Blood and Sand

"I am not going to this party!" Amethyst groaned.

"No of course not. Not dressed like that at least.", Eden said, looking her up and down. Amethyst's clothes were as black as the coal found in mines

Despite the summer heat, she wore a long nightgown with a skin tight turtleneck underneath and platforms that reached her knees.

She rolled her eyes. Nex, the local football star, was holding a party for his team's recent victory on his yacht . While the entire school foamed at the mouth just to get a peek at the celebration, Amethyst wanted no part of it. She couldn't risk her secret coming out. She couldn't bear to spend the day so close to Nex.

"I don't know any of these guys Eden. You don't know any of these guys. Why do you want to go so badly?"

"Jared invited me, and I know I'm going to be too awkward all alone with him."

She walked over, placing her arms on Amethyst's shoulders and giving her a pleading look. "Please."

"I heard it's supposed to rain later. Out in the ocean who knows that could happen."

"Would I ever put you in danger?" They stared at each other as two competitors would before a fight.

Amethyst sighed. "You're lucky I love you so much."

Eden jumped for joy clapping her hands. "You're gonna love it, I promise you."

As she grabbed the car keys and walked out, Amethyst let out a laugh. "If we die I'm blaming you." And the door closed behind them.

Despite the usual busyness of the highway, the night was silent as a breeze flew into their car. The trees were giants, standing tall on either side of the road. The sky was a shade of dark blue, bright stars dancing against it and a half crescent moon pulling the image together. Amethyst stared out the window thinking of the paints she might mix and the canvas she might use to recreate the beautiful view. She always knew how to find the art in everything. It calmed her.

"Are you okay?", Eden said, pulling the girl out of her trance.

"Yeah, of course." The truth was she wasn't. The truth was the idea of looking at Nex filled her with pain and worry. The truth was she has had feelings for him since she was a child, and she knew he'd never look at her the same way. She could never say that though. Not when her closest friend's face was so full of enthusiasm and joy. So, she would suck it up. One night at his party wouldn't kill her.

When they arrive at the dock, they see the boys already calling them over.

"Eden! Took you long enough.". Jared ran down and hugged her. "Hey Amethyst, didn't think you'd actually show.", he said giving her a knowing look.

"Neither did I."

As the three boarded the ship, Nex came up to them welcoming Eden and Amethyst.

"Hey stranger" he says to Amethyst, giving her a boyish grin. Amethyst rolls her eyes not knowing what else to do.

"Nex, this is Amethyst-.", says Jared before being swiftly cut off.

"Yeah, I know who she is."

Nex ran to the highest part of the boat and screamed, "Who's ready to party!" The boat erupted with cheers and they sailed into the black abyss.

There was nothing special about the party. There was music blasting, the smell of teens sweating, and the awful dancing that was inevitable. Amethyst sat at the edge of the boat watching amusingly as everyone made a fool of themselves. The strong waves crashed against the boat, the blue water and white foam mixing in a symphony. The wind had turned chilly, whispering around her. She felt a warm presence come up behind her and she turned around. To her surprise, Nex stood before her grinning.