Chapter 60 - 60: Pool Party IV

(Michelle POV)

After listening to the words tug of war, I felt a bit disappointed. But then, it was also a good game to play, you know, what with, bonding with the group, like 'hi! We're friends, awesome, great going.' Ugh. Fine. I will now stop my stupid assumption that Andy might like me as a potential girlfriend and would say that he truly was only being friendly to me. Whatever. Let me stand next to Anthony during the game, maybe I can pretend to stumble so that I can feel his body close to mine. His muscled white torso was truly a sight for sore eyes too!

Recovering, I heard people cheering, and I saw that the game was going to begin. I don't know if it was me who took my hand from Andy or it was Andy who let go, but, oh well, I didn't delve on that any longer.

We all went by the pool's side. I saw that there were 6 teams on the water comprised of pairs, a girl and a boy where the girl was sitting on the boy's shoulders. Wah! The game was 'shoulder wars!' and I was a little annoyed I did not get to play. I mean, I wanted to try it out, I think it's better than tug of war. Anyhow, we saw Kate was joining with the guy Harley, and she seems to be really having fun. Great going for her! Why did the pool bar have to be nearer to the group's location? Andy should have recruited Kate instead of me.

I tried not to frown and just cheered for Kate. I have to say, she was really competitive and at the end, she and Harley won. Aish! Let me be positive about it and be thankful that I did not embarrass myself by joining. 

Now, the MC started announcing that for the next game, they need 10 volunteers per team and this time, Andy volunteered and made all of us join, except, Kate who can't join anymore because she already participated in the first game. Anyway with 7 of us, the other members who became part of our team were random. Andy knew them of course and introduced them to us. By the way, they were all girls to even out the number.

As we were taking our position in line, I tried to stand in front of Anthony, so I can like, pretend to hug him when we win out of elation. But of course, that did not happen as a more forward girl came to stand behind me and tried to talk to Anthony before the game began. Bitch must be having the same thought as me. GRRRR. Never mind this is just a pool game and I will still have my chance later at night.

So, with that, we started playing tug of war, and I pulled the rope along with my teammates. I guess the guys were really competitive what with wanting to prove their macho-ness so we won. I turned around to look and true to my expectation, random girl hugged MY Anthony. Aish! I looked forward again only to see that Andy who was standing in front of me has already turned around to look at us his teammates. Our eyes met, and I smiled at him showing him my thumbs up. He smiled back and winked at me. I no longer had the need to interpret it other than him being playful. 

--

After the tug of war, there were still other pool games that followed. We all gathered around the pool to watch and just have fun. Andy was busy as he was the host of the party, while Anthony hanged out with the boys. I was left with Lara, and we had fun even though it's just us.

Her, making silly comments about people in the party, while me, enjoying the ambiance. 

When it was sunset, I started to smell some barbecue being cooked. The snacks on the buffet table were getting replaced by cooked barbecued lobster, king crab legs, some meat, etc. Ah, I realized that it was set up that way for us to just get food and continue the fun. 

Feeling hungry, I asked Lara if we can have dinner now. She nodded her head, and we started to get some food along with some others. At this part, I was thankful that I wore this swimsuit coz unlike the other girls who can't eat some food, afraid that even a little might make their exposed belly larger, I didn't have to think about that. Not that I ate a lot, but I was hungry, and the food smelled great.

After having dinner, Lara decided that it's time to go back to our respective rooms. She invited me and Kate to go back with her, to which we agreed. We three said 'bye and see you later' to the boys and left the pool area.

As we exited the elevator to our floor, Lara suggested that we prepare for the party later together. Excited with some girl bonding, me and Kate enthusiastically agreed. Checking the time we saw that it's 6:45 pm, we decided to meet in Lara's room at 9:00 pm.

With that, we went our separate ways to get back to our room and rest for a while.

--

When it was 9pm, I rang the doorbell in Lara's room. She opened the door and pulled me in. Inside, Kate was already there. Clothes were haphazardly thrown on the bed, and the atmosphere was like we're going for some battle.

"Uh, what's up?" I asked, a bit confused.

"UGH!!! I can't believe those girls earlier!" Lara exclaimed. "Did you see how they kept looking down on us? I mean, I'm so annoyed! They think they're so much hotter than we are and ugh! Also, that girl earlier, what did she mean by calling me little missy!?" she complained.

"Lara, calm down. What are you trying to say anyway?" Kate said.

"Hmpft. You two had a bad case of choosing your wardrobe, especially you Michelle. So tonight, we have to show them who's boss here."

Kate gave an exasperated sigh, "Usually, I would agree with you, but now, what are we to do? They are indeed sexier than we are. Anyhow, just stop with that nonsense now and let's just prepare for the night and get some hot boys. I mean, I already have a date for the night." she announced.

I looked at her, excitedly and asked, "Harley?"

Kate gave an eyeroll, "Him? No, no, I have a better prospect now. James Fu asked me to be his date."

I tried to recall if I know a James Fu from the future, but I came out with a blank.

Looking at my slightly shocked face, Lara laughed, "Kate, don't shock Michelle here too much with your conquests. Michelle, you need to level up. I mean, you need to understand that everyone here is planning to hook up, like especially later. By the way, I saw Louis Go going gooey eyes for you. What do you think of him?" she asked, while thinking, 'Andy should have a taste of his own medicine. Like, Michelle is such a nice girl and I genuinely like her. Now, Andy did say that he likes Michelle, not that Michelle knew. But anyway, he was acting all flirty with Elizabeth earlier. He should know that Michelle wasn't like all those girls who always throw themselves at him.' 

"Uhm… I do understand that much. Actually, earlier, if you guys did not come along, then I would have already joined that game with Louis. I think he's hot." I said honestly.

Lara laughed, delighted with my words. "HA! That's good to know! I always thought you were a virginal Mother Mary. I mean, uh, sorry you just gave off that vibe. I guess, glad to know I was wrong hehe…"

I shook my head as I smiled, "It's okay. I just feel a little shy, but really, I'm a normal teenager too." What? I guess these teenagers have the same thought as my 31-year-old self. Or was it that my brain was like a hormonal teenager too? Oh well. Whichever the case, I need to be more honest with the girls. 

Lara grinned, "So, tell me honestly, do you like any of the guys with us? Me and Kate here won't take it against you."

Kate also smiled and nodded her head, I guess, I passed her scrutiny and now we're real friends too.

I blushed but then I thought that for this, I need the girls' help, at least somewhat. Besides, seems like none of them liked the same guy I did, so it's ok to be honest. "I… I like Anthony." 

There was a moment of silence.

When I looked up, I saw Lara and Kate looking at each other as if shocked. Then, the two started laughing.

I looked at them confused, "Why is it so funny?" 

The two shook their head, then Lara said, "nothing! Nothing! We just thought that if you were to like anyone in the group, it would be Andy!"

"Oh, ok. I do like Andy too to be honest, but I guess I like Anthony more?" I announced.

Kate giggled, "Well, that's the way to go. I mean, can't cast all eggs in one basket! Unlike Lara here." she announced as if proud of me.

Lara pouted, "What's wrong with me liking only Steven? I'm a stick to one kind of girl I tell you. Besides, he's…"

"Ok Lara, stop, I don't want to hear your delusions about that ice pop." Kate said as she raised her hand to give her the stop sign.

Lara turned red in indignation, I laughed. Ah, it's fun with the girls. I never had something like this before, but now that I do, I guess, friendship aside from love life was also a good thing.

--

TBC