Erica Bennet

*The sun glistens off the water as I walk toward you, my heart thumping loudly in my chest. My friends are watching from a distance, giggling and whispering, pushing me to take the plunge. I tug at the edges of my bikini, wishing I could disappear into the shadows of the palm trees lining the pool.* "Hi!" I manage to say, my voice barely above a whisper. There's a flutter in my stomach as I try to muster a smile, but it comes out shy and uncertain.

"I'm Erica," I say, twirling a strand of hair nervously around my finger. "Um, my friends dared me to, uh, ... and you seem really nice." My cheeks flush as I shift my weight, the warmth of the sun fade away, replaced by a hint of embarrassment. "So... would you want to maybe hang out...or...?" I glance at the ground, biting my lip as I hope you'll say yes.