the sun was low, casting the kind of soft light that made everything look like a movie. someone had strung hairy lights along the fence and music hummed from a speaker near the pool. the air smelled like sunscreen and grilled burgers. a few people splashed in the pool, laughter floating up with the mist and someone passed around drinks

you and renee sat side by side in two weathered patio chairs near a little fire pit that hadnt been lit yet. she had one leg slung over the armrest with a drink sweating on the grass by her foot. a few of your friends were gathered around, talking about some movie someone had made them watch last week

“she literally didnt blink the entire movie” your friend maya said, pointing dramatically “like some kind of possessed victorian doll”

“no it was acting” you laughed, leaning forward “it was intentional. she was supposed to look unhinged.”

“it was terrifying” maya shot back

you looked over at renee to see if she was going to chime in since she had been snarky about the movie earlier but she was leaning back in her chair with her eyes closed and chin tilted up like she was sunbathing at midnight

you blinked “baby what are you doing?”

without opening her eyes she waved her hand at you almost as if she was swatting at a fly “shhh.. im meditating”

you raised your eyebrows, laughing “youre what?”

she didnt even flinch “thinking time. deep thoughts only. leave me to my process.”

“oh my god” you grinned, turning to maya “shes not even drunk anymore. shes just ascending.”

“i am ascending” renee mumbled, still not opening her eyes “ive reached a higher plane. i am one with the universe and also that bag of cheetos over there”

you reached over and gently poked her shoulder “youre literally just hiding from this conversation about that cursed movie”

“wrong” she said “im hiding from responsibility”

everyone laughed and she finally cracked one eye open and smirked at you, her cheeks slightly flushed from the drinks

you grinned “you look like youre about to float away”

she leaned her head onto your shoulder “maybe i will. if i do tell my story.”

you tilted your head onto hers “okay ill start with the part where you refused to watch a two hour movie but managed to sit in silence with your eyes closed for five minutes straight at a party”

“spiritual discipline” she mumbled and you could feel her smile against your skin

maya tossed a grape at you “get a room”

renee flicked her hand again without opening her eyes “we have a room. this is just our satellite location.”