Chapter 3: Welcome to the Club
Anya stared at the group of teenagers in front of her, her mouth agape. She had just learned that these young faces belonged to immortals, and her mind was reeling.
"Wait, hold the fuck up," Anya blurted out, her eyes wide with disbelief. "You're telling me that you're all immortal? Like, you've been around for centuries, and you still look like a bunch of high school kids?"
Inana, appearing to be the youngest at 16, giggled at Anya's reaction. "Yep, that's right! I know we don't look it, but we've been around the block a few times."
Sophia, with the appearance of a 14-year-old, chimed in, "It's a lot to take in, isn't it? But it's true. We've seen the world change in ways you can't even imagine."
Anya ran a hand through her hair, trying to process this revelation. "Holy shit, this is insane. I mean, I thought I was hot stuff with my enhanced red blood cells, but you guys... you're on a whole other level."
Liesl, looking like a 16-year-old, smiled warmly at Anya. "Your transhuman enhancements are impressive, Anya. That's why we accepted you into our group. You may not be immortal in the traditional sense, but you've taken steps to extend your life and improve your body. That's something we can all relate to."
Jessica, appearing to be 17, nodded in agreement. "Damn right, Liesl. Anya's one of us, even if she's a bit older. Age is just a number when you're immortal, right?"
Anya couldn't help but laugh at the absurdity of the situation. "Fuck me, this is wild. I'm standing here, looking like I could be your babysitter, and you're all old enough to be my great-great-great-grandparents."
The group laughed along with her, appreciating Anya's honest reaction. Inana put a hand on Anya's shoulder, "Welcome to the club, Anya. You're in for one hell of a ride."
Anya shook her head, a grin spreading across her face. "You know what? Fuck it. If I'm going to be hanging out with a bunch of immortal teenagers, I might as well embrace it. Let's do this."
As the group cheered and welcomed Anya into their fold, she couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement and belonging. Sure, she may look older than the rest of them, but she knew that age was just a number. What mattered was that she had found a group of people who understood and accepted her for who she was, enhancements and all.
Anya sat with the group, still trying to wrap her head around the fact that she was surrounded by immortals. Curiosity got the better of her, and she couldn't help but ask, "So, how old are you all, really? Like, when were you born?"
Inana, with a mischievous glint in her eye, said, "Well, I've been around for about 5,000 years, give or take a century."
Anya's jaw dropped. "Five thousand fucking years? That's insane! You're like, older than the pyramids!"
Sophia chuckled, "I'm not quite as old as Inana, but let's just say I've been around for a few thousand years myself."
Liesl, with a more precise answer, shared, "I was born in 1790. So, I'm a little over 200 years old."
Anya nodded, trying to process the vast age differences. Then, she turned to Jessica, "What about you, Jess? How old are you?"
Jessica smirked, "I'm 51."
Anya's eyes widened, "No fucking way! You're 51? Like, naturally? How can you be 50 and look like a teenager? Are you getting enhancements yet?"
Jessica laughed, "Nah, I'm not getting enhancements. I'm just blessed with good genes, I guess. But I'm not immortal like the others. I'm more like you, Anya. I've got some tricks up my sleeve to extend my life, but I'm not going to live forever. YET"
Anya leaned back, taking in this new information. "Damn, this is a lot to process. I mean, I thought I was special with my enhanced red blood cells, but you guys... you're on a whole other level."
Inana reached out and patted Anya's hand, "Don't sell yourself short, Anya. You're taking steps to improve yourself and extend your life. That's what matters. We all have our own paths to immortality."
Sophia nodded, "Inana's right. Whether you're born immortal, or you achieve it through enhancements, or you just have really good genes, what matters is that we're all in this together."
Liesl added, "And don't forget, Anya, you bring a unique perspective to the group. You've lived a different life than us, and that's valuable."
Anya felt a warmth spread through her chest. She may not be thousands of years old, but she was part of this group now. She belonged.
"Thanks, guys," Anya said, a genuine smile on her face. "I'm glad I found you all. Even if you are a bunch of old farts in teenage bodies."
The group erupted in laughter, and Anya knew that she had found her place among these extraordinary beings.
Anya walked into the house party, feeling confident in her skimpy, futuristic outfit. She had spent hours putting it together, wanting to make a statement among her immortal friends. In her hand, she carried a bottle of expensive vodka, ready to get the party started.
However, as she stepped into the living room, she realized that her outfit and expectations were a bit out of place. The room was filled with her friends, each dressed in beautiful, ancient attire that seemed to transport them back to their original eras.
Inana was draped in a stunning lapis lazuli priestess gown, the deep blue hues contrasting beautifully with her golden jewelry. Sophia was wrapped in elegant black Arabian robes, the intricate embroidery catching the light with every movement. Liesl was a vision in a Victorian crinoline dress, the delicate lace and full skirt making her look like she had just stepped out of a painting. And Jessica was rocking a traditional Qipao, the form-fitting silk accentuating her martial artist physique.
Anya suddenly felt very exposed in her barely-there outfit, the futuristic cut and shiny material seeming garish in comparison to the timeless beauty of her friends' costumes. She awkwardly held up the bottle of vodka, trying to break the ice, "Hey guys, I brought some booze! Who wants a shot?"
The group looked at her, a mix of amusement and confusion on their faces. Inana giggled, "Oh, Anya, that's sweet of you, but we don't really drink. I mean, we're underage, remember?"
Anya's face flushed, realizing her mistake. "Shit, right. I forgot you're all a bunch of teenagers. Fuck, I feel like an idiot."
Sophia, sensing Anya's discomfort, walked over and put an arm around her. "Don't worry about it, Anya. We appreciate the thought. And hey, your outfit is... unique! It's very... you."
Liesl nodded, trying to suppress a smile, "Yes, it's quite... futuristic. It certainly stands out among all these old-fashioned costumes."
Jessica, always the blunt one, chimed in, "Damn, Anya, you're showing more skin than a Playboy bunny! But hey, if you've got it, flaunt it, right?"
Anya couldn't help but laugh at Jessica's comment, feeling the tension ease a bit. "Fuck off, Jess. I just wanted to make a statement, you know? But I guess I didn't really think about the whole 'immortal teenagers' thing."
Inana walked over and hugged Anya, careful not to spill the vodka. "Don't worry, Anya. We love you just the way you are, skimpy outfit and all. Now, why don't we put that vodka away and have some good, old-fashioned, underage fun?"
Anya grinned, feeling the warmth and acceptance of her friends. "Sounds good to me. Let's party like it's 1899!"
The group laughed and began to mingle, each sharing stories and memories from their respective eras. And while Anya's outfit and alcohol contribution may have been a bit out of place, she knew that she was right where she belonged, among friends who accepted and loved her, no matter what.
As the night went on, Anya found herself struggling to keep up with the youthful energy of her immortal friends. Despite their centuries of life experience, they seemed to embody the spirit and vitality of the teenagers they appeared to be.
Inana and Liesl were giggling and whispering to each other, their eyes sparkling with mischief as they planned some sort of prank. Sophia was engrossed in a deep philosophical discussion with Jessica, their voices rising and falling with the passion of their arguments.
Anya, on the other hand, was starting to feel the fatigue of the evening. She had tried to keep up with their games and conversations, but she found herself yearning for a moment of quiet and a glass of that vodka she had brought.
She plopped down on the couch, watching her friends with a mix of amusement and exhaustion. Inana noticed her sitting alone and bounced over, her lapis lazuli jewelry jingling with each step.
"Anya! Why are you sitting here all by yourself? Come join us! We're about to play a game of truth or dare, Sumerian style!" Inana's eyes were bright with excitement.
Anya chuckled, "I think I'll sit this one out, Inana. I'm feeling a bit tired. You guys have so much energy, it's hard to keep up sometimes."
Liesl overheard the conversation and glided over in her Victorian dress. "Oh, come now, Anya. You're not that much older than us! Well, physically, at least. Join in the fun!"
Sophia and Jessica, noticing the gathering, made their way over as well. Sophia, her Arabian robes swishing with each step, said, "Anya, you're an important part of this group. We want you to be involved in everything we do."
Jessica, always ready with a quip, added, "Yeah, Anya. Don't be a party pooper. Just because you're a few years older doesn't mean you can't hang with us cool kids."
Anya couldn't help but laugh at Jessica's comment. "Alright, alright. I'll play. But go easy on me, okay? I don't have the same youthful resilience as you guys."
Inana clapped her hands in delight. "Yay! Okay, Anya, truth or dare?"
As the game began, Anya found herself getting swept up in the silly challenges and deep confessions. She realized that even though her friends were centuries old, they still had the same fears, hopes, and dreams as any other teenager.
And as the night went on, Anya found herself feeling more and more connected to these extraordinary beings. Sure, she may not have their endless energy or immortal youth, but she had something just as valuable: their friendship and acceptance.
So she played on, laughing and sharing with her friends, feeling grateful for the unique bond they shared. And even though she knew she'd be exhausted the next day, she wouldn't have traded this night for anything in the world.
