The Perfect Frame

3

"Skyler, since we're like friends now, go change."

I frowned looking down at my outfit. Was my 'plain and simple' ugly? I mean, I never really cared but no one usually said anything to me. So, I guess I cared but I never bothered to notice.

"Yeah, this bonfire is like," Amy stopped and thought for words. "The beginning of summer. All the horse kids and the jocks go and party. You meet people and since you're new, you have to dress the part. Well, at least look like you fit in a bit. I would go something a little more thoughtful but casual. Hot but casual."

For Amy being so quiet, she sure had a lot of words.

"Here!" Eden threw at me some clothes, "Go put this on!"

I was pushed back into the bathroom. The shorts I were given made me smile. Back when they were my favorite jeans, Carter somehow got paint on them. So, I cut them and they've been my favorite shorts ever since. The hoodie I had on over my white tank top was thin and grey, with that burn-out feel to it. I grabbed my black belt and walked out.

They looked at me. This was better than my previous choice of jeans and a baggy hoodie.

"Let me see your hair!"

Groan.

Giggles. Two of them giggle hearing someone in pain.

Some great friends I have....

We had all taken turns. To say we looked good was an understatement. Well, they said we looked good to go. I wasn't sure what that meant but they couldn't contain their excitement and that was enough to fuel mine.

I put on my no-show socks and my white converse. The girls wore flip flops. They had told me it was on the beach. But, I was selfconscious of my feet. They were small and chubby, much like my body but more ugly. I always kept them painted but if people didn't have to see them, they weren't going to. That's just the way it is.

They had curled my hair a little bit. The makeup was light and somewhat natural. If it wasn't they said the glow of the fire would make it known. I went with what they said.

I guess they do a lot of these things in the summer. It's their hangout. The beach bonfire place.

I grabbed my phone and followed them out to the car. Music blasting, us screeching, and the summer breeze blowing in the windows. This, this is what summer should be.

The beach was long and beautiful. The sun was just setting and the smoke of the fire was floating. I could see people. About twenty or so people, laughing. Some couples, some trying to get there, and some just enjoying their youth.

"Okay, girls. Have fun and let's all vow, we leave together or let the others know where we're going. Deal?"

We agreed. Who would I leave with? My sister? Ha, she'd leave my ass here. A guy? Nope, my horse, dog, and family are all the guys I need.

We walked over to the fire. I tucked my hands in my pockets and played with the outline of my phone. Nerves clouded my stomach.

"Hey," Eden drowned out and people greeted her and Amy.

"This is Skyler," Eden said, as if they knew who I were.

I looked around. New faces. Some friendly and some not so friendly. Great. Drama already. I took a seat next to Amy who sat on a bench that no one else occupied. I pulled my feet to the end, wanting to hide my legs.

I felt someone slid next to me. I did a quick body check,

Blonde hair, blue eyes. Tall. Tan. Muscles. Bright smile.