Knocking on thirty, single, and plus-sized, Nina finds herself stuck in-between a rock and a hard computer desk chair. Wanting to add some fun in her life, Nina decides to take a co-worker's offer to attend a pool party. What starts to be a small...
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Arriving back at the pool party, I handed my taxi driver a few bills. I wasn't sure what time it is, but the squawking and howling of the men and women at the party is rivaling that of the music. There are massive bubbles drowning the front lawn. Folks are running around shooting each other with water guns. Someone created a massive slip and slide on top of the hill. People stood in line waiting their turn to ride the slide to the bottom.
I took a deep breath and exited the taxi cab. I am shaking, though the night air is warm. I had every intention to take the cab home, but watching Gems leave with her family, she turned back to me, and gave me the thumbs up. That moment with her wouldn't stop replaying in my mind.
I have the right to be here just like anybody else, Dammit.
I do belong.
Doubtfully, I took my first steps out of the taxi cab. My heart is pounding. I loosen the straps of my swimsuit cover up, each one felt like weights as they dangled downwards. I quickly surveyed the area, wondering is anyone watching me.
In the back of my mind, I am hoping that someone will see my distress and give me words of encouragement, support, or maybe even a slow clap. I am waiting for this to be like the movies.
Headlines: "Woman who finally has grown enough courage to face her fears, get back at all those who wronged her, and show everyone who she really was all along."
But the fact is, I am scared. Every part of me wants to turn back before it's too late, before I regret this decision. Fat girls don't go to pool parties. My shoulders slump forward. I squeeze the strings on my cover up as hard as I could. I started to make my way back to the parking lot when, LiL' Shrimp Mo Money, Shake, Shake, Shake, that Bubble Azz, played right on cue.
I don't know if it is the stupid beat or that catchy hook, but suddenly, all I want to do is shake my ass too. Unwrapping my heavy cover up, I let it fall around my ankles. I am exposed. Every curve, every dimple, every lump, and every bump. All on full display.
I feel vulnerable.
Fat girls do go to pool parties.
Gems flashed into my mind. For the most part, it dawned on me all at once, how she could still smile.
This. This song is for me. I thought, as I began dancing my fat ass up the hill to the pool party.
Thank you guys for reading. This is my first ever short story. Remember I am exploring genres. I want to hear how I can better this story, and I can't do that without your help. Please. Vote for your favorite chapters and comment on your favorite parts. Thank you again!
