𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐊𝐨𝐭𝐥𝐜 𝐒𝐥𝐞𝐞𝐩𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫

Marella POV

I heard Della shout for dinner to be ready, and we all raced to the kitchen. I was starving and I couldn't wait to see what Della had prepared for everyone.

I made sure to avoid sitting next to Linh. She was one of my closest friends, after Sophie kind of... Left me in the dust. And truthfully, I'm kind of glad she did, even if it hurt. I really didn't want to be wrapped up in all this stupid Neverseen stuff. But I guess now I don't have a choice.

Linh and I used to practice our abilities together, but Linh started to hang out with Wylie-which I completely understand-and forgot about me. And obviously, she wouldn't do it on purpose, it just... Sucks you know? I feel like... No one's ever gonna just want to hang out with me.

I thought I had Sophie. And then I thought I had Linh. But now I don't have anyone. At least not right now.

I ate my food quietly and observed the playful banter coming from the group.

"What do you think, Marella?" Sophie asked me.

"Oh, um, what? Sorry, I was just zoning out."

"We were just wondering what you think of the food," Sophie explained.

"Oh, it's REALLY GOOD," I said. The food was AMAZING. Della was a great cook. I wished I could eat like this all the time, but usually, I have to make myself homemade meals because of Mom. Maybe I should come to Everglen more. It would be nice to hang out with Biana. And... Fitz.

Speaking of Fitz... I... Well... It's complicated. I wouldn't say I necessarily have a crush on him. But it's not like I don't either. I mean, I know he's already all wrapped up in Sophie or whatever, but sometimes it feels like... No one really understands me, and Fitz... Well... He does.

Sometimes I just hail him in the middle of the night because I can't sleep, and he always picks up. And gives me good advice. Before I just thought he was hot. Nothing more. But now... Things might be different. Maybe. 

I guess we'll find out at this sleepover. Sophie's games seem very... Revealing. If you know what I mean.

"Okay, who wants dessert?" Keefe asked everyone. I took the last bite of my food and answered,

"I do!"

"Me too!" Sophie said excitedly.

Everyone else agreed, and Biana went to fetch the Mallowmelt. I looked around and noticed the sitting charts.

(Dex, Biana, Tam, Fitz, Sophie, Keefe, Linh, Wylie, Marella)

"I'M BACK WITH THE MALLOWMELT!" Biana announced excitedly.

"Yum!" Linh exclaimed, "Wait, Biana, there are only 8 slices, and there's 9 of us..." Linh said sadly.

"Oh no! Guys, I must have measured the ingredients wrong or something!"

"You guys can have mine if you want?" Sophie suggested generously.

"No, you guys can have mine," Keefe said. Sophie blushed.

"Guys, calm down," Wylie said, serving each of the slices to everyone, "Linh can have mine. I don't mind."

Linh turned bright red, "Thanks, Wylie," She said softly, biting into her Mallowmelt. Everyone else gave them knowing looks. Okay, I had to admit, they were REALLY CUTE! And usually, all the lovely-dovey stuff grossed me out, but I was just really happy that my best friend finally found someone that understood her. The way I wanted someone to understand me.

After everyone finished their Mallowmelt, Sophie asked if we wanted to head up to the room where Biana had set up the sleepover, and start playing the games. We all agreed and raced upstairs to the sleepover room (yes Everglen had a room made for sleepovers).

(Sorry for the short chapter you guys!)