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Chapter 19 Lisa's POV

Today's heatwave was killing me. I couldn't even finish my new cosplay because the needle kept slipping through my fingers and I keep almost pricking me.

I didn't know why I was even working on this costume anyways. It wasn't like I was gonna be comfortable wearing it. The costume was made from latex and it was supposed to be skin-tight with knee-high boots. With the new season of A War Within Nature coming out, I had to make sure Doe's new outfit was perfect.

She now wore green leaves in her hair that was straight and rolled down her back. She also wore a lighter shade of brown makeup and heavy black eyeliner. I was ecstatic for this season because now she had a choice to make.

"Hey Lisa, whatcha working on?" Jake as he leaned on my door frame. I shoved my latest project up into the air and had Jake closely analyze aspects of the details.

"It's nice, but, I think it's easier if you went with a layered cross stitch and then press down with iron," Jaked explained as he started showing me where the suit may fall apart easily while pinning where I should layer and where I shouldn't.

It was nice spending time with someone like Jake because we bonded over things like fashion made from scratch and matching makeup looks. Plus, we knew what it was like for people to judge us. Granted, we were judged for different things, but we were judged nonetheless.

While Jake was teaching me to do press downs (I've never even heard of doing that before because well, this was my first year hand stitching my cosplay), Binaca sent a text message to the group chat.

"Who wants to get into the pool? I can make smoothies or milkshakes with ice cream."

"That sounds great! It is extremely hot today."

Jake looked over at me, silently asking the question. I shrugged, not caring if we go into the pool. It was really hot today even for California weather. A dip in the pool would be nice. (A trip to the spa, endless days in my shade, the whole world according to Moi! Excuse me? Thank you! No one? Ok then)

I nodded and went to grab my swimsuit. It was a black and orange, tiger-striped design, and could be tied up on the side and the back of my neck. I grabbed my matching sandals and a towel and then headed outside.

The pool looked inviting and everyone else was either grabbing the smoothies and milkshakes or grabbing the floaties and noodles from the shed over by the back door.

"Whoa! Careful Inca! Watch yourself!" Max called out while grabbing Bianca's hand while she stepped down, her hands carrying two trays of drinks full of colorful glasses.

One tray had whip cream and fruits, the other had brightly colored liquid floating in the glass.

"Wait, whose Inca?" Jaked asked handing me a noddle and pointing at the pool. Sitting over by the steps was a deer floatie. Kind of like the flamingo that was popular a couple of years back.

"Max started calling me Inca out of boredom. I don't mind it. I think it's sweet." Bianca announced while throwing another pool noddle and grabbing one of the smoothies from the tray.

I grabbed one of the bright pink milkshakes and took a sip and almost choked. The flavor was intense in an amazing way!

"Binaca these are incrediable!" I announced while taking another sip. Bianca said a thank you and grabbed the last noddle and threw it into the pool before slowly taking a dip into the clear water.

"Hey guys, check this out! There are lights at the bottom of the pool!" Jake squealed while diving under me.

Then bright pink lights started to flash as music blared from speakers from somewhere on the patio.

This was fun. I felt relaxed and everyone was complimenting my bathing suit and sunglasses.

In my chest, I felt a little twinge of pride as confidence rolled onto me.