The Feel of Water

Ten - Weekend Interlude

Is it possible to feel deprived of someone you hardly know? Am I being ridiculous if I admit that Sean has left a mark on me? Maybe there's something about the guy; maybe it's why Jen always ends up back with him.

Or maybe I am experiencing an actual connection with a
boy for the first time.

The long weekend comes around, giving everyone an extra day to do as they please, that is unless you're an actual teenager. Becca is forced to go on a trip to some Vineyard with her mom and Taylor, placing her hours away and out of reach. Alisha's schedule is crammed with church activities, volleyball practice, and her boyfriend. Allison, like me, doesn't have much going on. Her parents aren't around as usual, so she's been contemplating having Nick over for some alone time.

She invites me to stay the night with her after going on and on about sounds coming from the attic. Being the only friend who doesn't believe in ghosts, I go over to debunk whatever noises she's hearing. And, of course, to have a good time.

I walk over in a pair of drawstring fabric shorts and a sweatshirt-my usual sleepover attire. She always orders in, so any pants with a button would be a no-go. As I walk down her street, I notice a few extra cars parked out front, and soon I notice that one is Sean's truck, or at least the same model. Sean would have no reason to be at Allison's house, so it wouldn't be his, but I wonder who's it is. If I knew other people were here, I would have worn something else.

I ring the doorbell and wait with my curiosity ready to jump out of me. Allison answers and immediately I know something is wrong because she isn't in pajamas. She has a pair of jean shorts on with top whose neckline wouldn't be allowed in the house of God. Voices sound from further in the house, and I sarcastically say, "Those better be ghosts."

"Dani, I know, I know I lied; there are no ghosts, but I need you."

I sigh and hike up the strap of my sleepover bag. "What is it? Who's here?"

"Nick and some of his friends."

"Why?"

She peers back into the house, making sure no one can hear us. "Well, I was talking to Nick while he was with some guys from the football team. I told him about the pool table my Dad bought, and the new jacuzzi, and suddenly I'm all like, you guys should come over."

"So now you're hanging out with a bunch of football players?" I question then shake my head. "I'm sorry, but there is no way I'm-"

"Sean is here."

She says it like a spell. Three words strung together and suddenly she expects me to stay. My mouth opens then closes then opens. "I-I-look at me. I look homeless."

"You look cute," Allison assures me. "You look like you're ready to cuddle up and watch a movie."

"Because this is supposed to be our sleepover."

"Please, Dani. You can sneak in and borrow some clothes. No one will see you. Just please stay with me. I want to spend time with Nick, but it's hard with the other guys here."

"So what? I'm supposed to entertain the boys while you make-out with Nick?"

She pulls a desperate face then softly sings, "Sean. Sean is here. He's just inside. Come on, you know you wanna."

I clench my jaw, stomp my foot, then mutter, "Only with different clothes."

Allison sneaks me up the stairs, and as we hurry, I hear the guys talking and hitting pool balls. She throws me a pair of
shorts and a top, and I quickly change out of my comfy clothes. When I'm looking more presentable, we make our way back downstairs and walk from the front door like I have just arrived. The new pool table sits in the center of the room with teenage boys gathered around. They all look over when we walk in.