Flowers and Pop Rocks

21

p o p p y

"I know it's a little early to ask, but can you block out your whole day on November 7th?"

It was a weird and sudden request from Grant, but it was fine by me. It wasn't like I had plans for a month in advance.

"Sure, what's on November 7th?" I asked. "Party? Road trip? Disneyland?"

"Party. My parents throw one for my birthday at our house every year," he explained. "They invite all their snobby friends, and I invite a few of my fun friends. It's on November 7th this year."

"Aw, my favorite marshmallow is gonna be an adult in less than a month," I grinned. "I didn't know you were younger than me."

He was amused by my reaction. "Not by much. You just turned eighteen, didn't you? A few weeks ago?"

"That's correct," I nodded.

"See? Not that much of a difference," he pointed out. "But you'll be there, right?"

"Of course."

The smile on his face was exactly the smile my sister had when she was five and my mom gave her the puffy pink skirt she'd been raving about. "You'll have the best time. I promise."

"What am I supposed to wear to that?" I wondered.

If Mr. and Mrs. Reed were having their rich friends over, I couldn't just wear what I usually would, right?

Was it going to be fancy? 

I had to prepare for that. Maybe Angel will help.

"Don't worry about it," he responded. "I got you covered. Just be there, that's all."

I shrugged. "If you say so."

"Say what?"

Blake had dozed off beside me even before Grant and I's conversation. He'd finally woken up and noticed we were talking about something.

I was surprised our teacher didn't say anything about it, but maybe that was just because she was used to Blake asleep in her class.

Then again, it wasn't like he was failing anyway. He wasn't even close.

"Finally, Sleeping Beauty joins us," Grant joked. "I was telling her about the party."

"Yours?" Blake clarified.

"Yup," I answered. "He thinks I'm so busy that he has to schedule things a month in advance."

Grant rolled his eyes. "I just wanted to make sure you could be there."

"Mr. Reed, what's the answer?"

I knew one of us was going to be called sooner or later.

"Uhh," Grant drawled, hitting my arm lightly.

"C," I whispered, hoping my voice was loud enough for him to hear me.

"Yes, Mr. Reed?" our teacher pressed.

"C?" It was more of a question than an answer, but he got it right anyway.

She nodded. "That is correct. Thank you."

Grant sighed and slumped in his seat, turning to me. "Lifesaver."

"No problem," I smiled.

~~~

"We have something to talk about," I sighed.

I figured it was time that I talked to Sabrina about everything. Angel was off doing something, and it was just the two of us at the table today.