Just Add Water

Chapter 21

One weekend morning Lucy, Juvia, and Erza were swimming together through the ocean. This was one of their favorite things to do together, nothing excited them more than riding the waves, swimming with the dolphins, and exploring the coral reefs. It was unlike anything the three of them had ever imagined. They had seen many ocean documentaries in school but they were nothing compared to this. Everything was just so beautiful and so amazing. After an hour of swimming the girls decided to swim to the pool of Tendrou Island and relax in the pool where they talked.

"That was wonderful." Lucy said.

"Riding the waves is so much fun." Erza said. "In my opinion it's way more fun than surfing."

"And the dolphins are so sweet." Juvia said. "I've always liked them you know, even when I was afraid of the water."

"Did you guys see the coral reefs?" Lucy asked. "I wish I could have gotten some pictures. Miss Stellar would love to see these."

"As much as I love Miss Stellar as a teacher." Erza said. "I am so ready for school to be over. Thank goodness it's June next month."

"Oh right June!' Lucy said excitedly. "You know what that means Juvia."

"Oh no. Not that." She sighed.

"What?" Erza asked.

"Every year at the start of June Magnolia has a big festival to celebrate the beginning of summer." Juvia said.

"It's really fun." Lucy said. "There's music and dancing and games! It's all so amazing!"

"So why is Juvia so gloomy about it?" Erza asked.

"Because every year Lucy tries to find dates to take us." Juvia said. 

"Why do you need dates?"

"Because they end the festival with a night of watching fireworks being lunched into the sky and it's just too romantic to watch with your friends." Lucy said.

"But Lucy we never get dates." Juvia said. "Why can't you just spare us the humiliation of rejection and just make it something you go to with friends? Or at least spare me the humiliation."

"I agree Luc." Erza said. "You don't need a date to have fun."

"I know but what's the point in wearing a dress and looking beautiful if there's no one to look beautiful for?" Lucy asked.

"Wait a minute dress?"

"Uh-huh. Lots of the girls who go there wear sundresses and summer frocks."

"Lucy always wears the prettiest ones." Juvia said.

"That's not true but mine are nice."

"They're prettier than mine. I've worn the same plain navy blue dress every year and now I've outgrown it."

"I can always take you shopping for a new one." Lucy suggested.

"Thanks. What about you Erza? Have any nice dresses?"

"Sorry I don't do dresses." Erza said. 

"Why not?"

"They just don't suit me."

"What do you mean?" Lucy asked. "You'd look beautiful in a nice dress for summer."

"Thanks but I don't like dresses. I prefer pants." 

That was a half truth. Yes Erza did prefer pants but she wouldn't mind wearing a nice dress and looking just a little girly once in awhile. But the problem was she couldn't afford a suitable dress and she was embarrassed by that fact so she didn't tell her friends.