Chapter 7
Slumber Party
CHARLOTTE
Weeks at school flew by in a blur. Tracy was my constant companion, sticking by my side in every class and throughout the day. I was gradually getting comfortable enough to whisper a few words to her. It wasn’t much of a conversation, but it was progress.
We were texting more often, which helped. It was a toss-up between her and Jup as to who texted me more. Having two good friends was a new and pleasant experience for me.
Tracy’s cheerleading commitments meant we didn’t hang out outside of school. She had practice nearly every day and games on weekends. But that was okay. I spent my free time online with the guys.
Now that football season was ending, Tracy was trying to arrange a sleepover. The idea made me nervous—but it could be fun. Right?
“Does this weekend work for you? We can swing by your place on Friday to grab your stuff, then you can come over to mine. It’ll be a blast!”
Tracy was bubbling with excitement as we ate lunch.
“I’m…not sure…” I responded, my voice barely above a whisper.
“Are you worried about people? My parents will be out of town for a conference and my brother, TJ, is going to a party. He won’t be back until late. It’ll be just us girls—nothing to stress about,” she reassured me.
“You’re not going to the party?” I asked quietly.
“Nope. After everything with my ex and old friends, I’d rather avoid that crowd. I’d much rather have a night in with pizza, popcorn, ice cream, and movies with my new best friend,” she said, grinning.
“Um…okay…I guess I can come…if my parents are okay with it,” I murmured.
“YAY!” she squealed. I was relieved we were eating alone outside, so no one witnessed her outburst.
After school, I asked my parents about the sleepover. They were more than okay with it—they were thrilled. My mom was practically dancing with excitement and relief.
Their reaction was a bit embarrassing, to be honest.
I was going to tell the guys that I wouldn’t be online that night, but Jup and Plut both said they had plans Friday night, so I didn’t have to mention my own. I wasn’t eager for another reaction like my parents’.
The rest of the week sped by, and before I knew it, it was Friday. Tracy said she would follow me to my house and then drive me to hers to save gas. I didn’t quite understand her logic, since she would have to drive me back the next day, but I didn’t argue.
When we arrived at the security gate, I let the guard know that the car behind me was with us. I led Tracy to my house and parked out front.
“Oh…my…gosh! I had no idea you lived in such a fancy neighborhood!
Your family must be rich!” she exclaimed, taking in the house as we walked inside.
I just shrugged and led her to my room. I supposed my family could be considered wealthy, but I never really wanted them to spend money on me, so I didn’t feel like we were. When I opened the door to my bedroom to get my clothes, Tracy’s jaw dropped.
“Wow… My brother would lose his mind if he saw your computer setup!” she said, making me giggle.
“It is a pretty cool setup, huh,” I replied. I wasn’t as shy when it came to talking about computers or gaming. They were my comfort zone.
“Seriously, that’s probably the most impressive thing I’ve ever seen, and I’ve seen Sean without clothes on,” she said, winking at me. Gross.
Apparently, girls overshared too.
“Yeah, I think my mom was trying to make up for moving us here. She surprised me with it. It’s a bit much,” I said, not mentioning the real reason behind it. I didn’t want her to think I was weird for playing video games all the time. I didn’t think that was normal for a girl.
“So, I got my bag. Are we ready?” I asked, steering the conversation away from my PC.
With that, we headed to her car to drive to her house.
Jupiter
Hey, sorry to bail on you tonight. I hope you have a good evening
Mars
I hope you don’t drunk text me at six a.m. again, haha
Jupiter
I’ll try to keep my drunk texting to five then
Mars
I still don’t get why you are drunk texting me at all
Jupiter
Well, the other option is drunk texting for a booty call, and I’m trying to avoid that
Mars
So I’m your anti-chick?
Jupiter
Um, sure
Mars
Good to know I’m useful. I’ll be waiting for your text, secret lover
Jupiter
Ugh, I am never gonna live that down
Mars
Nope, haha
“Texting your boyfriend again?” Tracy asked.
“What? No! I don’t have a boyfriend,” I said quickly.
“I think that’s the most words you have ever said at one time,” Tracy said.
“I believe someone is a little defensive. If he isn’t a boyfriend, he is at least an interest. I see the smile on your face when you text with him. Is he hot?”
“Um, I’m not sure. I haven’t exactly ever seen him,” I admitted quietly.
“WHAT?! How is that even possible?” she exclaimed in shock.
“Um…well…we met online, so I don’t LIKE like him. I’ve never met him.”
“Oh, you totally like him, even if you haven’t met him. I wonder if he is hot. Do you ever talk? Does he sound hot?” she asked.
“Hm…does he…” I contemplated.
“Yeah, I guess he does.”
“Do you plan to meet him in person?”
“Yeah, later this year. Him and a few other friends,” I said vaguely.
“Oh, good idea to meet multiple at once. Safety in numbers and all that.”
A few minutes later, we pulled up at her place and she led the way inside. It was a simple yet modern two-story house. She pointed out the downstairs bathroom and living room before leading me upstairs. Here, she pointed out her brother’s room, the first door up the stairs, and the bathroom that they shared before leading me into the room across the hall, which was apparently hers.
It was a very pink room. The walls were white, but the curtains and bedsheets were all a pale pink color. Her canopy bed was draped with sheer material, also pink. I felt like I was walking into a Barbie bedroom. It wasn’t gag-me pink, just a perfect princess feel. In the corner was a small desk with a laptop on it. It wouldn’t have enough power to run many games
but would work for school.
“Wow,” I said, looking around.
“Yeah, it’s a bit girlie. I haven’t redecorated it since I was a kid, never really bothered with it,” she explained.
“Oh, okay,” I replied before putting my bag down in the corner.
“Okay, first things first—makeovers!” Tracy exclaimed.
