Summer In Paradise (Page Every Day)

Invitation

I got lost in Kevin's eyes. I was still sitting on the white chair in the corner of the room. Kevin straightened up and then relaxed again, "I was wondering if you'd like to join us for the party tonight." I looked at him seriously. It's not that I hate people, but I don't enjoy loud music and such things. I cleared my throat, "No, but thanks for the invitation." Kevin leaned closer to me. I was surprised he didn't fall off the bed, he was sitting so close to the edge. "You must come, everyone from here will be there," he tried to persuade me. "Alright, but you have to leave first, or my mom will kill both of us," I smiled as I said it. Though I had known Kevin for just a few hours, I already felt comfortable with him. Kevin got up and went to the door. Just before leaving, he turned around, "So, at 8 o'clock at the beach." I smiled back, "At 8 o'clock," I whispered in response.

I sat on the bed, and all my suitcases were still lying on the floor. I took out my MacBook from my sports bag and placed it on the bed in front of me. I clicked on the Instagram app and called Andrea. I glanced at the time; it was five in the afternoon. Damn, I had been with Kevin for two hours straight. I promised myself not to think about guys during this summer vacation. Andrea's voice interrupted my thoughts, "Hey, sweetheart," she said with a big smile. Finally, there was silence around her, only the sound of parrots she had since she was fifteen, and the TV show she was watching. I wanted to slow down, but my brain wouldn't let me, "The guy, super cute, invited me to a party," I exclaimed. I heard the TV being turned off and joyful shouting, "You're making a fool of yourself!" she shouted. I laughed, "But I probably won't go there." I considered. Thinking about being among drunk teenagers is weird and distasteful. I've never liked parties from a young age, of course, I played princesses like every girl, but that was with plush toys. Andrea took a deep breath, "Sweetie, this is your opportunity to find someone, you know, since you broke up with Lucas." I just nodded quietly. "Do you have a photo?" Andrea exclaimed. I smiled, "I do." With Kevin, I took a photo in my room after a while; I already knew Andrea would want to see him.

You: You sent the photo.

"That guy is hot," Andrea declared. I laughed and put my hand on my face, "I can compliment handsome men," she proudly said. I started to laugh, almost choking. We both laughed for a while. Kally opened the door to my room, "What are you doing in here?" she asked. "I'm talking to Andrea," I replied. "Alright, Mrs. Kelley," Andrea said. Kally sat on the bed. I gave her an incredulous look, "Mom, I'm on the phone." "Just go ahead and call," she said, taking a suitcase in her hand and starting to unpack my things. I looked at Andrea, and she signaled me to ask. I cleared my throat, "So, Mom, you know, Kevin asked me if I want to go with him to the beach." Kally looked at me, "Do you want to go to a party?" "How do you know?" I said surprised; I didn't say anything directly about a party. "You're my daughter; I know you, but it surprises me. You've never been the kind of person who likes parties."

"Hey An, I'll go now." An has been my nickname for Andrea since the fifth grade. When I first came to school where I live now, she was the one who introduced me to everyone. She always stood up for me when the guys made remarks about my body, skin, or even my hair. "Sure, sweetie," Andrea replied, and hung up. "Does she still call you 'sweetie'?" Kally said disdainfully. I looked at her, "Mom..." I said and lay down.

Kally finally left, and I went to put all my things in the closet. I had already put everything away, except for a pair of black short dresses that were still lying on the bed. These were the dresses I tried on first when Andrea brought them. Did they make me think that I wanted to go? Do I want to see Kevin again? So many questions and no answers. I sat on the bed and looked at the clock above the door; it was almost 7:30.

I took the dress in my hand and went to the bathroom. I let my hair loose and grabbed a comb, starting to comb it. Now my hair was smooth and easy to comb. I put on the dress; I felt strange. Is this really me now? I'm standing here in a short dress, heels, and I'm almost ready for a party. Have I turned into Andrea? No, I still love books and dogs, I commanded myself and started applying makeup.

I went downstairs to the kitchen. Sheila was sitting at the kitchen island, and Kally was cooking. "Where are you going, beauty?" Sheila laughed and looked at me. "She's going to a beach party," Kally interrupted the conversation, adjusting the stove. Sheila smiled, "That's great. Do you need some money?" she asked. "No, I can't take someone else's money," I replied. Sheila frowned, "So, am I someone else?" "Sheila," Kally warned. "But let it go," Sheila said and took out a hundred-dollar bill from her wallet, then continued, "and come early." I looked at the money, "I can't accept this." "But you can," Sheila said. "Sheila," Kally exhaled again. Sheila looked at her, "No, let her keep it."

I smiled at her and headed for the main door. Alright, Selena, you can handle this. I stepped outside and closed the door behind me.