Alli:it’s something the upperclassmen does every summer before school starts. we should go!
Translation: we’re going and I’m not taking no as an answer.
It’s 3 a.m., if I shut my eyes now, I’ll probably be asleep around 6 a.m. Here’s hoping the monsters in my head take a night off.
Alli picks me up from my house around 6 p.m. We’re skipping all the lake festivities and showing up just for the cabin party.
“You look so cute. Very summery and showing off some skin.” Alli points out as she glances at me from the driver’s seat. “I’m so proud of you!”
I’m literally just wearing denim shorts with a black tank top and Birkenstocks. I’m asheltered girlwho doesn’t go out very often, so my outfits are always casual and cozy. Alli has tried so many times to give me a closet makeover by lending me her clothes, but it never works out. I put effort into it, I really do, but I don’t know… I mean, trendy clothes look so cute when I see them on social media, but I’ve never felt confident or comfortable wearing them. Maybe I’m just a picky person.
We’re cruising down the scenic route to the end-of-summer lake party and I can’t help but feel a rush of excitement and nerves hit me all at once. The breeze plays with my hair as I gaze out the window at the fading sunlight, painting the sky in shades of orange and pink.
I pull my phone out and snap a picture of the summer skies. I absolutely adore taking photos of the sunset.
“I still don’t understand why you like doing that.”
“Doing what?” I ask, scrolling my camera roll to change my wallpaper to my new favorite sunset.
“Taking pictures of the sun.” Alli makes a right turn, Lake Norman almost in full view. “You know, if you stare at the sun for too long, you’ll be blind.”
I set my phone back in my lap as Alli parks outside the lake house. “Good thing I’m taking pictures, not staring.”
“Still don’t get why you do it. I get it was a trend for a while, but we’re past that.”
I sigh as I unbuckle my seat belt, “Sunsets are the skies’ poetry. It’s beautiful.”
“Alright, Shakespeare,” she chuckles, “don’t say that to any of the hot guys at the party. You’ll scare them.”
I study the spacious lake house in front of me. Holy shit. It sits there, all lit up and buzzing like it’s hosting its own party.Music’s blaring out of open windows, and you can smell the barbecue from miles away. The deck is decorated with cushions and twinkling lights, making it the place to relax for the summer. People are all over the place, laughing and chatting, some sneaking off for a dip in the water. It’s a summer vibe on full display.
“Wow,” I say in awe, “It’s just like in the movies we watch.”
“Welcome to your first and last Skyline lake party!” Alli says while clapping her hands together.
The closer we get to the house, the louder the music becomes, and the more frantic the party seems. Confident by Justin Bieber pumps through the speakers, setting the tone for the evening.
“Is it always like this?” I ask Alli as we weave through the crowd, dodging half-drunk teenagers.
Inside the lake house, the atmosphere is electric. The living area is partly a dance floor. Bright lights flash and bounce off the walls, people are everywhere, either talking or dancing, while some are playing beer pong or pool. The air is filled with excitement, laughter, and the occasional “woo” as someone scores a point in a game. Snacks are found at a nearby counter in the kitchen, and a makeshift bar area offers an array of drinks.
“Yeah, Skyline parties are popular in Charlotte. Some kids come from two, or even three towns over because ours is better.”
I nod as we step into the bustling kitchen, its countertops lined with an assortment of snacks and drinks. I reach for a cold Coca-Cola, the condensation running on the can as we take a minute to settle in.
“So, what’s the plan?” I question, taking a sip of my soda.
Alli twists her water open. “Plan?”
“Yeah.”
“Dios mío,” Alli mumbles, “Whatever the night has in store for us. Just go with the flow, you know?”
“Oh, right, right.” A couple more people our age come into the kitchen, and I watch them grab beers from the coolers next to us. I glance at Alli, “You’re not planning on drinking, right?”
Alli shakes her head. “No, of course not.”
“Sorry for draining the fun. I’m just…”
