"I think I've found it!" I exclaimed, bursting into the room where Seraph and Niqua were putting the finishing touches on their makeup. My heart raced with excitement as I twirled to reveal my gorgeous, sheer dress adorned with a golden belt of starfish and seashells. Beneath it, my blue bikini peeked through, perfectly complementing my curly hair that danced around my shoulders.
With gold bracelets jingling on my wrists and a starfish necklace draping delicately around my neck, I felt every bit the princess I had envisioned. My glossy lips glimmered in the light, mascara and blush expertly applied, and I couldn't help but smile at my reflection.
Seraph and Niqua exchanged glances and giggles before standing to join me. They looked stunning—Seraph in vibrant red and Niqua in a soft pink, each of us embodying our own unique style while creating a harmonious trio.
We were ready
As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm golden glow over the beach, we emerged from the small, cozy cabin, a wave of excitement washing over us. Our classmates stood huddled outside, their faces lit with anticipation. I couldn't help but yell, "Are you ready to party!" The response was a chorus of enthusiastic whoops and cheers that echoed against the soft murmur of the waves.
I swung the door wide open, letting everyone spill inside like a burst of confetti. The energy was electric. Music pulsed through the air, and within moments, laughter and chatter filled the room. The night quickly turned into a blur of wild antics and carefree fun. I found my way to the piano, sitting down with Niqua and Seraph beside me, our voices rising in a raucous harmony that felt like a celebration of life itself.
"This is the coolest beach kickback, Jayla!" Niqua screamed, her eyes sparkling with delight. I couldn't help but laugh, giving her a thumbs up as we downed another drink. The taste of sweet camaraderie mixed with the sharpness of alcohol. With each sip, I could feel the world around me grow hazy; vibrant colors danced in and out of focus.
But as my vision blurred into a mosaic, there she was. Makayla. Standing at the edge of the party, her smile radiant and innocent, as if she hadn't been the storm that had wrecked so many parts of my life. My heart raced, and the playful mood of the night suddenly felt heavy against the weight of her presence.
"Jayla!" Niqua called, pulling me back momentarily to the revelry surrounding us. I forced a smile, but my mind was elsewhere, tangled in a web of emotions. Could I really enjoy this night when she was here, the one who had turned my world upside down?
With each song we belted out, I reminded myself that I had friends, laughter, and this moment. The waves crashed outside, and for a while, I let the music drown out the echoes of the past. Maybe tonight, just for a little while, I could forget and embrace the wild, chaotic beauty of being young and alive
to take on the world—or at least the senior year party we had meticulously planned. It was going to be unforgettable, a night where the class of 2026 would write memories that would last a lifetime. I could already feel the electric buzz of excitement in the air, a promise of adventure and laughter waiting just beyond those doors.