The Cold Ones

Chapter Seven - Bonfire

My dad came home late. I waited in the living room since the minute I got home for him.

I needed to ask him about Josh’s party before I forgot. Again.

So, I waited.

I sat on the couch, doing my homework, eating snacks and watching shows.

I got bored out of my eyes, and nearly fell asleep, but I forced myself to stay up.

Finally I heard the cruiser pulling up in the driveway, and the garage door opening.

Dad hung his police belt and cap on the hooks, and I heard his keys rattling as he hung that up too.

He came into the living room, and nearly jumped out of his skin when he saw me.

‘Marney! You nearly scared me to death!’ He said in a loud whisper.

‘Sorry dad, but I’ve been meaning to ask you something.’

‘Shoot.’ He said taking a seat next to me on the oversized brown leather couch.

‘Josh invited me to his bonfire party tomorrow night. And I was wondering if I could go. And I’m sorry for only asking now, but I forgot about it completely-’

‘You can go, Marney.’ My dad said cutting me off.

I was so glad. Practically jumping out of my skin.

‘Thank you dad!’ I said and then hopped off the couch to give him a hug.

‘Now go get some rest.’ He said and then we walked together up the stairs in silence.

I woke up late on Saturday, as usual. I smiled as I remembered Josh’s bonfire party and Ian.

I hurried to the bathroom to brush my teeth, but both my brothers were there.

We shared a bathroom. Depressing, I know.

I decided to trail back to my room and make up my bed for a change.

I always just leave it like that and let Jasmine make it up, but I realized that that is wrong and taking advantage of someone so I made it up myself.

It looked neat. Not as neat as when Jasmine makes it up, but close.

I went to the bathroom and both my brothers had vanished.

I brushed my teeth, replaced my bandages and then went to my clean room.

I opened my closet and started raiding it for clothes.

I wanted to wear my skinny but then I remembered; my ankles.

So I decided to go with a plain black silky sweater and a short plain yellow skirt.

I wore my black ankle cowboy boots. And a denim jacket for later, when it got crispy.

I put my hair in a high ponytail; I decided I’d do it later.

I went downstairs and smiled at my family

They gave me curios looks and then let it slide.

Jasmine made French toast.

‘It looks great.’ I said and then sat down, biting into the beautiful, golden pieces of bread.

‘So, what time does the bonfire party start?’ my dad asked, wiping his chin with a napkin.

‘At seven.’ I said continuing to eat the goodness of Jasmine’s makings.

‘Do you need a ride?’ my dad asked kindly.

‘That’s okay, dad. Ashley’s giving me a ride.’ I said. I’d have to make sure that Ashley was going to give me a ride.