Thirteen Summers

forty-two

T H I R T E E N S U M M E R S

tw: binge eating, self-induced vomiting

"If you're gonna go, then you're going. Not staying for a couple hours just to come home, I don't want any phone calls in the middle of the night, you hear me?"

"Mommy..."

"Nope, I'm not having it. Not again."

Josie looked up at her mother with a pout on her face.

Cecily sighed, "Josephine, I'm gonna ask you honestly. If I allow you to go to this sleepover, will you sleep through the night?"

Josie was overwhelmed with the question, she knew how every other sleepover had ended but she was adamant not to let this one end up the same way; her mother having to come collect her in the middle of the night.

"I will." Josie nodded, she tried to keep a firm tone but her voice wavered giving her away.

Later that night, at that sleepover, Cecily's mother got the same call she always did but this time she didn't pick up.

After that night, where Josie didn't sleep a wink, she never went to another sleepover again.

T H I R T E E N S U M M E R S

Kisses were planted all over Josie's head and face by a protective and emotional older sister, before she was wrapped in yet another hug.

"Okay, sweetheart. I think she's had enough, yes?" Roman didn't bother hiding his smile, he thought Madison's reaction to this moment was cute.

Roman was dropping Josie off at her friend Kiara's residence and Madison, who helped Josie pack and did her hair, decided she had to tag along to see her off.

"But I'm gonna miss her." Her voice muffled as she snuggled into Josie's shoulder. "It's her very first high school sleepover."

Josie patted her back, biting back from a laugh as her and Roman locked eyes.

"Am I allowed a hug too? You know, before another hour goes by." He joked.

Madison reluctantly pulled back, mumbling. "Fine."

Roman pulled his youngest sister into a tight hug of his own, he wouldn't admit it but he too felt a type of way of letting her go for this sleepover.

He had to remind himself it was only for the night, she'll be back tomorrow, she wouldn't disappear for another thirteen years.

It was just one night.

"Remember, call me if you need anything or if you want to come home early." He repeated what he'd already told her in the car, and at home. "Have fun, darling."

"Thanks, Rome." Josie smiled, pulling back.

She saw Madison looking ahead and turned around to see Kiara stood at the open door, holding a fluffy white dog in her arms. Besides her, stood what she assumed to be her mother.

"You should get going, she's waiting for you." Madison smiled.

"Okay, bye. I'll see you tomorrow!" Josie waved at them both before turning and making her way towards the entrance.

Kiara's mother was making her way down to speak to Roman, offering Josie a smile as she passed by.

Josie kept a smile on her face despite the utter dread she felt, the nerves bundled in her stomach stopped her from feeling any excitement.