Where the Sun Sets

Part 1 | Ashley

This is way too revealing for me. 

I didn't really expect to be at the mall shopping for a new pair of swimwear. It's all thanks to the pool party Carter is hosting and my best friend Jenna urging me to update my wardrobe. The bra is practically spilling my assets out... 

Definitely not my size.

~

I wearily walk around the mall with the sixty-dollar damage done on one hand and my matcha latte on the other. The phone in my pocket begins to vibrate as I get text notifications from the group chat. 

For some reason, Carter wanted to invite all the men in the world and just a sprinkle of girls. The chat begins to flood with random numbers saying they're excited and asking to bring alcohol, weed, and whatever else. Too bad I don't partake in any of that. The whole reason Carter is throwing a pool party rager is that he's taking off to college out-of-state. Growing up in a small town made that a huge deal for anyone.

I've known Carter since elementary. We had attended the same school until he left for a private school in high school. Barnhart School for Boys. Richy, preppy, and stuck up. Good thing Carter didn't become any of that. He's goofy and real, but always down to earth. He and I fell off until he spontaneously came back mid-senior year. He said he didn't "miss me", but I like to think otherwise.

Jenna has been my ride or die since forever. She's everything I'm not. Bubbly, decisive, and the textbook definition of an extrovert. She's real protective of me which I like. I know she has my back and would always have my best interest. 

As the chat blows up, I get a text message from her:

hey queen

did you buy the green one?? you're going to look so sexy in itttt like ong

one of carter's friends has GOT to be lookin at them tatas girl

I laugh to myself. Jenna always knew how to up my confidence. To be honest, I never really found myself to be comfortable around guys. Let alone, in a bathing suit. This Saturday might be the scariest party of my life.