20 Reasons to Let Go

[ Reason Three ] - You and Me

"For the last time, Mom. You don't have to worry." Cady spoke softly, laying her hand on her mother's shoulder. "It's just going to be Kendal and I."

"No boys?" Cady's mother eyed her suspiciously.

Cady laughed, "No boys. Gosh, Mom, don't you trust me?"

Her mother rested her head in her hands, her eyes glittering, "I do trust you, Cady, I really do. It's just Kendal I sometimes have issues with."

"That's ridiculous." Cady insisted, "Kendal's a responsible friend, you know that."

With one final, heaving sigh, Cady's mother nodded. "See you tomorrow then. Have a nice time at the dance and call me when you get to Kendal's."

Shit. The dance.

Cady had almost forgotten about it overnight. Each month, her school hosted a two hour long event for students to attend. It was usually pretty lame, especially without anyone to share the slow dances with. But Kendal had once again convinced Cady to go, telling her that it 'just wouldn't be the same without her.'

She supposed a little extra social time couldn't possibly be the worst thing the world had to offer. Maybe she'd have fun this time.

Maybe.

Gathering the rest of her things, Cady hurried out the door and was careful not to miss the bus this time around. The ride to school was noisy, what with all the chatter about the school dance. But Cady didn't mind too much. Today was going to be a good day. She'd make sure of it.

Besides, she was going to be attending her first boy-girl sleepover tonight.

What could go wrong?

With that thought in mind, she stepped off the bus with an extra swagger of confidence and made her way to first period.

The school day sped by at an alarming pace and, much to Cady's surprise, Mrs. Baring didn't ask about yesterday's incident.

When lunch arrived, the whole eighth grade was buzzing about Kendal's sleepover. Only a select few had been invited, but somehow word had gotten out to everybody.

"Everyone's so excited." Kendal beamed, setting her tray down on the lunch table and taking her seat beside Cady.

Cady took a bite of her peanut butter and jelly sandwich and chewed thoughtfully. It was incredible just how pumped middle school students could get over some low-key sleepover.

Kendal scooted closer to Cady in order to make room for Shane. When he sat down, she asked, "You're coming tonight too, right?"

Shane glanced away awkwardly, "Actually, I have that play production I was telling you about. I can't make the dance, either."

Kendal looked as though her heart had been torn right out of her, "What?" She squeaked. When Shane didn't reply she huffed a sigh of disappointment and prodded at her food with her fork.

The next five minutes Cady found especially uncomfortable, with Shane throwing Kendal apologetic glances and a heavy silence hanging in the air. She was just about ready to scream when the lunch bell rang.