The Best Days

Chapter 5 Part 2

Patrick punched Gavin on the shoulder while saying something we couldn't quite make out. Instantly, Keisha and her crew of skanks were forgotten and a few of the boys that mattered headed over in our direction. The girls pretended not to notice.

"What's up, ladies? How you doing?" Gavin said, flashing everyone that smile of his that I decided I hated.

"Hi, there. I don't believe we've met. I'm Erika." Erika held out her hand for a shake.

Shaking her hand, Gavin raised his brows in slight surprise, seemingly taken aback by her forwardness. "Yeah, you're Jenny's friend. You were in my orientation group."

Erika seemed pleased that he'd remembered.

They all then proceeded to go around and give introductions.

"I'm Haley." Haley waved to the guys. She looked at Patrick as if it were the first time they'd ever met. Smart girl.

"And I'm Kendra. Do you guys remember me?" Kendra asked eagerly bouncing up and down in her seat.

"How could we forget someone as cute as you, Kendra?" one of the guys said.

Kendra beamed.

"Yeah, you were wasted at my party," Gavin added. "Jenny here had to carry you home." He pointed a thumb in my direction. I waved it off like it was no big deal.

Kendra frowned. "I know. I got a little out of control..."

"Hey, don't sweat it." He gave her an encouraging pat on the back. "We're all entitled to getting a little wild every once in a while."

"I will emphasize the very important, 'once in a while'." Patrick said, play punching Kendra on the chin.

She fanned him away like she didn't like it. But little did he know Kendra was probably dying on the inside.

"You guys already know me....Jenny." I was the last to introduce myself. Though I'm not sure if it's still called introducing if you've met the persons before.

"Yes, definitely can't forget you," Gavin said, giving me a meaningful look.

It was really awkward for me because me and Gavin didn't share anything meaningful.

Patrick clasped his hands together enthusiastically, very reminiscent of Haley. "Are you ladies gettin' in the pool or what?"

We all gave him blank looks. But it was Erika who spoke up for us. "We are not getting in there."

Patrick looked around at all of us incredulously. I knew we had to seem super dumb to him. "Oh, come on. Why not?"

"It's probably cold." Erika said, slipping her sunglasses back over her eyes. Very lame excuse, I thought, considering it was the sun outside.

Patrick went over and crouched at the edge of the pool. He dipped a hand in the water and waded it around. "It's warm. You guys should get in."

Kendra got up and started pulling off her semi see though swimsuit cover-up to reveal an orange two piece and a washboard stomach. "I'm getting in."

"What? Why?" Haley exclaimed. "What about your hair?" She added a bit more quietly.

"Giirl, I'll just get it fixed later!" She waved it off with a cute smile.

She had a playful glint in her eye as she ran over and leaped onto Patrick's back causing him to lose balance and fall into the water. The splash sent droplets flying my way. I made haste to avoid them at all costs.  Kendra and Patrick resurfaced a bit later spewing water and laughing.