Broken

Chapter Thirty-Six

"We're having a sleep over tonight," said Nora.

I narrowed my eyes, "Excuse me?"

"Sleep over at my house," said Nora. Her blonde hair was in a messy, low ponytail. We were walking down the hallway at school together. I had my books in my arm from my previous class. I had to stop by my locker before lunch to put them away and I was walking that way. "My mom thinks I'm antisocial. I told her I was having a sleep over tonight."

"You lied to her?" I asked.

"Well, it was a lie at the time, but I'm thinking it could turn into a true statement if you could help me out," Nora said.

"Just you and me?"

"I invited Carly too in case you refused," said Nora. "I am really hoping you don't refuse because I don't know if I can handle all her positivity alone for a night."

"Carly's sweet," I said in her defense as I stopped in front of my locker.

"Yeah," said Nora. "She's the kind of sweet that's great for a while and then your teeth start to hurt." She crossed her arms over her chest and looked at me, wanting an answer.

"I think that's a cavity," I said.

"I'm guessing you'll come then?" Nora asked.

My mind started racing through all the school work I had to do. I was pretty much caught up. I could always do a little something right after school. I placed my books inside my locker and shut it. "What time is your sleep over starting?"

"I don't know, six?" asked Nora. "I don't really do sleep overs so I'm not sure when they're supposed to start. I guess I can get my mom to order us a pizza."

"Sounds good," I said. We started walking towards the cafeteria. "You sitting at our table again today?"

"I guess," said Nora.

"Why do you act like you hate everything?" I asked.

"It's easier that way," she replied. Nora was one person I was sure I would never figure out. I shrugged and did not push it anymore. When we got into the cafeteria, my eyes landed on Justin. He was waiting for me like he was yesterday. He smiled at me and started walking towards us.

"Are we not getting in line?" asked Nora when she realized I had stopped walking. She glanced over and saw Justin. "Oh, right. I'll see you guys at the table."

"Okay," I said. Nora turned and walked away. My eyes never left Justin thought. He walked over and we started heading towards the line slowly.

"What did Nora want?" he asked.

"Why should my friends want anything, but to talk to me?"

"Because it was Nora."

"She invited me to a sleep over tonight," I said.

"Nora's having a sleep over?" Justin asked.

"Well, it's more of a forced thing," I said. "I told her I would go. You can still stay at my house though."

"Does that mean I can sleep in your bed?" he asked quietly.

"You did last night," I whispered as I blushed.

"Okay," said Justin with a small laugh before shaking his head. "I guess I don't have an excuse to not go see my mother after school then. I was hoping you would give me one."

"You should go see her," I said.

"I know," he said.

"Just text me if you want to talk about it," I said. "I'm sure I will be able to get away for a moment." Justin nodded and we both grabbed our lunch trays. I swiped my card for the payment and waited for Justin to do the same. I glanced over at the table and it was filled with the regular occupants.