Thirteen Summers

forty-one

THIRTEEN SUMMERS

tw: body dysmorphia, binge eating

"So, are you coming or not?" Kiara was annoyed at Josie. "Time is kind of running out..."

It'd been days since Kiara asked her to come to her sleepover and since then there had been no answer from Josie.

Truthfully, she had too much on her mind to think about something as common as a sleepover.

She hadn't asked Cameron but he had previously let on that her grounding wasn't actually in place, when Caleb had asked her to go skateboarding with him and Reece the night before.

"Uh..." Josie tried to think of something but her mind was blank. "I forgot sorry, I'll ask my brother today."

Kiara just looked at her with a blank look, Molly and Jade shared looks.

"I'll text him right now." Josie picked up her blazer, fumbling around in its pockets to grab her phone.

Can I go to my friend's sleepover this weekend?

She asked the dreaded question, nervously she held her phone to her chest as she waited for a response.

Not even a minute later, Cameron's contact filled her phone screen.

She stood up, signalling to her phone and walked out of the cafeteria to pick up his call.

"Hello, Josie."

"Hi Cam."

"What's this I hear about a sleepover?"

"My friend asked me to come a few days ago but I kinda forgot 'cause of everything..and I thought I was grounded."

"I see." He simply responded.

It was silent between them after, Cameron was thinking and Josie was waiting.

"Well I have to say, I'm not entirely sure about this." Cameron began making Josie's heart sink, then he sighed. "What's this girl's name? Full name."

"Kiara West."

"I see." Cameron responded simply, it was quiet for a moment.

"I'll let you know by the time you're home whether you'll be able to attend or not. I have to remind you that I'm wary, it being on such short notice but I will consider it."

"Thank you."

"Alright, have a good rest of the day. I'll see you at home."

After the call ended, Josie stayed outside for a moment.

She had mixed feelings about this sleepover. On one hand she did want to go and on the other, she hoped she wasn't allowed.

It was weird but she had bad experiences at sleepovers in the past but now she was in high school, and it was time for her to leave the past in the past.

If Cameron permitted her to go, she would go.

If he didn't, then he didn't and she would enjoy another night in the comfort of her own bedroom.

Josie returned to the cafeteria and sat back down with her friends.

"He said he'll let me know if I can go when I get home."

"Okay, you have to text me ASAP if he says yes." Kiara pouted then her brows furrowed, looking confused all of a sudden. "Your brother's talking to my brother."

"Which one?"

Josie turned around and saw Kai standing, talking with a shorter guy.

"Are they friends?" She asked.