Shades of Cool

f. o. u. r.

Gasoline by Halsey

I've had the same glow in the dark stars on my ceiling since I was 12. I arranged them into my personal constellations and would lull myself to sleep daydreaming about being an astronaut that explored each and everyone of them.

The depth of the universe always terrified the living hell out of me. Just like the ocean; it's unknown. It could swallow you whole and no one would know what happened. I yearned to lose control like that.

I was currently staring at the little twinkles of lights on my ceiling. My phone dinged. It was Annie.

"Pabst Blue on the beach?"

Why the fuck not.

I text her just that.

Ten minutes later and I'm tiptoeing barefoot across my neighbors yard and cross the threshold of Last Sol beach. I spot Annie right away. She is enclosed in a circle of people around a campfire, a blue bottle grasped into her hand.

I get déjà vu, realizing where I have seen this scene before. And these people. Next to Annie is Finn and the rest of the familiar faces are his friends.

I briefly think of backing out, but move forward anyway.

"No, he puked all over me." The familiar voice of Stefan Miller filled my ears. He was in my Chemistry class Sophomore year.

"Babe!" Annie tilted her back and smiled at me, holding her hand out for me to grab it. I did. "I'm so glad you came."

I smiled at her and everyone looked at me, some gave me a little greeting, with all friendly smiles.

"About time the party came." Annie exclaims, slightly tipsy. Huck tipped his beer bottle towards me in greeting with a small, shy smile.

"I'm sorry I didn't grace you with my presence sooner, Annabelle."

"Hush." She made a disgusted face. "None of that full name shit."

I looked around the circle for an open seat and I ended up next to a boy named Harrison Jenson. He was in my Language Arts class in middle school and we used to have paper ball fights on the bus.

"Hey there, Bliss." He smiled lazily and slurred my name.

"Long time, no annoyance Mr. Harrison." I hugged my knees close to my chest and laid my head on my knees.

We quietly chatted for about a half an hour about school, family, friends, and everything in between.

I snuck glances at Finn through the entire duration. He's more reserved when he is tipsy, I'm guessing.

Annie has her legs draped on the girl beside her, laughing at her words. She suddenly jumps up and takes off her shirt, running towards the water.

"Let's go swimming!" The alcohol has officially taken over. Harrison starts to get up and struggles to take off his hoodie. All I see is a blur of stumbling bodies heading toward the water.

I'm not drunk enough for that shit.

I hang back, watching them and laughing to myself. Annie is squealing happily and being picked up by another guy I forget the name of.