The announcement of my alarm wasn't as devastating today. I got up after just one buzz and gathered my things for my daily bathroom routine. After a vomit-inducingly anxious and busy as all hell first week of camp, I was elated for the weekend to finally be here. Not just that, but my nerves had actually returned to a fairly neutral state. After our talk yesterday, Rikki and I picked up some snacks and watched shitty movies in our PJs while the rest of the cabin was out celebrating the end of the first week at the lake. I convinced myself I wasn't jealous.

I had almost made it to the showers when I was interrupted by a voice yelling my name in the darkness. Even before I make out her face, I recognized it as Rikki.

"Hey," she said, her slow jogging coming to a stop as she caught up with me, "it's a beautiful morning...how 'bout a swim?"

Even though I trusted Rikki and was relieved that she knew my secret, I wasn't comfortable with someone seeing me like that. I could barely stomach it myself.

"Look, I really appreciate the offer, but- HEY"

Before I could finish, Rikki had let out an exaggerated sigh and grabbed my arm, pulling me through the forest.

"Nope, no excuses," she said in a sarcastically annoyed voice, "We're going."

I was still opposed to the idea, but I followed her anyway. We made it to the cliff and I looked out over the lake. A thin layer of steam condensed over the surface as a result of the early morning temperature difference. The water was so calm, undisturbed, practically begging to be enjoyed. Yeahhhh no fucking way.

"Rikki, I really-" I began, but again was interrupted, this time by her hands forcing my body forward. This bitch pushed me off the cliff.

The cool sensation was exactly as refreshing as I imagined it would be. This would be relaxing under other circumstances. It wasn't long before I felt another splash beside me. By the time we both surfaced, we were sporting matching tails.

"What the fuck," I asked blankly.

"Ohh come on," Rikki laughed, "It's like how baby birds need to get pushed out of their nest to fly. You'd never go if I didn't persuade you"

"You call that persuasion?" I asked, my mood having lightened a little. This wasn't actually that bad.

After the initial tension lifted, we dove underwater and spent the next hour or so exploring the depths of the lake. There wasn't really anything of much note but it was serene. While I still think I would prefer my solo swims, I did enjoy the company. Eventually, I gestured to Rikki to follow me and led her to the underwater cave entrance I found at the beginning of camp.

"Woah," Rikki gawked, looking around the rock formation in awe, "This is beautiful."

"I know right?" I replied, taking in its beauty once again for myself.

Even with how great the morning had been and how relieved I felt after yesterday's conversation, something was still tugging on the back of my mind. I tried to repress the urge to ask about it, but if there's one thing I've learned about myself, it's that I never know how to play it cool.

"So, uh...Rikki," I began. What a fantastic start.

"Claire..." she responded, raising an eyebrow in confusion at the sudden tonal shift.

"So you remember that day at the cliff with those girls? And Jennifer? The other lifeguard you know-"

"I didn't do anything," she said seriously, "If that's what you were gonna ask."

"Well that was part of it," I admitted. Truthfully, I was still confused about why the muscular one was so hellbent on "revenge" if the only issue was Rikki's past like Jennifer had said.

"Then what was the other part?" she questioned.

I let out a sigh, "Okay well basically Jennifer kind of told me about your...past..."

She looked confused, "What about it?"

I was kind of hoping she would just know what I was talking about, but I guess I can't escape awkwardness today.

"Just something about you like, getting involved in some underground...mafia...thing? I don't really know..."

"Oh my god," she said, having a moment of realization, "I think I know what you're talking about. I wasn't 'involved with the mafia', I just sold exotic fish to some dude who turned out to be bad news. When I found out he wasn't being honest, I got kinda carried away and...lightly...scalded him..."

"Rikki!" I shouted.

"No I know that sounds bad", she added quickly, "But he wasn't seriously injured or anything. I was just really mad, and it was a way to scare him off while getting some sort of revenge."

"I guess that clears that up," I responded, "But speaking of revenge...why did those girls want 'revenge' on you?"

Rikki widened her eyes with exasperation, "That's the thing - I have no idea! Earlier, they accused me of ratting on them for having beer or something in their cabin but," she threw up her hands in defeat, "How would I even know they had anything, let alone care? We aren't in the same cabin and I didn't even know them."

So she really didn't do anything? That doesn't add up. And why didn't Jennifer mention that when she was filling me in on their beef with Rikki?

"Maybe Jennifer did it," I realized.

"She's friends with them, remember?" Rikki spoke matter-of-factly, "Why would she do that?"

"Honestly, I have no clue. But she conveniently left that part out when we talked. Oh, and she thought it was funny that her friend got..." I paused, thinking of how I should put this, "Okay well she thinks her friend - the big one - got stung by something but I uh...burned her...mildly..."

Rikki threw her head back in laughter, "See? I'm not the only one that resorts to pyrotechnics."

I rolled my eyes jokingly, "Yeah, something like that."

From there, the conversation trailed off into less important matters. Turns out we do have the same favorite bands though. I knew it.

The rest of the day was spent going to the downtown area and walking around, window shopping, and getting small snacks and drinks here and there. I was happy to have some normal fun for a change. Even without the whole shared secret, I think Rikki and I would have been good friends.

We had just left a cute 50s-style ice cream parlor when we bumped into a familiar, impossibly pepped up face.

"HEY YOU GUYS!" Rena exclaimed as she pulled Rikki and I into a tight embrace, "What are you two up to?"

"Oh, you know, just hanging around," Rikki offered with a half smile.

"That sounds fun!" Rena squealed before a quick pause, "Omg wait. Are you guys going to the party tonight?"

"Party?" I inquired.

Rena jumped up and down "Yeah! It's a mixer for all the counselors at the abandoned house down the road! It's gonna be HUGE you guys should definitely go!"

I was getting ready to give Rena a made-up excuse to politely decline when Rikki chimed in, "We'd love to! See you there!"

I shot her a glance, which she returned with a knowingly smug look.

"Awesome! Can't wait!" Rena said before bouncing off.

I pulled Rikki aside, "What are you thinking? We can't go to a party!"

"What?" she responded calmly, "it's not like it's at the lake."

"I didn't think this would be your scene," I rebutted.

"It's not," she admitted, "But come on, it'll be good for us to get out."

She means it'll be good for me to get out. It's like she feels some sort of responsibility to make me a functioning, happy person. I guess she's right though. God, seems like if it weren't for Rikki I wouldn't do anything.

"Fine," I exhaled, "but I'm not staying. I'll go in, say hi to Rena, and then leave."

She smiled contentedly and we began walking back to the cabin. We were both drained on the way back and didn't talk much, which gave me time to stress over tonight. Besides the obvious fear of a water-based mishap, I was nervous to be somewhere unfamiliar with so many people I didn't know. I definitely kept to myself at home. I don't see why it would be any different here.

We arrived back at the cabin and I began looking for things to wear and freshened up (as much as one could without using a public shower during peak busyness). I tried convincing myself that this would be fun. While I still didn't believe that idea fully, some of the nervous jitters turned into eagerness.

Rikki and I left the cabin about an hour after the party started to give it some time to ramp up. We would be "fashionably late" as she put it. One thirty minute walk later, and we were standing outside the decrepit door of a worn down house with flashing lights, rattling bass, and excited hollering emanating from the inside.

"You got this," she said, nudging me supportively.

"Okay" I replied, sharply inhaling before I finally turned the doorknob and entered the most overstimulating environment I have ever witnessed.

I took in the atmosphere as we trudged through the crowded halls. It looked like something out of a coming of age movie - the most "party" party to have ever partied. The lights were even more intense and colorful on the inside, and I could feel my eardrums vibrating as they received the sweet music from what had to be a 40 year old sound system. A thick smoke hung in the air, distorting faces and making it nearly impossible to recognize anyone. Finding Rena wasn't going to be easy.

"I'm gonna go to the bathroom!" Rikki shouted over the noise before making a swift exit into the sea of people.

I can't believe she left me two seconds into the party. I am gonna let her have it when we get out of-

"Hey," a voice called. I didn't recognize it, but the tone didn't suggest familiarity.

I whipped my head in its direction and was greeted with...some dude? I have no clue who this guy is.

"So...you work at the camp?" he half shouted, just enough that I could hear him.

"Oh, yeah. I do" I replied, realizing that no, I didn't know this guy. This is just how you make friends you socially inept dumb fuck.

He nodded his head, "Ah, cool. What's your position?"

"Lifeguard."

"Ooooh," he sucked in through his teeth, "that sucks."

"Yeah," I chuckled. You don't know the half of it. "So what about you?"

"Oh, I'm on volleyball duty," he answered cheerily, clearly happy to hold such a coveted role.

"That sounds fun!" I said, not really knowing how to do the small talk thing.

After a few seconds of awkward silence and us both looking around aimlessly, he began again.

"Look, I'll be honest I suck at formalities. I just want to make friends and you seem pretty cool. What's your name?"

I appreciated his candor. I could feel my shoulders drop a bit as I calmed down, "I'm Claire".

"Claire. I like that name," he stuck out his hand, "I'm Noah."

After the initial hurdle, Noah and I got on really well. I did have something to drink, which probably helped me open up. By the end of the hour, we were in the living room together dancing to shitty trap and throwback pop. Still, it only took a few shots for the both of us to start screaming to those nostalgic hits and jumping in sync to the beat. God this man matches my energy.

We eventually moved to the kitchen to keep talking when I hit my alcohol limit for the night and fell over trying to navigate towards the punch bowl.

"Woahhh," Noah said as he caught me, "I think we should call it a night. Why don't I help you back to your cabin?"

I was about to respond when Rikki finally returned from wherever she was the past few hours, "It's okay, I've got her."

Noah looked at the blonde skeptically, "Uh, who are you?"

"I'm her grandmother," she quipped.

"I'm serious."

Rikki rolled her eyes, "I'm in her cabin. We're friends. Claire, tell him."

I knew enough of what was happening, but all I could force out was an incoherent "Mmhmyea uhuh," which seemed good enough for Noah.

"Okay, fine. You sure you guys will be okay?" he questioned with genuine concern.

"Yeah yeah we know the way," Rikki replied, hoisting my arm around her shoulder, "Come on."

My ears started ringing as we stepped outside - they weren't yet accustomed to the silence.

"So," Rikki began smugly, "looks like you made a friend."

It took way too much effort to respond, so I said nothing.

But she was right.