FISH OUT OF WATER

4. The Three S’s-1

Chapter 4

The Three S’s

My phone buzzes against my cheek. I’ve fallen asleep, a bit of slobber on the open page of my biology textbook. I sit up, disoriented, and wipe my face, surprised to see it’s only 9:38 p.m. when it feels like it should be tomorrow already.

It’s Lily, texting both Sierra and me in our group chat: OK, so that thing I mentioned earlier, Mar? It’s happening! Instead of karaoke, there’s a band playing at the Coffee Beanery. My mom got us tickets from a lady she works with because it’s her kid’s band and anyway, it’s totally sold out so you know it’s gonna be AWESOME!

Sierra: And I don’t have to babysit! One of the kids has chicken pox so boo for them, yay for me! What are we wearing? Lily, you have to dress me. Mar, what are you wearing?

Marina: My dad won’t let me go listen to a band.

Lily: He’ll let you karaoke but he won’t let you go listen to a band?

Sierra: So don’t tell him.

Lily: Yeah, it’s sleepover night. He won’t know if we’re at karaoke or at the concert.

Sierra: Unless he has one of those stalker tracker apps on your phone. Does he?

Marina: Not that I know of. Please don’t tell him about those or he’ll download one.

Lily: My mom tried to do that to my phone and I told her I’d just go buy a new phone. LOL …

Sierra: WHAT ARE WE WEARING, you guys?

Marina: I don’t know if I can sleep over. Swim practice Sunday morning.

Sierra: Mar, you seriously need a day off. You’re going to turn into a fish.

I put my hands against my neck and laugh. I think I’m already sprouting gills.

The bubbles bounce on the screen indicating an incoming response. Tomorrow, lunch, we strategize and coordinate our fashions, Lily says. GTG. I’m watching a livestream and don’t want to miss it.

Sierra responds with a line of kissy-face emojis.

See you beauties tomorrow! xoxoxox, I type.

My dad doesn’t need to know anything more than the basics: I am going to Sierra’s for our usual sleepover, I will be at the pool by eight on Sunday morning, and yes, I promise to text if I need a ride.

While brushing my teeth, I smile at my sudsy reflection. A concert! Live music! A local band! With actual outside people not in bathing suits!

FREEDOM!

Finally, something to look forward to.