[3] An Alternative Taste


''Come on Chloe, move a little will you?''

''Chloe!''

Louie's voice made me snap out from my world of thoughts, forcing me back to the reality I was in. I was at the ledge of the pool, with both hands being held by Louie who desperately tried to pull me out.

But I was too focused on contemplating on what I had just seen.

Why, why did it have to be now?

I should be getting my phone!

My hands automatically shook off Louie's, turning to look at the direction of where my phone was. ''I'm going to get it, hold on.'' Finishing, I dove back into the water, determined to get my phone.

As I dove into the water, the entire area around me became serene. I couldn't hear any of the loud party music and endless chatting that once ringed in my ears, and it was replaced by complete silence.

My hands moved forwards in sync with my feet, pushing my body forward in the water. I had to avoid a few people who suddenly splashed into the water, narrowly bumping into one if I didn't stop in time.

My vision was a blur, but I could clearly identify the black object that sat on the floor on the pool. The determination that burned in my heart kept me going forward, although I felt that I was almost running out of air.

Almost there!

My legs kicked forward, arms beginning to flail as I slowly approached my phone. I breathed out the air that I kept, bubbles enveloping my vision as I slowly descended to pick up my phone.

And almost instantly, I relaxed myself and my body began to gradually float upwards.

''Bwah!'' I coughed as my body re-emerged on the surface of the water, lungs greedily gasping for air. I held my phone above the water, making my way towards the edge of the pool. I could feel eyes on me as I trudged in the water, probably because of my drenched clothing and hair, and how ridiculous I looked while holding onto a phone.

''Over here Chloe!'' Louie called while she waved at me, trying to get my attention. I looked at her and smiled a little, my steps almost forming into leaps as I hurried towards my bestfriend.

''You're all wet, come on let's get you up.'' She said once I arrived before her, hands automatically grasping onto mine. This time, I didn't struggle against it, and let her pull me up.

Even though Louie had the image as one of those 'ladylike' girls, she definitely had some strength.

''Great, you've got your phone back and you're all drenched.. bet ya didn't bring any change of clothes?''

''Ugh Chloe, who brings an extra pair of clothes to parties anyways?'' I casually shot back, lifting my feet out from the pool. With my jeans soaked in water, it was definitely hard for me to do so, causing me to look like a tortoise that was having trouble flipping over from it's back.

''You don't suppose they'll prepare towels, do you?'' I added in, worried that I'll have to be all soggy until the party comes to an end. Even if I decide to go home now, I'll have to walk my way back since Louie's mom will be fetching me back.

And I'll be leaving a trail of water when I walk on the pavement, too.

''Wow, I was late for an hour or two and you've already taken a dip in the pool. Did I miss anything?'' came a voice that interrupted me and Louie's conversation. Before I could react, Louie already replied excitedly.

''Jamie!''

''Yes hun, it's Jamie, the one and only fabulous diva that's going to sweep you off your feet!'' The brunette said as she casually flipped her hair, winking at the two of us.

''For the love of replies, do you ever realize how cheesy it sounds?'' I lifted my free hand to cover my mouth, trying to conceal a laugh that would potentially anger her.

If it was Louie that laughed, Jamie would have no problem with it, but if it was me who laughed like a dying seal...

I would probably end up six feet under the next second.

''Not as bad as your outfit, is wet jeans a thing these days?''

''Jamie, don't tease Chloe like that!'' Louie stepped in, as if defending me against her ''that isn't nice, and besides, she got pushed into the pool and now her phone's probably dead.''

Oh right, my phone!

I immediately looked at the device I held, tapping on the screen to see if it was still working. Of course, my phone was not waterproof like the latest ones, but one of those lousy unbranded hand-me-downs I got from my parents.

To be honest, I've never gotten my own first-hand phone before.

''It's not working, maybe I should turn it on.'' I said as my fingers reached for the power button, but Jamie grabbed my hand before I could do so.

''You want to get electrocuted? I hope not, I won't be able to mess with anyone if you die. The water has probably entered the insides of it, so you shouldn't do that. We'll get it dry first before you do anything stupid.''

''Fine...''

--

''This should do.,.''

''Are you sure about that, why don't we get a hairdryer and use it to dry the insides of the phone instead, Jamie?''

''Oh hell no, I don't want to explode and look like an overcooked chicken for the rest of the evening!''

''What?''

''Jamie,'' I called from behind the curtains ''Do you have like anything else to wear, I'm not really sure about this outfit you brought me... I look like a clothes rack!''

''You don't call yourself a clothes rack, not until I say so. Come on, show us!'' She replied, and it was accompanied by a muffled squeal ''Jamie, did you really...''

''Hush.''

I gulped and patted my outfit a little, before drawing the curtains open and walked out into the room where my bestfriends were. ''This feels kinda breezy, can I have my old outfit back..? I don't want to risk having a wardrobe malfunction in this...''

''Um, guys?''

The two of them who were seated in the sofas both stared at me in silence, with Louie's mouth half hanging open while Jamie scanned her eyes all over me. Then, the two of them exchanged nods.

''I have a feeling tha-'' I was interrupted before I could finish my sentence.

''Absolute perfection! Jamie chimed, clapping her hands together as she giddily looked over to the blonde. ''I told you this dress would fit her!''

''Hmm..'' Louie got up on her feet and walked towards me, placing both hands on my shoulders. She spun me around a little, eyeing the article of clothing I was currently wearing ''I agree, such 'wardrobe malfunction' as you mentioned probably wouldn't happen. This dress is quite modest to say, so you don't have to worry about that!''

''But I'm not su-''

''Come on, see for yourself! '' Finishing, she pushed me towards the mirror that was in the corner of the room, allowing myself to fully view the dress I was wearing.

And let me just say, wow

My hands held the snow white fabric of the dress, looking at the mirror in awe of how intricate it looked on me. It was a high-waist halter dress, flowing down slightly above my knees. I lifted the other end of the dress, before giving it a spin in front of the mirror. I suddenly felt like those princesses in Disney movies, with their flashy gowns and tiaras.

But I of course, could only dream about that.

''This is incredible.'' I commented, trailing my fingers on the hem of the dress. It was decorated with a touch of jewels, adding a classy feel to it. Somehow, I felt comfortable in this dress, like the belief of something accidentally 'oozing' out was nonexistent.

I've never felt like this before, not in a dress.

''Told you, you should be more confident about yourself Chloe! You can't wear T-shirts and jeans forever, you're a girl! It's a natural feeling to be awed by pretty dresses, isn't it?'' It was from Chloe.

''Not if Scarlett doesn't say so, she's practically immune to all dresses, except for certain ones. I've been dying to get her try some 'girlier' clothes as well.''

''Speaking of Scarlett, where is she? I thought she was coming with you, Jamie.'' I asked, still a little distracted by the dress.

''Well,'' Jamie slumped back onto the sofa, lazily looking over to Chloe ''she said she'll come by a bit later than me. She had some things to pick up before coming over here, but don't worry, she's not going to miss out a party like this.''

Scarlett was the last person to make up our group, and one of what we'd like to call 'fierce' girls aside from Jamie. She had a fiery and tomboy-ish attitude, but personally I felt that she was beautiful in that way.

When Jamie spoke about her and dresses, it was rare for her to show up in occasions wearing them too. She calls herself a tomboy, and I've only seen her wearing dresses during really important occasions. But they're usually topped with leggings and a pair of converse.

I admire her style, honestly.

A few knocks sounded on the door of the room we were in, and Chloe went up to answer ''Yes?'' She called, twisting the knob open. When the door opened, we were greeted with Isaac's face.

''I don't mean to bother you guys, but the main event is about to start. Skylar says he'd like everyone from his class to gather 'round, there's something special planned.''

''Which means our little Chloe here would have to strut out in that cute little dress, am I right Louie?'' Jamie teased, looking over to me. I shot her a glare, before making my way towards the door

I took the denim jacket that Jamie left on the sofa, tying it around my waist so it'll decrease the awkwardness I had while wearing a white dress with converse. ''Curse you guys for not being in the same class with me.'' I said, walking out of the door along with Isaac.

I could have sworn I heard Jamie giggle a little, and along with Chloe's energetic farewell before the door closed behind us.

--

Nice to see you guys here on chapter 3, how are y'all doing?

It took a longer time to write out this chapter, since I faced a little writer's block while in the midst of typing it out.

But it worked out in the end, and here it is!

For those who were wondering, my words per chapter roughly range from 1400-1500, and this chapter itself has exceeded 1700 already thanks to me who blabbers and describes a lot XD

So thanks for sticking with me, and I'll see you in the next chapter!

And always, stay tuned!

-Adyrin

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