I arrive at Maddie's house at 6:28 pm. I guess I was just overreacting. Still, I have this weird feeling... it doesn't sit right with me. But it's ridiculous, nothing will happen. It's just a sleepover. I mean what could go wrong? I grip onto my bag and pull it with me about to get out of my mom's car.
"Bye mom," I notice her also getting out of the car. My eyebrows furrow. "Mom, what are you doing?"
"Oh, I'm just walking you up," she adds noticing my cringing "Ellie, I haven't seen Maddie's mom in a very long time." I eyes soften slightly.
"F-fine, just don't say anything weird about me." I mutter, narrowing my eyes and biting my cheek flustered. I open the car door fully and carefully step out with my bag. I close the door and there before me was Maddie's house. The last time I was here I was in kindergarten? That's right, it was a Hawaiian themed birthday party. I chortle slightly at the thought of it. From her driveway, I see her through her door waving at me with excitement having a big smile on her face. I scamper up the concrete steps to the glass of the door. She invites me in and grabs my bag from my hands that struggled to keep hold of it.
"Oh, uh... thanks!" I say, recognizing her kindness. My mom and her's start talking as soon as my mom comes inside. Maddie glances at me blushing from embarrassment.
"Uh mom, we're going to go downstairs." She announces. My mom stops her chat and comes over to me and forces me into an embrace.
"Alright Ellie, I love you!" she states "Just text me or tell Ms. Beth if anything happens." The tight hug ends and she walks out the door. I follow Maddie downstairs to her basement where we will sleep. As I walk down her carpeted stairs I scan the room. There's no one in sight but a collection of playful balloons.
"Am I the first one here?" I ask, staring at where I will stay for the night. She nods putting my bag on the sofa.
"Mhm, but the rest will be here soon!" she replies with a smile. I stare into her hazel eyes, her light brown hair, around the pale green basement. Everything seems eerie. Even her smile. Suddenly there's a knock at the door. Maddie hurries up the stairs to invite who came in, leaving me alone in the basement. I don't like being alone. Especially in places that are creepy. I gulp slightly and rest my hands on my forearms. My brows draw slightly until I see Samantha strutting down the stair case.
"Hey...!!!" I wave and my lips curled slightly into a weak smile. Samantha made her way to the sofa and sat down.
"Hey!" She smiles warmly. My eyes soften and I don't feel so alone anymore. A few minutes later Charlie and Maddie come down the stairs.
"Where's Bethany?" I ask with a frown. Sam's blue eyes glance at me.
"She said she might be a little late, remember?" Sam reminds me. My eyes narrow for a second.
"Right."
