Lovely Bones {Sequel to Skinny Love}

A Relaxing Day by the Pool

Emma’s POV

“Em, this would look amazing on you!” Avery exclaims. She was currently holding up a navy blue bikini in her hands. The girls thought it would be a good idea to shop for bathing suits while shopping for an outfit for tonight. Joan invited us all over for a barbeque/pool party tomorrow.

“No offense, Avery, but I don’t feel comfortable being in a bathing suit quite yet.” I look down to the ground, shame filling me up. I was going to be with my best friends, yet I couldn’t let them see my in a bathing suit. I truly am pathetic.

“It’s fine, Em. We’ll find something that’ll look totally hot on you.” Carly winks my way, and a chuckle escapes my mouth.

“Can it at least be long sleeve?”

*~*~*

The sun was blaring above us. It was about 97 degrees out, but it felt like more. Everyone else was splashing in the pool, or lounging in their bathing suits around the deck. I recline myself in a chair by the pool, but I am not in a bathing suit. I relax in shorts and a long sleeve shirt, concealing my cuts. Riley was the only one who knew about them. I was dying in this shirt, but it was better than everyone knowing what I’ve been up to behind the bathroom due.  

My legs were left open to the sun, and I was glad I don’t burn. I’ve never burnt in my life. It was a blessing. I remember when I took my dogs out one time. I sat in our lawn chair while they ran around the yard for ten minutes. I went inside and got in the shower to see my tan lines from my shorts.

Avery always burns, but when she does tan she sends me texts of her barely visible tan lines after sitting in the sun for three hours. Then there’s Carly, who once put tanning lotion on so she could wear shorts to school. She ended up missing a few spots on her ankles. It was the funniest thing I’ve ever seen, though she didn’t think so. Riley was helping Thomas cook on the grill, while everyone else was laughing and having fun. Unfortunately, Jo decided to make an appearance, though I think part of that was Toby’s doing.

He’s barely looked at me since the morning after the storm. The whole thing was childish to me. He was the one who was a jerk to me, yet I feel like I should be the one to apologize. That isn’t how it’s supposed to work.

Jo saunters over towards me, and I roll my eyes though she can’t see through my dark sunglasses. I slide them up to the top of my head and look up at her. I have to squint because the sun was in my eyes. It was lighting up her curvy frame and flat stomach. Her curls looked godly and in that moment, I hated her more than I’ve ever hated anyone in my life.

“Can I help you?” I ask. I try not to be rude, but I’m not sure if I could conceal my disgust fully.

“Actually, I want to help you!” She exclaims. “You cannot be comfortable in that.” She points to my shirt, and I defensively cross my arms over my chest.

“I’m fine.” I protest, not hiding my annoyance. This was her chance to leave before I got so angry I might just deck her in the face. She decided to press me further.

“Why don’t you change into your bathing suit? Maybe then you wouldn’t look like a sweating pig.” She lowers her voice so I was the only one who could hear. I grind my back teeth, a bad habit of mine, and curl my toes.