Zelus (Perseus Reimagined) (BXB)

Chapter 27

"You are worthy of love," his lips pressed softly on my nose. "I'm here, always have been, always will. You know that right?"

2012

"JUST BECAUSE MOM AND DAD are putting up at grandma's, doesn't mean you're allowed to do anything behind their backs. They left me in charge tonight, and you're not going anywhere," Victoria crashes on the couch, placing the bowl of microwaved popcorn next to her before using the remote to change the channel.

She always was the good child. The one who obeys every little command. It's no wonder dad loves her.

"If they were to somehow show up before tomorrow and find out that you're not here, it'd be on my ass," she tosses a single popcorn into her mouth.

"I doubt dad's ever hit you like he does to me, Vic," I respond. She glances slowly toward me, holding her words because she knows I am right. "Besides, what's the big deal? It's just a sleepover. It's not like I'm going to the club or something. You and Max had gone for many of those, but I haven't. It's my first invitation, and I want to go."

It's the fourth anniversary of grandpa's passing. Like the previous years, mom and dad are at grandma's, accompanying her on probably one of the most challenging days she hates to face alone, even with her twelve chinchillas. I was never close with my grandparents or any other relatives as they all favored the elder child of the house. Or maybe it's because Max and Vic are skilled in communication, and that's how they're easily loved by many.

I'm not. And undoubtedly never will.

That's alright. My cousins are a bunch of dumbasses, anyways. Not being able to associate with them is a blessing.

If I'm right, mom and dad are probably preparing dinner by now, while grandma will be out by the deck, cleaning her pets. I'm pretty sure they won't be heading back anytime soon.

I don't know about Alex's folks, though.

She leans back onto the couch, crossing her arms against her chest, eyes darting from place to place, contemplating.

"Alright, I'll cover for you if they return," she finally says, smiling. "I owe you anyways for getting me Selena Gomez's perfume for Christmas."

"I knew how much you wanted one."

"Yeah, thanks," she nodded slowly before meeting my eyes again and then made a single clap. "Do you need transportation? Money? Anything?"

"No, his house is just a few blocks down," I assure, slinging my backpack over my shoulder. "I can walk."

"Okay, be careful. Call me if you need anything," she tossed another piece of popcorn into her mouth; the crunch in the first bite was satisfying. "Have fun."

"Thank you."

And with that, I exit through the front door without hesitation, climbing down the porch and heading toward Alex's house. I don't know what to expect as it really is my first sleepover. Most people would've experienced their first sleepover before entering high school. I guess I'm a late one. I'm curious and paranoid at the same time, knowing the activities we'll be doing later. The stereotypical activities performed during sleepovers are pillow fights, playing games, telling stories, and eating. Is Alex's sleepover any different than those?