Chapter 11:Pool Party

"Look at him, like a changed man fancy car," Claire said, staring at James. "I heard him speak a few words. I should've chosen him instead of his brother. Kyle is so boring these days, just sitting on the sofa eating snacks."

"Like they say, never judge a book by its cover," replied Julia, flipping her ebony locks over her shoulder. Julia had just turned eighteen, boasting emerald eyes that glimmered with mystery and a slender, graceful form adorned in the soft, golden tones of her Asian heritage.

It was May 13, and Julia's eighteenth birthday party was a dazzling affair set against the backdrop of a grand mansion. Twinkling lights draped over the lush gardens, casting a warm glow on the sparkling pool at the heart of the event. Guests mingled by the water's edge, their reflections dancing on the shimmering surface. The air was filled with the clinking of glasses and the soft hum of music, creating an atmosphere of enchantment under the starry night sky.

Claire and Julia stood by the poolside, chatting beside a pillar below the balcony. Though friends for over four years, Claire never liked Julia much. Julia was materialistic and always the center of attention, which oddly made them get along so well.

We arrived at the party at 8PM I wore a red Adidas tracksuit, and Clara wore a red dress with her hair down in locks falling effortlessly over her slender shoulders. As we entered, Clara tucked her arm in mine. I saw Kyle standing at the barbecue with three of his close friends. When he saw us, he walked over and handed me a beer.

"It's been two days since we last saw you. How have you been, brother?" he asked, taking a sip of his beer. Then he looked at Clara. "You look dazzling."

Claire and Julia then approached. "Welcome to my party," Julia said, eyeing me up and down. "I would've thought you'd wear something more 'suited' for the occasion, given that it's my birthday."

"Brother, it's good to see you. Clara and I just got back in town," I replied.

"Give the man a break, Julia," Kyle said, coming to my defense.

"I wasn't aware there was a dress code," I said, placing my right hand in my pocket. "Anyway, thank you for having us over."

Julia sneered as she glanced at Clara. "At least one of you has common sense."

"Enough," said Claire, then leaned in and gave her sister a hug. "Mom and Dad have been worried about you."

Claire wore a tight-fitted red dress. "James, we match. Isn't this a coincidence?"I smiled as Julia rolled her eyes and walked away.

"I don't know why she hates you so much. It's since…" Claire paused and looked at my brother.

"Since what?" Kyle asked, but Clara interjected, "Nothing, she's just being dramatic as always."

Kyle had started to develop feeling for Clara. I'd noticed he talked a lot about her to Claire, who was not happy to always hear her sisters name being brought up by her boyfriend. Claire had told Clara to keep her distance from her boyfriend.

As I glanced over Claire's shoulder, I noticed a man in a brown coat talking to Julia similar to the man we had recently saw from my room window, he kept glancing at me as they spoke. He was standing with three other men. I was certain they had recognized me as #1

"Claire, who are those men standing with Julia?" I asked Clara looked at that men, and had also recognized the man with the brown coat, she glanced at me. "We should leave." She said, looking around.

"Leave? You just got here, and that's Julia's bodyguards," she said. "Apparently, having a lot of money means you always have to watch over your shoulder."

Clara let put a sigh of relieved, not enitirely convinced, but its her sister telling her this so Claire had no reason to lie to her, or Claire never really knew who those men were.

"So, am I a suspect?" I asked, because i can,t help noticing the men kept looking at me at me.Claire laughed. "You, a suspect? You're too cute to be suspected of anything." Clara Cleared her throat, as Kyle nudged Claire, "you do know i am standing right here and that is my brother."

Claire stared at me as if she heard nothing, seemingly forgetting she was standing next to her boyfriend. Julia walked up to us holding two champagne glasses. As Claire was about to reach out for a glass, Julia handed it to me, catching us all off guard.

"Is that safe to drink?" Kyle joked, making me wonder if it was indeed safe.

Julia smiled. "I wanted to apologize for earlier. I overreacted. Anyway, I'd like you to meet someone."

I frowned. "Who do you want him to meet, and what's gotten into you, Julia?" Clara asked.

"Relax, girl. I'm just borrowing him. Besides, it's not like you guys are official," Julia said.

"Julia, enough!" Claire snapped.

"I don't need this," Clara said. "Claire, I'll get you at home. We're leaving."

Julia grabbed my hand. "You're welcome to leave, but James will be staying, right, James?" She smiled.

I handed the glass back to Julia. "She's right, we will be leaving."

Julia grinned. "You are welcome to leave, but only if you guys have a slice of my birthday cake."

Claire frowned, confused by Julia's sudden change in personality. Julia was all over James, thinking he appeared more confident and knew how to handle himself. The complete opposite of the dork she'd met.

"We'll take you up on that offer, right, Clara?" I said.

Clara let out a beautiful smile. "Yes, we'd be glad to have a slice of your cake. After all, it's all about you, honey."

Julia rolled her eyes. I took Clara's hand and squeezed it, winking at her. Clara was the only one who knew who I truly was.

That was until i reached to my pocket, and my card fell to the ground. Julia saw it and her face went pale, she could barely let out words, i quickly grabbed it before anyone else saw.

"Dammit James I have warned you over and over about walking around with that card."

"It is… it is… Clara took Julia hand, "lets go get you water."

"What is wrong with Julia?" Said Claire walking up to me and pushing her arm between my. "Lets go to slice of cake." I slowly removed my arm and placed her hand on Kyles shoulder, excuse me ladies and gentlemen. Let me through. I reached to Clara and took her hand, "we have to leave now."

"What about Julia?" Claire asked, urgency in her voice.

"I've contacted someone to fix this. We can't waste another second. Let's go, Clara," I insisted, grabbing her arm and pulling her through the crowd.

I took Kyle's hand and turned to Claire. "We need to get going. Just trust me."

Claire leaned in, her voice steady. "I trust you."