Annie sighed, she was used to hearing words like that come out of Vanessa's mouth. But usually it was in a more private setting, so instead of ignoring the jab, Annie turned her gaze forward to Vanessa.
"You know Vanessa, you're right. At one point I was fat, but I'm not anymore. Because I fixed some flaws about myself. I grew and matured as a person, instead of hiding behind mean words and snide comments perhaps you should look in the mirror sometime and try to find the same personal growth I did," Annie smiled brightly at Vanessa, "they say that men think personal growth is really attractive."
Vanessa's mouth was agape, Annie had never stood up for herself before and it startled Vanessa to her core.
"Oh she's totally right, personal growth. That'shot," Riley readily agreed.
Rebecca turned her gaze to Riley, red tinting her ears in anger. She had been doing her best to make herself noticed by him, and all Annie had to do was walk into a room! How infuriating!
"I'll have to consider your words then Fa- Annie," spoke Vanessa calmly. Though her facial expression was calm, a storm was brewing inside her, waiting to burst at its seems.
Ellie brought her attention to Annie, "you want to go to the pool?"
Annie smiled and gave a slight nod, setting their plates down they left the group and walked over to the pool. Ellie pulled off her dress and got in, Annie stood at the edge of the pool and looked down at the water, then at her dress.
Anxiety crawled up Annie's spine as she thought about taking her dress off. Was she ready for the questions? Or the look of disgust? Or the look of pity?
"Annie come on in, the water is refreshing," said Ellie who looked at the girl who seemed to be shaking.
Annie let out a slow breath before pulling her dress off, leaving her in her bikini top and shorts. Along her torso was a long deep sc@r, one that from years ago looked ugly and agitated. Along her arms were more sc@rs that went up in long aggressive lines.
Annie didn't stay out of the water for long, quickly jumping in- in hopes that the water would hide or distort the image.
"Oh my God, gross," said Sarah.
"She should cover those up, no one wants to see those," chimed in Peggy.
"We don't have to swim, if you don't want to- I didn't know," whispered Ellie.
Annie shook her head, a small smile on her lips. Grateful that Ellie cared, "no its alright. I enjoyed swimming once upon a time. Hadn't done it in three years."
"Why?" Ellie asked.
"Because she was throwing a fit and tried to k1ll herself by drowning," said Kyson as he hopped into the water, followed by the boys.
Annie rolled her eyes, "has anyone ever told you that you're absolutely rude?" Annie remarked to her brother. She then turned her attention back to Ellie, floating her body above the water. "That's not the whole story but it's a pretty good... gist? Of it."
Ellie nodded, her eyes showing slight pity. But Ellie noted that even if it were three years ago, Annie seemed to be doing good, better than good- great. It seemed like her past didn't haunt her like it would most.
Before she knew what was happening, Riley grabbed Annie by the waist and tugged her down into the water playfully. Annie resurfaced, her black hair soaked and slicked back behind her. Wiping her eyes she hissed "what was that for?"
"I wanted to get you wet," he smirked, enjoying the water droplets run down her chest.
Annie pulled her arms over her chest, "has anyone ever told you that you're a creep?"
Ellie let out a loud laugh, "everyday!"
Ethan let out a little snicker, happy that it seemed- for now, he didn't have to actually worry about Riley taking advantage of Annie.
"Oh! Riley, help me in, it's to cold!" Shreiked Rebecca as she dipped her toe into the water, trying to bring his attention back to her.
"Hmm, I'm good," he said, stealing a glance over his shoulder at the girl in the gold bikini, "get someone else to help you," he shrugged as he pulled Annie closer to his chest before falling backwards into the water with her in his arms.
As Annie resurfaced again she gave Riley a glare, "Stop doing that!" She hissed.
Riley leaned in closer to Annie, dropping his voice down to a whisper, "you're being very loud for someone who secretly thinks I'm the funniest guy in this water," then he spoke clearly for everyone to hear, "besides, you're like a wet cat. Terrifying, but I still kind of want to see what happens if I do it again."
Annie shook her head, creating some distance between the pair of them, "you're not funny, and you don't want to see what will happen if you do, do it again."
"You say 'not funny,' but you're still talking to me. Most girls would have swam to the other side of the pool by now. I think you like the drama," he smirked, like he knew what Annie's heart wanted all along- him.
Annie didn't glare this time, she just looked at him with genuine, exhausting pity. "It's not 'drama,' Riley. It's just annoying. Everyone here is embarrassed for you- I'm just the only one saying it out loud." Annie then turned to Ellie, mummbling lowly for only her to hear, "Ellie, Do we have any more of those drinks left? I need something to wash the taste of desperation out of the air."
Ellie let out a loud laugh that made confusion etch onto Rileys face as the girls exited the pool to dry off and separate from the rowdy group.
Once Ellie and Annie were alone Ellie asked, "is what your brother said true?"
"Step-brother, and from what everyone around here thinks, yes," Annie admitted, "but that's not a conversation for right now," Annie shook her head as she slid her dress back on.