#bergen_county

"But with real friendship, curses can be broken - right?"

"Well of course... the Power of three especially" May smiles "It is known."

"it is known" Lupe agrees "YOu know what would be a good way to break a dark curse? We tell it to piss off and Text each other a LOT even when it's not summer"

She swallows and nods. "All the texting, yeah."

"I do have something to help with the nightmares."

"I already have medication, Sam" May says "Well.. I did" She looks at the ground

"Well, you aren't crazy."

"Then why do I need help with nightmares" She counter points. Still a bit more banal but not painfully so

"Oh just take whatever she's got and use it" Lupe says "It's a peace offering"

"It's normal to have nightmares after... "

"It is?" May looks dubious "Becausse some of that stuff was DARK I mean... you read the script. And I .. I was somehow worried I was hurting folks. Crazy huh?" Nervous

"Nope, not crazy" Lupe assures

"Dayana..." She frowns. "She messed with your head. I'm glad you got away from her."

"She actually helped me get better grades in writing" May admits "But I don't think her prefernces were for me"

"Fuck Dayana, and screw 'high grades' as long as you keep your scholarship and pass. It's not worth wallowing in whatever dark hole folks seem to want you in. Sam's right about that. You gotta be yourself, May. "

That from Lupe

May admits "I was really lonely guys. It was SO crowded you'd think I couldn't be but god everyone was so busy with their own problems and their own lives. I get that, but it was like... I wasn't worth a headnod"

"Meeting new people sucks."

"Yeah, besides, you two set the bar high for friends. I've gotten picky" Lupe says

"I met a few people, but they aren't you guys."

"What about that.. gorup you're with?" May asks Lupe

"They're great, but they're not you guys either" Lupe says 'And they 're .. kind of my responslibty. "

"Well, I don't want DISTANCe to kill our friendships again. Can we keep it going?" May hopes

Sam bobs her head. "I'd like that."

"You did your part."

"I fell down."

"You and me. you further than me" Lupe says "But that's another thing. If one of us closes off, the other two need to take not as a sign of OUR worth, but that that one maybe in trouble. Deal?"

"Deal." She offers out a hand.

"Deal" "Deal" hand shakes all around and .. it feels good. It feels right

Sam takes a deep breath, eyes closing gently, and she smiles.

"Oh guys" May says "Guys... you have GOT to try these chilli dogs"

A weak laugh. "Okay, sure."

And so the three go to try the chilli dogs , and catch up on old times and new situations and talk about how big CJ must be and how incredibly dumb Lupe's brothers can be and May's crazy aunt who is a dear...

and nearby, Sylvi and the others collectively relax]

"Oh, what did you want to give me to help with my nightmares again?" Between chilli dog bites May remembers

"Yeah, curious about that" Lupe says "Damn it, this IS good"

"It's borrowed, so we can at least try it for the summer?"

"I guess there's no harm but what is it I'm trying?"

As the friend-energy gets back towards normal, Sylvi smiles and gives two thumbs-up to Sam, Lupe, and May. Then she gives a whoop! and jumps in for a swim.

She dives into the water... and sees a figure moving deeper still

No malice is sensed, rather a handsome looking fellow grins at her. He has gills but doesn't quite look like a Merfolk and definitely not a selkie

She stills, then tilts her head at him curiously. A cautious wave.

He waves back... he is wearing olive and gold trunks. As he has gills HE can talk under water and does "Nice swimsuit."

She starts to inhale to reply automatically, chokes, and surfaces abruptly, coughing.

A worrieed look and suddenly he shoots up with rapid speed, grabs the bigger troll around the waist, and gets her to the surface fast

Spluttering, she pushes away. "I'm fine!--- cough --- Fine!"

A combination of startled, embarrassed, and uncertain about this person.

"Sorry, as the closest thing to Aquaman I..."

Before he can say more he gulps, looking on the shore. Dirk is wading in

"This guy attacked you in the water, at a PARTY? Oh there will be blood " Dirk growls