Chapter 14: 14- Party at Jade´s pool

Jade and I smile, her room is filled with bags, sandals, and girls' clothes, as most of the girls who swim in the pool have left their things in her room. I undress and apply sun tanning cream on my white and freckled shoulders.

At that moment, Chantall enters Jade's room. She has almond-shaped teary eyes, red and wavy hair falling in front of her face. She's holding a beer in her hand and is wearing denim shorts and the top part of a red bikini.

Chantall dear, what's wrong? - Jade says, approaching her, a tear runs down Chantall's cheek.

I found out that my father is cheating on my mother.

Oh, Chantalle, I'm so sorry. That's such shocking news, someone you love so much, betraying your trust. I can't even imagine what you're feeling - I say sympathetically, placing my hand on her shoulder.

My mom and I always used to tell each other everything - Chantalle says, tears streaming down her face. - But she hired a detective, I overheard them at home today, talking about catching my father with the other woman. Chantalle enters the room just as Jade and I are putting on our swimsuits. Jade is wearing a green beach bikini and sits next to Chantalle on her luxurious silk pillows.

Oh my God, that's a great idea, I could hire a detective to find out who my dad is seeing. Although right now, I think he's steady with his new girlfriend - Jade adds, looking deep into my eyes. I can't help feeling jealous at the thought that Jade is referring to my mom and James as if they were still a couple.

Well, maybe you should just let your father be happy with his new girlfriend - I say, looking at Chantalle intently. Her eyes are filled with tears.

She's a 23-year-old girl, studying Psychology at the University - she says.

She's a girl, if he were dating an adult woman his age. But it just makes me sad to see my father hiding her because he's ashamed of her.

Maybe he's just trying to protect you, that's why he hasn't told you anything yet - I say, realizing that I'm defending Chantalle's father's girlfriend, as she is a young girl just like me. Does James also hide us because he's ashamed of the age difference? I wonder.

The important thing is that your mother and you stay united - Jade says. - Look at Vicki and me, we're best friends because we never hide anything from each other.

Right, Vick? - Jade sweetly asks me.

Of course - I affirm, feeling somewhat uncomfortable.

Come on, beautiful, let's enjoy the sunny day and go swimming - Jade says. - The pizza should be arriving soon - she adds with excitement.

Vicki, can you call the pizza delivery? The cash is in my wallet.

Sure - I nod and take Jade's wallet and head towards the front door.

I call the delivery and it takes less than 5 minutes. I grab the 5 pizza boxes and pay in cash. Smiling, I enter Vicki's house and place the pizza on the kitchen counter.

I know James isn't home, he messaged me in the morning saying he would be meeting his intellectual friends, as his editor wants to publish his new book.

Two high school boys I've seen in biology class are kissing on the couch, a couple of beers are sitting on the table.

Jade walks into the kitchen and grabs a slice of pizza, I take one too. I feel the melted cheese burn my tongue.

Mmm, delicious - Jade says. Now that she's in a swimsuit, she looks beautiful, stunning. She thinks the same of me because she tells me,

Wow, you look gorgeous - she affirms. I'm wearing a silver swimsuit that glimmers in the sunlight, holding up my bust, my abs and legs are exposed, and a sheer white beach miniskirt covers my hips and behind.

You look amazing too.

She responds with a smile, looking out towards the pool through the kitchen window.

Hey Vick, we need to talk about something - Jade says seriously. My heart stops, I'm not ready to talk to her about James and my mom, as I know Jade has already seen them together.

I thought we were best friends.

And we are, Jade. Why do you ask?

Well, Chantall told me that in Literature class, you fell asleep in front of the whole class. And later, you acted a bit strange.

Strange? - I ask confused.

To be more specific, she said you seemed like a sleepwalker.

Well, I'm not a sleepwalker, I never have been - I affirm, looking directly at Jade. - I couldn't just start being one now, right?

Jade's cat, Charlie, enters the kitchen and jumps onto the marble counter, walking between us, purring and swishing his tail.

I'm not a sleepwalker, but you know, that morning in Literature class, I had a somewhat strange dream.

Strange? - Jade inquires.

Yeah, I dreamt about a beach and well, I discovered some things about myself, my emotions.

You know, my mom used to be a sleepwalker - Jade adds.

She was?

Yes, Dad used to say that at night, she would get up, get dressed, and even eat in a sleepwalking state, and she wouldn't remember anything the next day.

The curious thing is that it had never happened to me before - I explain.

Okay, you need to be careful, maybe you're just a bit anxious about Alyssa, your mom, and her new romance, but trust that he's a good man and everything will be fine - Jade says sweetly. - I love you like a sister - she adds and takes another bite of pizza. Then she glances towards the pool, and in her eyes, I see a passionate sparkle.

Are you waiting for Cameron? - I ask her.

Yeah, he said he would come - she inquires.

You know, I've been thinking, I'd like to have a side job. I mean, financially, I'm fine. My dad left enough money for my mom and me, and she started working as a fashion designer in the city, and we're doing well - I affirm.

But I would like some extra income, and going out and having some fun would do me good. I was thinking maybe I could play the piano? I love it, and I could put into practice what I've learned about music.

My dad was a pianist and taught me how to play the piano when I was really young.

Wow, Vicki, that sounds like a great idea. You'll do great. Right now, I have my hands full with activities, classes, advanced French, makeup courses, and working at the Modeling Agency. All of that helps me not to give Cameron all of my attention.

I know, we should always focus on ourselves.

Yes, if you want to play the piano and work, I fully support you - Jade says. Then she excitedly walks towards the baby grand piano in the main living room of her house, taking another slice of pizza.

Please, delight my ears - she asks me with a smile. I walk towards the piano.

Guys, this isn't a hotel. Go make out somewhere else - Jade says, smiling, looking at the two guys who were kissing on her couch.

Erick, go swimming, there's pizza in the kitchen. Please take it outside for everyone to enjoy - Jade tells them.

They get up from the couch.

Sorry, Jade - Erick says, holding the girl's hand, and they head towards the pool.

I sit in front of the piano and start playing. First, I play a piece by James Blunt, my favorite piece, and the song "Goodbye my lover." Then I move on to another piece, "Skinny Love" by Birdy. At that moment, the doorbell rings and Jade opens the door.