melting [pearlet]

n i n e

PEARL

TRIXIE asked me if I wanted to go play tennis. Ever since he's started his "fitness journey" thing he's never stopped asking me to spot him, or be his workout partner. Before he'd usually just sit in his room writing country songs, or dig his grave he'd sulk in for the rest of his life about his ex.

Who even plays tennis? Rhetorically, of course. Why not just play ping pong? I search through my cluttered closet. Shoes scattered everywhere, clothes that were once hung up on a hanger slouch off of it or have fallen to the floor. With a few grams of weed somewhere in a ziplock bag. I forgot to mention, I'm a stoner.

I finally find some "workout clothes." Which means an old t-shirt with basketball shorts and sneakers.

Once arriving to the tennis court, I can't hold in my laughter, Trixie's attire is too hilarious. He saunters over in booty short-like lime green shorts, a white polo, and a white sweatband.

I stand hunched over, holding my tennis racket behind my neck. "You got all dressed up didn't you?" I mock.

   "Let's just play." Trixie motions me to the other side, rolling his eyes.

   I release the pressure from my neck by loosening my grip, letting the racket hit the floor. I drag it down the other side of the court.

   "I'm serving." He starts as he bounces the ball up and down a few times, before grabbing it in midair.

He hits the ball too far for me to run to. I end up looking like a fool tripping after it.

Trixie signals me a caustic thumbs up, "You suck."

"Me?" I sarcastically mock hurt as I place a hand on my chest.

I fetch the ball after brushing the dirt off of my pants. I try copying what Trixie did, throwing the ball up and hitting it upwards.

"So what're you doing tomorrow?"

I bite my lip and tongue hard before blurting, "I...actually might be hanging out with...Violet." I cringe.

"Oh of course it's Violet!" He scowls, "He's taking a toll on you, Pearl. You never have time for your best friend anymore." He hits the hall towards me.

   "Of course I do. And what's your problem with Violet, huh?" I slam the racket against the tennis ball, using all my force.

   "I don't know," He backswings, "I just don't think he seems good for you." After I hit the ball he hits back even harder.

   "What do you mean?" I stop the game, placing my left hand on my hip and the racket in my other hand.

   "Nothing, let's just keep playing."

   I push my tongue to the side of my mouth, creating a lump in my cheek. "Okay."

   The rest of the game is silent. Barely exchanging words. Just an eerie silence.

   Hey guys I know this chapter is very short but I had to publish something. I published it because I would rather have something short than no chapter at all in a week's span. With vacation and all it'll be hard to write. Thank you :)