling on it.

I barely have time to even think about dipping my toe in, when someone's warm hands push me in the pool. I gasp for air as I sink in the pool.

This usually wouldn't be a big deal, someone pushed me in the pool, wow. But memories of ice water, kisses, and lack of oxygen push their way into my brain. The thoughts make me feel like I'm reliving the moment and I gasp for breath.

Water floods into my mouth and I immediately start gagging it out, but more water starts flooding in my mouth. I refuse to open my eyes and I thrash around in the cold water. I must be in the deep end because I can't even touch the bottom of the pool. I finally open my eyes to see blurry blue water in my face. No one else is in the pool, just me.

My vision starts to blur up and I can see black starting to cloud my vision. I struggle to stay conscious, I can't do this again.

Just swim to the top. It's not far.

I try to move my feet when I just cut off. I can feel myself drifting away like a balloon. I float towards the sky and I start to smile. The world is at peace, I'm at peace.

I finally relax and I close my eyes. I keep floating, floating towards happiness.

I'm finally comfortable when I hear people splashing in the pool.

***

"I love you. I love you." A voice murmurs.

I'm tired. I can feel the tiredness. I don't open my eyes because I'm warm and comfortable, and the soothing voice keeps telling me it loves me. It keeps whispering that it's so worried. I don't know why, because I'm so happy.

My eyes open on their own fluttering open. I feel things now. Like the slight pressure of Chase's head resting on my stomach. His fingers intertwine with mine and his dark hair is ruffled.