Chapter 8: The Beach Party
"Your little dress looks amazing," Hannah cooed, eyeing the bearded dragon lounging in a doll-sized beach chair, draped in a sparkly mini pink dress. "I made you fabulous. Do you love it? You better love it."
Stephen stepped out of the washroom, towel over her shoulder. "Lisa is my emotional support bearded dragon," she said, deadpan. "My therapist suggested a puppy, but I prefer my companions thick-skinned and cold-blooded."
Hannah squinted. "You're... joking, right?"
Stephen just blinked. "Do I look like I'm joking?"
"...Oh my god," Hannah muttered, thoroughly thrown off by the lizard in couture.
Stephen flopped onto the bed. "Do I have to wear this?" she asked, gesturing to the green bikini Hannah had picked out for her.
"Yes!" Hannah squealed. "You have to look effortlessly hot. Like you just woke up flawless."
She yanked open Stephen's jacket to reveal the bikini — tastefully beaded, accentuated by a dainty snail-shell necklace.
"Why are you squirming like your tampon's halfway out?" Hannah asked, picking between two caps.
Stephen groaned. "I've literally never worn a swimsuit in public before."
"Wow. Priea really did a number on you, huh?"
Stephen sighed and laid back. Hannah perched beside her.
"Forget her," Hannah said gently. "You're already cooler than anyone showing up to NK's party. And trust me, tonight's about more than showing skin."
Stephen sat up, eyes sharpening. "I want to eat my lunch on her shattered ego."
"I love that for you," Hannah said, squeezing her hand. Then she lit up. "Oh, also — there's a greenhouse behind the school with this giant padlock. Only Priea has the key. My gut says it's not just tomatoes she's growing in there."
She held up the two caps to Stephen's head, ultimately choosing the translucent one. "Perfect," she declared, adding a pair of chic sunglasses.
"Now go get the dirt on NK and make revenge mommy proud," Hannah grinned, securing the glasses on Stephen's head like a crown.
---
Scene Shift
Stephen stood at NK's mansion gate, clutching her nerves. Hannah had banned Lisa from tagging along.
When NK opened the door, he pulled her into a friendly hug. He was shirtless beneath a light blue unbuttoned shirt, six-pack casually on display, with medium-length shorts and sunglasses pushed up into his messy hair.
He handed her a champagne glass. "Glad you came," he said, flashing a charming grin.
"Thanks," Stephen replied, accepting the drink, trying not to spill from trembling fingers.
He led her through the massive house and into a backyard that opened right onto the beach. People laughed, danced, posed for selfies — and all of them looked like they belonged on magazine covers.
"Let me introduce you to the crew," NK said, guiding her toward a shaded setup where four people lounged on beach chairs: Sofia, Clowe, Nick, and Sage.
"Hey! There she is!" Nick waved, smiling under his silver chain and black tee, which contrasted perfectly with his smug, bad-boy energy.
"Hi, cutie," Sage purred. She wore a bikini with high-waisted shorts, classic and confident. Her sunglasses glinted in the sun.
"This is Clowe and Sofia," Sage gestured casually. "You've met Nick and, of course, NK."
Sofia sipped her drink. "I love your hat."
Clowe leaned in. "Where did you get it? Can I have it?"
"Clowe, don't terrify the girl," Sage said, chuckling as she lightly touched NK's arm.
"Come sit with us," she added, patting the chair between her and NK.
Stephen obeyed, folding into the seat.
"I love your robe," Sage said, brushing the fabric. "It's so... soft girl meets indie baddie."
Stephen smiled. "Thanks."
"Why don't I know you?" Sage asked.
NK slid his arm behind Stephen. "Because she's new."
He looked at her, warm and protective. "But she's one of us now."
"Aww," Sage cooed. "I love it."
They all settled in — first Sage, then NK, then Stephen — like layers in a scene too perfect to be real.
---
Scene Shift
Meanwhile, Hannah laid back on the opposite side of the beach, soaking up the ocean view. She wore a sleek blue bikini, her hair up in a donut bun, legs crossed, radiating calm — until a familiar voice pierced her peace.
"Look who it is."
She turned. Andrew stood there with a teasing smile.
Hannah smirked. "Are you stalking me?"