The Beginning of the End

Chapter 3

<Chapter 3>

I raced Anna to my room, both of us wanting to wash up before the other. Thankfully, I won and dashed straight to my bathroom. I was slightly breathless and let the warm water relax my muscles and normalize my pulse. I washed my hair, trying my best to get all of the bits of food out. It took a while but at least, I was completely food-free by the end of my intense cleaning regime. I hopped out of the shower and wrapped myself in a fluffy towel. I took out my pajamas with pandas printed on them and a comfortable hoodie.

By the time I was done, Anna had made herself at home, reading a book and munching the snacks Danny had bought for our little sleepover.

“It’s all yours.” I called to her.

“Finally! I’ve been waiting for ages, Junie.” She said her mouth stuffed with crisps. I wrinkled my nose in disgust earning a glare from her.

“Oh please, I took thirty minutes. And if you and your demented soon-to-be step brother hadn’t started a food fight at my favorite restaurant I would never have had to take a shower in the first place. Do you know how much time it took to get the dessert out of my hair?” I asked her faking an intimidating voice with my hands resting on my hips. Anna simply rolled her eyes at my question, got off my bed and walked into the bathroom with her overnight bag.

I sighed and picked up two comforters and pillows from my bed to take to the living room.

Danny had adamantly refused to have the sleepover in my room and wanted us to do it in the den instead. For some reason, the guy despised my room. It was a comfortable size, with a single bed against the wall in the middle that was covered with numerous colorful cushions. A desk was placed in the corner and there was a beautiful dark wood bookshelf beside it. I was an avid reader and the bookshelf with its contents was one of my prized possessions. I had a window seat where I sat often, either reading or just looking out wistfully. I had an en suite bathroom and a small walk in closet.

I was content with my brother keeping out of my room but occasions like this one made me rethink that. The task of transporting all the comforters, cushions and mattresses was going to be laborious and hard.

I dumped the things on the couch, leaving their arrangement to Danny. I walked back to my room and took another round of stuff to the den.

Danny was carefully arranging everything and I had to admit that it looked rather cozy.

“Good job.” I commented laying the pillows and blankets on the mattresses.

“Indeed. Get the snacks from your room, MJ. The last time I saw them was when Anna was pigging out on them.” He chuckled.

“Don’t worry; she’s taking a shower so our snacks are safe.” I smiled and sat beside him.

“So what’s this about anyway?” My brother asked. I hesitated before answering him, unsure of how much I could tell him without angering Anna. 

“It’s quite simple, really. Mr. Gilbert is getting married to a doctor of some sort, her name’s Lydia. She seemed quite nice but I knew better than to say it in front of Anna. She’s seething right now and well, I understand. I mean till this morning she didn’t even know that her dad was seeing someone and then he drops this bomb that he’s marrying this woman. He didn’t give Anna any time to get used to her or get to know her. I’m sure she’s not horrible or anything but still. I mean, the man met her while he was filling out paperwork on his deceased wife. That’s not cool.” I frowned thinking about dinner.

“Wow, that’s intense. That’s quite horrible for Anna. How is she holding up?” Danny asked in a concerned voice.

“Aw, that’s so sweet of you Danny!” I said pinching his cheek