The Devil Doesn't Bargain

Chapter 4

The summer heat is unbearable, but it's the promise of a pool party that finally motivates Tracy to get out of the house. Bryan's social circle is hosting the event at a local community pool, and despite her previous failures, Tracy is determined to make a good impression this time. She wants to show Bryan that she's not just another face in the crowd; she wants to prove that she can be someone who stands out for all the right reasons.

She's been thinking about this party for days, her mind racing with scenarios where Bryan notices her, really sees her for the first time. There's a certain level of preparation that's gone into this moment. She's chosen a new swimsuit, one that she hopes will accentuate her figure and make her look both stylish and confident. Standing in front of her mirror earlier that morning, Tracy inspected every angle, adjusting the straps, making sure everything looked perfect. "This is it," she had told herself, her reflection staring back with hope. She had even practiced her swim strokes at the local pool, determined to impress with her grace in the water.

As she arrives at the community pool, the sight of the sunlit water and the excited crowd puts a smile on her face. She spots Bryan lounging by the poolside with his friends, and her heart races. Tracy tries to act nonchalant, but she's keenly aware of the eyes on her as she walks past the crowd, heading toward the pool.

Jenna, her best friend, rushes to her side. "I'm so glad you made it! And wow, you look incredible!" Jenna's voice is filled with enthusiasm, but Tracy can't help scanning the crowd for a glimpse of Bryan's reaction.

"Thanks," Tracy replies with a small smile, her focus half on Jenna, half on Bryan, who seems to be deep in conversation with his friends. Her stomach churns with nerves. "I'm really hoping today goes better than last time. I don't want to make a fool of myself again."

Jenna squeezes her arm. "You've got this. Just be yourself. No need to try too hard."

"I know, I know," Tracy says, though her mind is already replaying her planned strategy. "But I can't help it. Every time I'm around him, I just feel so...awkward."

"Don't overthink it," Jenna advises. "Guys can sense that, you know? Just relax."

Tracy takes a deep breath, trying to absorb Jenna's advice. She is determined to make her entrance count. After a quick dip in the changing room, she emerges in her swimsuit, feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness. She makes her way to the edge of the pool, trying to look confident as she prepares to showcase her swimming prowess.

With a deep breath, she dives into the water, aiming for a smooth, graceful entry. Instead, she misjudges the angle and makes a clumsy splash, sending water flying in every direction. She surfaces with a sputter, her face burning with embarrassment. Tracy tries to regain her composure, but she can't help but notice the giggles from the nearby loungers.

"Oh no..." she whispers to herself, blinking rapidly to clear the water from her eyes. Jenna, standing poolside, gives her a supportive but slightly sympathetic smile.

"You're fine," Jenna mouths, but Tracy doesn't feel fine. She starts her lap, trying to display her swimming skills, but her earlier practice seems to have vanished in the face of the crowd's scrutiny. Her strokes are uneven, and she finds herself struggling to maintain a consistent rhythm. Her attempts at a graceful backstroke are particularly disastrous, and she ends up splashing water everywhere.

The more she tries to correct her form, the more awkward she becomes. She notices Bryan glancing in her direction, but instead of admiration, she sees him exchanging amused looks with his friends. Her heart sinks as she realizes that her grand swimming display has become the latest source of entertainment for the group.

"Why do I always do this?" she mutters under her breath. Determined to salvage the situation, Tracy attempts one final, dramatic dive. She aims to make a big impression, but as she leaps off the edge, she miscalculates her jump and lands in the water with an exaggerated splash. The impact sends ripples across the pool, and Tracy feels the stares of the crowd even more acutely.

As she emerges, trying to play it cool, Tracy catches Bryan's gaze once more. This time, there's no hint of admiration, only a polite smile and a look of mild amusement. Her face flushes with shame, and she decides it's best to retreat from the spotlight.

She swims to the edge of the pool and climbs out, making her way to a quieter corner where she can cool off and collect her thoughts. Jenna follows her and sits beside her in the shade. "It wasn't that bad," Jenna says, trying to offer comfort. "Honestly, no one is going to remember in five minutes."

Tracy sighs, pulling her knees to her chest. "It feels like everyone is laughing at me. I just wanted him to notice me in a good way, you know?"

"Maybe you're trying too hard to be someone you're not," Jenna suggests gently. "You don't need to impress Bryan by swimming like an Olympian. He should like you for who you are, not for some grand gesture."

"I know," Tracy whispers, her voice shaky. "It's just hard. He's always surrounded by these girls who are so... perfect. I don't feel like I fit in."

Jenna nudges her shoulder. "Stop comparing yourself to them. You're amazing in your own way, Tracy. If Bryan can't see that, then maybe he's not worth your time."

Tracy looks up, her eyes meeting Jenna's. "You really think so?"

"I know so." Jenna's voice is firm. "And if Bryan doesn't notice, well, that's his loss. You shouldn't have to go through all of this just to get someone's attention."

Tracy lets Jenna's words sink in, but a part of her can't shake the sting of disappointment. As the party continues around her, Tracy sits by the pool, watching others have fun and trying to figure out where she went wrong. The dream of capturing Bryan's attention seems increasingly out of reach, and Tracy wonders if there's another way to connect with him—or if she should just accept that she might never fit into his world the way she had hoped.

But for now, she's content to sit in the shade, close to her best friend, the one person who makes her feel like she belongs, even when everything else feels uncertain.