Spirits

Sleepover!

“Wake up!”

I groan, still not used to getting up so early, pull the covers on top of my head wanting to go back to sleep.

“Kimberly if you don’t get up, I will pick out your outfit, and clearly you don’t want that do you?” I got up quickly and changed into another pair of khaki pants and a white shirt with a blue paw print.

I walk into the kitchen, today it was cereal. I grab a bowl, spoon, and the box of Mini Wheats. I take a seat next to my Grandma, who is eating Honey Nut Cheerios. “By the way Kimberly don’t forget to pack your bag for your friends’ house tonight,” states my Grandmother. I almost forgot, I hurriedly put my bowl in the sink and head to my room to pack. I put all of my clothes in my lime green draw string bag, and head to the car.

“Got everything?” My Grandmother asks. I nod and pull my seat belt over my chest, and fasten it.

We arrive at school, and I wave bye to my Grandmother and head to my locker. I see Tempest already getting into her locker. “Hey Tempest!” I exclaim.

“Hey, are you ready for tonight?”

“Yeah!” I show her my draw string bag.

“Awesome!” The bell then, rang indicating it was time for class. Tempest and I head to Chemistry together, and sit in our usual spot. I look up and see Andrew walking in, and he takes a seat in the front. Mrs. Baker takes role call and starts class.

“Well, I am happy to inform all of you that on Monday we will be conducting our first experiments, and in pairs! Go ahead and get an idea of who you want to be with.”  Tempest and I look over at each other, and smile.

The whole day through all of my classes I had this weird feeling that someone was watching me. I know I sound crazy, but it happened. Anyway, the rest of the day goes by fast! And before I know it Tempest and I are walking to her house.

“So, how were your classes?” I ask.

“Well, you know classes,” says Tempest jokingly, “what about you?”

“Andrew! He won’t leave me alone!” I say smiling, but I was a little annoyed by the fact. I could see Tempest’s joking mood quickly turned the opposite.

“I know this is not my place, but what-“

“Here’s my house!” announced Tempest. Her house wasn’t the biggest, but neither the smallest. The house was a light brown color, with a red door, and two story. Tempest started walking up and to the door, when she turned and looked at me.

“Are you coming?”

I nod and follow her through the red door. It opens and there is a staircase which leads upstairs, the kitchen on the right and living room on the left. Tempest closes the door. “Tempest! Is that you?” asks a voice coming from the upstairs. “No mom it’s a ghost!” Shouts Tempest sarcastically. This was not really that funny considering what I have been dealing with today, but I go ahead and crack a smile. Then, a short woman with blonde hair comes down the stairs.

“Is this your friend?” asks the woman.

“No it’s the ghost I was telling you about! Yes, this is my friend Kimberly Crossheart.” I wave ‘hello’ to the woman, and she waves back. “And Kimberly this is my mom. Well, we are going to go upstairs, we’ll see you at dinner.”

“Okay, but don’t be too crazy up there!” shouts her mom as we head up the stairs.

“No promises!” Tempest shouts back.

We reach the top of the staircase and there is a bathroom. Tempest walks me to the end of the hallway. We walk through the door, and into her room. There were posters hung up on the wall, some of video games, actors, hockey, and music bands. I could tell from the posters that she liked rock music. “You can put your bag there,” says Tempest pointing to a beanbag chair. There was a TV stand, with a TV and Xbox 360 console. 

“Oh you’re gonna love this room!” exclaims Tempest. She leads me across the hall to a closed door, and opens it. The room was filled with books, movies, CD’s and video games.

“Wow!” Was all I managed to say.

“Yeah, this used to be Courtney’s room, but with help from my parents we made a huge library. Who would’ve known that Courtney’s room could be useful?” We laugh, but are then interrupted.

“Tempest! It’s time for dinner!” shouts Tempest’s mom.

“Well, let’s go,” states Tempest.

Tempest and I go downstairs and take a seat in the dining room. Mrs. Conway brought a bowl full of spaghetti and a plate with garlic bread. I have to say that she is an amazing cook! After Tempest and I finished we brought out plates to the kitchen.

“Thank you so much Mrs. Conway! It was delicious!”

“Thank you!”

I handed my plate to her, and Tempest and I went back upstairs. “So do you wanna watch a movie or something?” requested Tempest.

“Sure,” I respond.

We walk into her huge library, I am still just overwhelmed with the sight of so many choices.

“Make you pick, and may I warn you choose wisely,” says Tempest.

I look and look so many good movies, but I finally come across the right movie. I pull it from the shelf and hand it to Tempest.

“’17 Again’ good choice!”

We walk back to her room, and I grab my bag and head for the bathroom. I change into my Grinch pajamas and head back to her room. Tempest had on black shorts and a gray t-shirt on.

“Are you ready?”

“Yes!” I say as I plop myself down on the beanbag. Tempest places the movie inside the DVD player, and she sits in the beanbag next to me. It has been so long since I’d see 17 Again that I forgot how funny it was! Tempest was basically saying the entire script; she clearly, has seen this movie many, many times! But this didn’t seem to bother her any because she was smiling and laughing along with it.

When the movie finally ended, we decided to go ahead and get the sleeping bag out. We spread it on the floor, and Tempest let me barrow a pillow. Tempest turned off the light and climbed in her bed and I slipped inside my sleeping bag.

“Hey Kim, can I ask you a question?” requested Tempest.

“Sure” I say.

“Well, where are your parents? I mean, I know you live with your Grandmother and all, but, I don’t know. I was just wandering.”
“Well, I never knew my dad, my mom told me that he left when I was little, and my mom- well- she’s dead. She died recently this summer,” I pause waiting for just some sort of acknowledgment, “Tempest, what about your dad? Where is he?”

“He is just on a business trip. He went to Los Angeles. He should be back in a week, I think. But you never know when business trips. When they say three days, that three days can be changed into three weeks very easily.”

“Well, can I ask you another question?” I ask.

“Yeah.”

“Well, you didn’t look too fond of Andrew when he sat by us at the lunch table. Do you guys have a history or something?” I wait for an answer, “If you don’t want to tell me you don’t have to.” I reassure her.

“No it’s fine, I was just thinking. I actually really don’t know why. It’s almost as if I hate him for nothing, but I know he did something or I wouldn’t hate him. Well, one thing is that he is just one of those types you know?”

“Yeah, I understand” I reply, “And can I ask you my final question?”

“Sure, why not?”

“Can I call you Temp?” I ask.

“Yeah, sure,” she laughs, “Goodnight Kim.”

“Goodnight!”