Companion

Chapter 9: Partying With Danger

That Friday afternoon, the bus ride home from school felt like the most glorious moment of my week. Which it kind of was. I had a break from school, and Edge and I even carried on a conversation. And he never talks to me on the bus.

"Your face is healing."

"Yeah."

Then there's silence.

"How was Training today?"

"Decent."

More silence.

"Are you mad at me?"

"Never."

"I mean, my face and back beg to differ."

"Wait, what happened to your back?"

"The carpet."

"Carp--oh. Oh yeah."

"Yeah."

"Will you show me?"

"What? No!"

"I mean, not now. Later."

"Possibly."

"Wait, seriously?"

"Possibly not."

"Well? Which is it?"

"No."

"Oh. Okay."

When we got home, he flung himself on the couch and fell asleep. I wanted the couch. And he was all gross and sweaty from Training. (I need to figure out how to wash the covers so I can use it again.) So I just went up to my room and fell asleep.

And that is the summation of my Friday afternoon.

+++++

There's a knock at my bedroom door, and my eyes slowly open. I'm only about half awake. I can't see because my eyes are all groggy. But I hear the door open and see Edge's outline in the doorway. I rub my eyes and things begin to clear.

"Hey," he says.

"Hey," I reply. I sound like a frog. Edge smiles. I'm kinda shocked. Edge never smiles.

"You should smile more often." If I was actually awake, awake-me would probably hit sleepy-me over the head. Edge laughs.

"What?"

"You scowl too much."

"I do not."

"You do."

"Are you high?"

"No, just tired." I yawn for emphasis.

"You up for a party?"

"You're inviting me to a party?"

"Sure sounds like it."

"What should I wear?"

"Something skimpy."

"EDGE!" I shout. Edge laughs again.

"Look who's finally awake! And yes. I said it. Wear something short. And tight. You'll already be the youngest. Might as well fit in."

"I don't think I own anything like that."

"Better find something quick. We leave in two hours. I figured you might take forever to get ready. I'm so considerate. So yeah." And then he leaves. I sigh, and roll off my bed, slamming down onto the floor.

"YOU ALRIGHT?" Edge calls from somewhere in the house.

"YEAH!" I yell back. What is wrong with me today? I'm being so weird. I must be anxious. I tend to get loopy when I'm nervous or anxious or something. I stand up, and climb into the attic. I start re-stacking boxes to get to the one with the clothes. It takes me about twenty minutes to find it. When I do, my fingers and arms ache.