Mr. I Don't Smile

10. good riddance

10. good riddance

Ciera

"What?" I asked, dumbfounded. I didn't know what my parents were thinking most of the time, but this incident had crossed the line.

"Don't make me repeat myself, Ciera. Your father and I are leaving."

"But why?" Clara inquired.

It was Saturday morning, and Theo, Rosalie, Clara, and I were all sitting down in my parent's room, listening to them speak utter nonsense.

"The trip to Egypt is strictly for business."

"And how long are you going to be gone?" Rosalie asked, chipping off the polish from her nails.

"We planned for two months, but the latest will be three," My mom responded, stuffing another stack of shirts into her already full suitcase.

"You're going to leave four teenagers alone in a house for three months?" Theo confirmed in shock.

My mom barked an ugly laugh that sounded like a cross between a dying walrus and a whale in labor. "Of course not. Do you think we trust you enough to leave you alone? Someone will be staying with you."

"Who?"

"Well, our last choice, but the only person who actually willingly volunteered."

"Camila."

I felt a smile grow on my face—my first genuine one in a while.

)()(

This was the best idea ever. I had never been so grateful for my parents leaving.

I had invited Maddie over and now we were having a sleepover with the rest of the girls. Camila helped me set up the extra mattresses on the third floor while Rosalie picked out multiple movies to binge-watch. I texted Maddie to bring the food. I wasn't sure whether or not to ask Clara, but she saved me the decision by going over to a friend's house.

We moved our mattresses together and laid down giggling after tiring ourselves out from a pillow fight. "Let's just talk for a while to calm down," Camila suggested.

"Alright."

"Okay."

"Deal."

As soon as we were about to begin, Theo opened the door. "Can I come in?" He asked sweetly.

"No!" Maddie yelled. "This is a girl's only sleepover and you know . . . you're a guy."

"Unless you've got something to tell us," Rosalie suggested. Theo glared at his sister.

"If you're so bored, invite one of your guy friends," I said.

"My only guy friend is your guy friend, Ciera."

"Okay, then invite Casey over. As long as you leave us be. It's not even that late." I looked at the clock to see it was only eight o'clock.

"Fine," he huffed. "And we'll have a better sleepover than you." Rosalie stuck her tongue out at her brother and he did the same to her. Even though the pair constantly made fun of each other, I could tell they loved each other. Theo closed the door softly without another word.

"So, what's college like?" Rosalie asked Camila.

"Well, I only do classes on Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday—and all in the morning. Never do classes on weekends or Fridays, and especially not at night. You'll miss out on everything because the frat and sorority houses are always throwing a party."