"I put on makeup to express myself. I could care less about my so-called insecurities."
Aura Chandler was so sure she had her life figured out. After securing a photoshoot gig with up-and-coming musician Lacey Redd, she was convinced she would get d...
Tyson wrapped an arm around her, pulling her closer. She leaned a head on his shoulder, eating the last of her messy treat. He chuckled as she struggled to lick the remaining melted chocolate from her arm. She stuck her tongue at him as he shook his head, opening a bottle of beer.
After a few minutes, he offered her a sip of his drink as Daniel spoke about his latest goal: trying to convince a girl he met to be his girlfriend. Corey smacked Daniel on the arm, the sound echoing around the shore.
"Hey!" Daniel complained.
"You don't convince a girl to like you, idiot. If she likes you, she'll be there. If you have to plan like a madman for that to happen, you're probably gonna force her into it, and that's a no-no." Corey pointed his beer to his friend, who pouted as he rubbed his arm.
"I'm just fighting for her," he explained.
"Nah, I know you well enough to know that's bullshit."
"Well, I —"
"Aura?"
The argument died across the fire pit. Aura turned to find Zachary a few feet behind them. He was accompanied by his own crew of friends. Hayes, Callum, and Parker stood around, looking over at the hang out set up. However, Millie and Iris stared straight at her, shock shown on every inch of their faces.
"Um, hey," she said lamely. Her childhood friends stared at the rich individuals warily.
"I kept looking for you that other night, but I couldn't find you after I left my room." Zachary took a few steps forward, but stopped when he finally saw Tyson's arm around her. "Millie and Iris said you took off. Did something happen?"
Aura wanted to puke as the memory of the party at Zachary's house replayed in her head. He had been trying to get her alone since she got to the party, and when he did, he was all over her. She wasn't in the mood, but he didn't seem to be getting the memo.
"Um, I just had something to do," she offered. It wasn't a complete lie, she did have that thing with Tyson. It was very last minute, but she preferred being with him than staying at a stupid party with lame rich people who only knew how to drink and be entitled.
Tyson's arm started slacking off her shoulders.
"Ah." Zachary scratched the side of his head, looking uncomfortable to be having that conversation. "I guess I'll talk to you soon then?"
"Sure." Aura smiled as the crew walked away. All of them gave her quizzical looks, especially Millie. She scowled at Tyson's closeness to her, but huffed and ran to Zachary's side.
Once they were far enough, Aura turned to Tyson, who completely let go of her. He coughed and set his beer down.
"You were with him the other day?" He asked.
The rest of the group stayed silent, waiting for her to explain herself. Aura took a shaky breath and nodded.
"They invited me to a party, and since you had those meetings, I was going to be at home. I saw the opportunity and took it."
He frowned. After a few minutes of silence, he stood up and walked away. The group said nothing and watched as she got up to go after him.
"Tyson," she called out. He didn't turn around. She jogged to catch up to him, but he was determined not to look at her. "Tyson, please. I thought we concluded that it was fine for me to be friends with him even if you didn't like him."
He stopped walking, turning to her abruptly. She swallowed hard when she saw his eyes, hurt at the forefront of them.
"You can be friends with whoever you want, Aura, but that guy thinks he's with you. Do you think I don't know what's going on online? Juni sent me screenshots of Zachary's comments. He calls you his girl."
Her shoulders slacked remembering the comment that started all the dating rumors. It was just that: rumors. She wasn't involved with him. One makeout session didn't equal a relationship. It was fun for a bit, but she found something better in Tyson. A man of hard-work, genuine love, and someone who respected her beyond what she thought was possible.
"Aura, I need you to be real with me." He pinched the base of his nose. "Have you guys... you know?"
She bit down on her lip. "We made out once. He's tried to do more after that."
Tyson breathed in and looked away. He stuffed his hands inside of his jean pockets. Her lips trembled as she tried not to cry. She regretted that moment of fun as Tyson gazed over at the ocean.
"It was a long time ago, Tyson," she explained. "It was before I even realized I liked you."
"So, you made out with this guy and then got with me. You've had a busy summer." His voice haunted her. It tried to come out teasing, but it lacked the comedy it wanted to portray. "And even after I told you I did not like that guy, you made me believe you were just friends when something had happened, and yet you still go with him to a party."
"Tyson —"
"What? Did you make out again? He said you were in his room."
"Please just let me explain."
"No, I've heard enough." He shook his head and left her there. He walked back to the fire pit, back slouched and hands stuffed in his pockets.
Aura ran a hand through her hair, and gazed down at the sand. It got inside her shoes, bothering her feet, but, in the moment, she didn't care. The salty air of the ocean brought her back to reality, so she turned to the group. They were leaning towards Tyson, seeming to listen to whatever he was saying. If he was saying anything.
She wiped the tears away, and decided to leave. She was in no mood to deal with an entire group against her. She'd rather go home until everything simmered down.
With one last look at Tyson's back, she walked away from the shore.
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