Dangerous Thirst

(Kitty is the girl in the bottom right corner!)

As I lay in the sun, my pale skin red from sun exposure, I thought deeply about the roses that grew on Evergreen Lane. They were never watered, and it never rained, but still they didn’t wither. Nor did the roses lose color or sag depressingly. Even the soil in which they were rooted was rocky and barren. So what kept them alive? I thought to myself. Maybe it was the way the wind blew so perfectly, ruffling their soft petals as it went.

“Kitty....Kitty?” I was snapped out of my trance as Tracy called my name. She searched my face with soft, green eyes.

“Yeah...sorry. I was just lost in thought.” She smiled so warmly that the sun should have been jealous.

“You’re always thinking about something, kitty. It’s very interesting. That’s why I keep you around.”

“Oh, really?” I laugh as I stand, wrapping a towel around my body.

“So, are you going to school on Monday?” I shoot her a puzzled glance.

“Yes, why wouldn’t I?” she smiles and raises her eyebrows suggestively. Oh no, I know that look, she was going to try and set me up with another one of those stupid football players.

“Just making sure...heard there’s a new guy in town. Also heard that he is wicked hot.” I laugh.

“Tracy! Are you already eyeing him without even actuaily seeing him?” She smiles and she shakes her head, a naughty look plastered across her beautiful face.

“No, I’m not eyeing him.....for me..” I look back at her as we walk toward the car, my auburn hair smelling of chlorine and sunscreen.

“You need to get out there, you know, Kit. I mean, it’s senior year,” she says empathetically.

“I know, I know, I just... don’t particularly favor any of the boys in this town,” she smiles as she rolls her eyes.

“That’s exactly why you should try and get to know this new guy. I mean, you never know, he could be the one.”

“Fine. I’ll try to get cozy with this new dude. But don’t say I didn’t tell you so when this all doesn’t work out.” She smiles and closes her car door as I close mine.

“I have a good feeling about this! Positive energy!”

“Oh, brother. Take me home already!” I tease, we both laugh, and talk as she drives. As much as Tracy is pushy about me dating, I still love her; she’s been my best friend for years now. I don’t know what I would do without her. I’d be so lost.

“Love you so much!!!” she says as she pulls into my driveway.

“I love you too!” I bring her into my embrace and kiss her cheek.

“Okay, so no skipping Monday,” she orders as I climb out of the car.

“I won’t, scouts honor.”

“Bye!”

“kitty!”

“Yes?”

“Please don’t dress like a homeless man either.” We both laugh hysterically. In the past, when she would try to introduce me to guys, I’d dress like a hobo/homeless man to ward them off.

“I’ll be a pretty princess, don’t worry.” With that, I closed the car door and went inside. I greeted my mother and father as I took off my Converse.

“How was the pool, sweetie?”

“It was good, I think I have a slight sunburn.”

“Oh no. Well, at least it was fun. How’s Tracy? She usually comes in for a bit after you guys hang out.”

“She’s doing alright, she had a calculus test to study for, so she didn’t have the time.” My mother smiles and nods and hands me a plate of spaghetti. My favorite thing in this world, well, other than bubblr and caffeine, and marylin monroe, and Billie Eilish. As I ate, my mind drifted off to the idea of this new guy. uhg I’m gonna have to actually try Monday. I usually just throw on sweatpants and a t-shirt, pulling my hair back into a messy bun. Don’t get me wrong, there was a time when I woke up at 5:30 every day before school to do my hair and a full face of makeup, but those days are long gone.

I washed the dishes and went up to my room. It felt so relieving to finally plop down on my bed, the worries temporarily forgotten. I drifted off into a peaceful sleep, my mind relaxing along with my body.