The Fourth of July and the Surrounding Events

CHAPTER 9

"So everybody," I greeted my guests as I sat down, "my mom is gone for the weekend so you're welcome to stay here overnight." With those few words, three girls' faces lit up. From what I could tell, Jayde looked happy for the possibility of a three-day sleepover without Tyler present, Katelyn because of the obvious opportunity, and well, Morgan, I wasn't sure.

Finishing up my conversation with Jayde about her plans for the rest of the week, I heard a voice from the side of me say, "Hey Alexa?"

Morgan.

Turning to the blonde girl I smiled weakly. "Hi Morgan," I know that I invited her but I didn't think it would be this complicated, "do you need anything?"

Fiddling with her fingers kind of like I do, she asked almost inaudibly, "Can we talk about the caves?"

"What did you say?" I asked to make sure I heard her correctly.

"Oh uh sorry it's kinda loud in here, where is the bathroom?" she said speaking up.

She's lying. I heard her. I don't know why I can always tell when she's lying but I can. Maybe it's her eyes.

Not wanting to call her out on it, I pushed the thought aside. "There's one down the hall, it's the first right. Would you like me to show you? My house is a little big," I explained chuckling. I still felt slightly uneasy about the three confusing girls in my house, so getting away from the pumping music would be handy in calming down. Before she could respond, I started walking in the direction of the guest bathroom. Following me down the hall Morgan mumbled a thank you. Turning back to her when we reached the pristine marble room I gave her a once over. "Are you alright?" I asked genuinely concerned, "You've been a little quiet..." A haunted look flashed through her eyes, but as soon as I noticed it, it was gone.

"Yeah I'm good, I think I'm just tired from all the travel in the last few days."

She's lying again.

"Well okay then... If you need anything just let me know. We're friends now okay Morgan?" I said gently laying a hand on her shoulder.

The shorter girl looked up at me with glassy eyes, "Thank you, I'll keep that in mind," she said.

Heading back to the loud music, I bumped into Jayde.

"Hey Lexi," my best friend said loudly in a giggly tone.

Okay, so she drank something.

"Hey Jaydie, where's Mateo?" I asked, looking around for the tipsy girl's chaperone.

"Oh he's with his friendssss," she squealed.

Grabbing her hand I dragged her back to the living room where I found Mateo talking with Corey. As soon as Jayde saw Mateo, she lept into his lap like a little puppy. Looking up at me gratefully, he thanked me with his eyes. Looking around at all the teenagers in my living room laughing and taking photos I suddenly felt even lonelier than I ever had. Mateo and Jayde, Katelyn with her best friend Kaia, and Corey and Asana. Everyone was paired up having fun. Turning back around ready to head out to the backyard, I bumped into yet another person.

"Morgan, hi, uh, I'm going outside to the pool, do you want to come with me?" I asked but it came out sounding like I was pleading with her. Without questioning me, Morgan and I walked side by side out to the patio.

Sitting down beside the lit-up pool I sighed. "I guess it's my turn to ask you if you're okay," Morgan said with a small laugh, "so are you?"

"Honestly? No, I threw this party to distract myself from my life but it's just making me even more confused."