after they met her

thirtyfour

i v a n a

The dance of the summer festival was in full swing.

The air buzzed with laughter and chatter, the pool was lit up, casting colorful reflections on the water. We were gathered outside near a food truck that specialized in mini burgers, one of many popular attraction scattered around on the school campus.

While I was still nibbling on my second one, the boys had already devoured five each.

"These are sooo good," Ethan moaned, reaching for another burger.

"I think you're stressing out the cook," Lily laughed, glancing inside the truck to see the two men working their butts off.

"Hey, the school pays, so let the boy eat!" Sam said, joining the line again.

I giggled, watching my friends. My gaze wandered to the dance floor, where students twirled and swayed near the pool. It was beautiful, the lights adding a dreamy quality to the scene.

I couldn't help but think of my old school.

It had been so dull in comparison, with a strict dress code that never would have allowed a dress like the one I wore tonight, with its delicate straps and flowing fabric.

Especially because I wouldn't have even attended such an event. I would never spend time with people who ignored me, bullied me, and hated me.

"Ivana?" Ray's voice pulled me out of my thoughts. "Do you want to dance? You're staring at the dance floor like your life depends on it."

I shook my head quickly, almost choking on my burger. "Oh god, no. I can't dance."

"What?! But I want to go dancing with you," Lily exclaimed, pouting.

My eyes widened. "I thought we would chill and just eat everything they have here? That's fun right?"

Joshua nodded in agreement. "Let's go get slushies instead."

We began making our way toward the slushy stand, but Lily was persistent. "Come on, Ivana, just one dance. It'll be fun!"

"I don't know, Lily. I'm really not good at it," I protested, hoping to convince her to drop the idea.

"You won't know until you try!" she insisted, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

"Lily, you know I'm not exactly comfortable dancing in front of people," I said, biting my lip. "I've always been a bit self-conscious about it."

"Oh, come on, this is a festival! Everyone's dancing, and no one's worried about being perfect," she replied, waving her hand dismissively.

Ethan chimed in, "Yeah, Ivana. Plus, it's dark, and everyone's focused on having fun, not judging dance moves."

„Will you guys also join us?" I raised my eyebrow.

Ethan laughed, "Not a chance! We're here for the food, not the dance floor."

Sam added with a grin, "I think our dancing skills might actually be considered a crime against humanity."

Joshua chuckled, "Yeah, we'd probably clear the floor faster than a fire drill."

I couldn't believe it. "Wait, you guys aren't going to dance, but you expect me to?" I said, incredulously. "How does that even make sense?"

I looked around for support. "Ray, help me out here?"

Ray shook his head. "Sorry, I'm just here for the slushies."

Lily groaned dramatically. "You boys are no fun. Ivana,  please, just one dance, please?"