Never Forever

Number 5. The sleepover

I am regretting this already. A sleepover would be better than this-and that's saying something. Cassie was busy talking on her phone to 'the guy I am going with'. I keep telling myself that this is a new experience and should be excited, but I can't keep the feeling of unease from settling in my stomach. I'm like a dang chicken saying Yes! to butcher.

"K, see you there... bye." Cassie taps her phone before looking at me triumphly. "He will come!" She grins. I roll my eyes. Ya, probably because he's a psycho serial killer wanting revenge because you accidentally bumped him. I mentally slapped myself at the thought. He's probably a nice person. Not Nick. Right?

"What's his name?" I blurt. She gives me a sly smile.

"Wouldn't you rather it be a surprise?" She asked sweetly.

"No." I deadpan, looking longly over at the Sticky Buns and More booth across from us. We were currently in the mall 'shopping'. When I had told Cassie I didn't have anything to where, she instantly pulled me here. Cassie just shrugged at my attitude and kept walking.

"We need to hurry before the shops close." She called over her shoulder. I sighed and trotted after her. I didn't know if we were friends or not, but it felt (surprisingly) nice to have someone other than tax collectors, banks, ect. to talk to-even if it did get a little annoying.

"Oh my gosh! That dress is so cute!" Cassie gasps at a mannequin in a shops' window. A short frilly red off the shoulder dress. I just hummed my agreement. "It would look amazing on you with your olive skin and brown eyes, eep!" She giggled, gripping my arm. I mentally flinched from the contact but stayed still. I shook my head.

"I was thinking more like you." I replied, slowly easing out of her grasp. "It's more of your... style. Besides, I don't want a dress, I'm good with shorts and a tank top." Cassie stared at me.

"Are you crazy?" She sputtered. "You don't go on a date without a dress."

"Then I guess I'm not going." I say smoothly. For a moment I think I've finally gotten out of this whole ordeal.

"Fine." Cassie says suddenly, making me groan. She laughs at my expression. "Come on."

###

"These?" Cassie questions, holding up a pair of shorts.

"Those are practically underwear!" I exclaim a little too loudly. A man a little ways to my left, chuckled in amusement. Cassie gives me a pout, which I just glare at. "These ones are fine." I say, holding up a pair of mid thigh partially ripped cutoffs. She sighs and rolls her eyes. I grin my victory.

"So we have everything?" Cassie asks, looking back at the clothes in my hands.

"Yep." I hold up the shorts, V neck white tank top, and light jean jacket to go with it. Cassie grumpily nods her approval. We head to the counter to pay. The girl takes the clothes and beeps them.

"That'll be $104.45." She says robotically.

"Phew, that's expensive." Cassie murmurs to me.

"It's ok, I'll just work double shift next week." I respond automatically, taking out my debit card. What she didn't know is that I haven't worked for anybody in ten years. I slide the card in as she replied.

"Where do you work?" I wish I could slap myself. I shouldn't have said anything. I cover the card gadget with one hand and punch in the numbers, stalling for time. I finally decided not to answer. The girl gave me a fake smile as she handed the bagful to me. I give her the fakiest smile in return and take it.