Inflowing Tide (#Wattys2016)

(5) Friendship Bonds

When I get to the bottom stair; I could hear mom and Josie laughing. 'Him' is probably Tony! He is the only guy mom would let in this early.

I hurried to the living room and just as I predicted; Tony in the living flesh...as if he was dead.

He sent me a forgiving smile "Good morning sleepyhead" he winked as out eyes met.

"Mom, really? You could've told me it was Tony. I wouldn't get all dressed up. Good morning Ton- alarm clock" I tease and the room lights up with laughter. Tony rolls his eyes

"You call that dressed up?" He couldn't mask his amusement. I giggled as I sat down next to him and rested my head on his shoulder "Shut up." I whispered failing to convince anyone I didn't find him amusing.

Tony and Josie are the same age, but since they had something going on a few years ago, we became closer and their encounters have become somewhat awkward. I can tell Tony and Josie, were extremely awkward. I have asked Tony if he wants to go outside.

When we get outside; I'm suprised by the sunny weather. We were seated on the steps at the entrance to our foyer.

I can't remember the last time I was out here, the plants have bloomed and it smells of summer. I was obsessed with nature and unashamed thereof.

"So, what's up?" Tony said "Ah, you know the usual being a superhero, saving lives." He laughs and fist bumps my shoulder

"Really? I'm a girl, you shouldn't forget that." I squealed as I grabbed my shoulder.

"You couldn't be a girl even if you tried" I rolled my eyes at him in amusement.

I lied my head down on his shoulder, we watched the younger kids riding their bicycles.

"Remember when we did that?" He said dryly.

"Are you too old to do it now?" I fail to control my sarcasm. He stayed in silence knowing if he'd say anything more, I'd bury him...in sarcasm that is.

"So, are you going to Lola's party tonight?" he seemed anxious to ask me.

"I don't know, T. Parties aren't my thing and besides I should be studying." I arch an eyebrow at him.

"On a Saturday night? Come on Savy...it's going to be fun" He is going to be this persistent until I give him an answer "I'll see what I do." I mumbled to shut him up.

"It's your farewell soon. Have you started dress hunting yet?" I narrowed my eyes at his random question.

It's common to have a farewell dance when you're in your last year of highschool.

"I'm trying to get through exams first." He rolls his eyes at me "I have to leave, I just came to find out if you're going to the party let me know, okay?" he said as he began to leave. "Bye, T!" I yelled before I hurried inside.

I wander inside my room and get my cell phone to text Sierra.

-Lola's party? -Savy

-Yep. You? -Sierra

-Yes, Tony invited me. Come over and get done at my place? -Savy

I only said yes because now I know I'd be with Sierra.

-Sure, will be there in a few hours. -Sierra

Saturday evening

My friends are going to this party; to be honest I don't really want to go. Sierra is persistent and if I told her I no longer wanted to go, she would be here anyway, dragging me along.

I sat down at my desk and turned on classical music to study some notes before my friends got here.

Mom had let Sierra in; she was at the mirror coating her eyelashes with mascara.

Sierra has always been effortlessly beautiful. She was skinny with brunette curly hair that hung above her breasts, she wore specs but, her personality never matched her appearance. She was popular at school and we were basically friends since primary school. She looked like a model considering she always has a high pony tail.

"You're not wearing that!" she exclaimed when she spotted my reflection behind hers in the mirror.

"What's wrong with this?" I whispered as I looked down at my t-shirt, jeans and sneakers. "What's not wrong with that!" she said in an amused.

"I hate you." I whispered as she walked over to my closet and started pairing clothes together.

"Here." she handed me a bundle of clothes

"You're the worst." I sulked "You'll thank me later." She burst into laughter, I mirrored her. She had a way of dealing with everything, even my comfortable taste in clothing.

I was wearing a black skinny jeans, white t-shirt, my leather jacket paired with my ankle boots.

"Come on, Savy... You need red lipstick with that outfit!" Sierra sounded proud of herself.

She forcefully plastered my lips red and even if I wouldn't admit it, she did well! My hair was hanging down my back, wavy. I look like a different person.

She wrapped her arms around my kneck "Let's do this!" She exclaimed and her excitement rubbed off on me.

I was seemingly happy to be going to this party!