She cuts her swimsuit.

Charlie stepped into the pool, the cold water sending a shiver up her spine. Her soft, rounded features relaxed as the cool sensation rose higher, soothing the tension in her body. Slowly, she sank deeper, the water covering her thighs, then her waist, until it reached her shoulders.

Her dark brown hair, slightly past shoulder length, floated lightly around her before she gathered it in one hand. Tilting her head back, she dipped her hair into the water, letting the chill run over her scalp. When she straightened, droplets trailed down her skin, glistening in the sunlight. The damp strands clung to her back and shoulders, framing her delicate features.

She leaned back and let the cool liquid wash over her, tilting her head to dip her hair under the surface. When she emerged, droplets clung to her face and neck, cascading down her skin. Her hair, now slicked back, accentuated her soft features. She wiped the water from her eyes and sighed, the tension in her shoulders beginning to melt away and the flushed colors of her cheeks from the embarrassment started to fade.

For a moment, Charlie felt at peace. The water was her element, a comforting embrace that dulled the noise of the party. She floated for a moment, letting her mind wander, until the faint sound of laughter brought her back to reality.

From the corner of her eye, she spotted Tina sitting at the edge of the pool, a sly grin on her face.

Tina watched Charlie intently, her eyes narrowing as she formulated a plan. She had always enjoyed being the center of attention, and she wasn’t about to let Charlie steal even a moment of it.

Tina: (to herself) “Let’s see how confident you feel when that little suit of yours doesn’t hold up.”

As Charlie swam toward the shallow end, Tina slid into the pool, her movements graceful and deliberate. She made her way toward Charlie, her smile bright but her intentions anything but innocent.

Tina: “Hey, Charlie! Mind if I join you?”

Charlie turned, startled, but managed a weak smile.

Charlie: “Sure, Tina.”

Tina swam closer, her expression friendly but her eyes calculating.

Tina: “You know, I’m so glad we’ve outgrown all that high school drama. It’s nice to just relax and have fun together, right?”

Tina: “Charlie! I didn’t get to tell you how great you look today.”

Charlie turned, startled by Tina’s sudden complimentary attitude.

Charlie: “Uh, thanks, Tina.” She shifted uncomfortably, her arms instinctively crossing in front of her chest.

Tina moved closer, her tone friendly but her expression sly.

Tina: “You know, it’s really nice to see you here. I always thought you’d be too shy for a pool party like this.”

Charlie **** a smile, unsure of how to respond.

Then, as if by accident, Tina swam a little too close. With a quick, subtle motion, she reached out and cut both of the thin blue straps on Charlie’s swimsuit.

The snap was unmistakable.

Charlie’s eyes widened in horror as she felt the garment give way, the top of her suit sliding down rapidly.

Charlie: “What the—?!” She grabbed the front of her suit, holding it tightly against her chest.

Tina: (feigning surprise) “Oh no! Did your suit just break? That’s so unlucky!”

Charlie’s cheeks burned red as she clutched the fabric, trying desperately to keep herself covered. The laughter and murmurs around the pool were unbearable, and she could feel the weight of every pair of eyes on her.

Tina: (smirking) “You should probably get out and fix that before it gets worse.”