The Cursed Sleepover

[Chapter 3]

Lauren shuffled down the hall, planning to meet up with Misty. She had said she wanted her to meet someone.

Lauren felt as though rocks were weighing her down, as guilt pierced her heart.

She glanced up, spotting Misty down the hall.. talking to a guy? He was slim, with muscular arms, and dark ginger hair, along with a charming smile of confidence.

Growing curious, Lauren scrambled over to Misty's side, tapping her shoulder.

"Oh, hey, Lauren!" She grinned, stepping to the side, revealing.. the guy.

"This is Alan Parker! He's also into paranormal stuff- like us." Misty added.

Alan playfully winked in reply, raising an eyebrow. He seemed nice enough. Lauren slipped her hand out from beneath her bag, waving it in reply.

"And we're partnered for my project I was telling you about!"

"Hi, Alan! I'm Lauren." She nodded, offering her hand.

He shook it, grinning. "Nice to meet you, I'm Alan- as you already know."

"Oh, yeah. Remember that sleepover I was telling you about yesterday, Ren?" Misty questioned, placing a speckled hand on her hip. "Alan is gonna join us!"

Lauren found herself awkwardly smiling. A boy.. with them? Eh, it's not like anything bad would happen. Right?

"Yeah, it sounds pretty cool." Alan nodded eagerly. "We were talking about having it this Friday."

"Friday the thirteenth!" Misty added, her eyes lightening with excitement.

"Ohh.. you were being serious about that." Lauren chuckled, sheepishly grinning.

Misty groaned, rolling her eyes. "Yes- duh, girl."

"Also, is it OK if I invite my best friend?" Alan asked, seeming a bit guilty for questioning. "He's always working late at his mother's bakery.. I'm sure coming along with us would loosen him up!"

"Yeah, that's fine." The two girls nodded.

"Who's house though?" Lauren tilted her head.

"My friend's house.. it's good for the sleepover games. I'll text Misty the address too." Alan added.

"Alright, bye Alan!" Misty nodded, as he waved his hand in farewell, disappearing down the hall into a crowd.

"Y'know what the sad part is? Do you know how I help my mother at the Children's Hospital, right?" Lauren remarked.

"Yeah?"

"Well my shift is right after school- and I wont have any time." Lauren muttered, sighing. "So I'll have to change at school." She added, groaning.

"That sucks!" Misty giggled.

Lauren nodded. "Oh, yeah.. did Alan tell you who is friend was? The dude's house we're staying at for the sleepover."

"Uh.. no." Misty frowned.

"Welp, I guess we'll have to find out.."

Thursday | After School

Lauren scrolled through her phone, as steps crept up behind her.

"Hi, Lauren!" A voice called.

She turned around.. oh. Michael Evans.

"Uh, hey.." She frowned, slipping her device in the bock of her pocket.

"You're in photography club, right?" He grinned, tilting his head.

"Mhm."

"Wanna walk with me there?" Michael offered.

Lauren's heart raced, her eyes widening. Walking with.. Michael Evans? Chill out. He's just a guy- with a girlfriend. Wait.. but why is he asking her then? Has Lauren mistaken everything?!

"Uh.. are you gonna say something?" He chuckled.

"O-oh, right. Sorry." She ducked her head with embarrassment. "Yeah sure, I'll walk with you."

She looks more happy.. Michael inwardly remarked, faintly blushing.

"Hey, do you have any plans for tomorrow?" Michael asked, halting to a stop.

"Yes actually! I'm having a sleepover with my best friend and someone she met." Lauren nodded, growing confused as Michael's eyes widened with surprise.

"Wow, same!" He gushed. "Except.. my best friend is forcing me into it." Michael groaned. "We're apparently going to play 'scary' games with his friend-"

"Wait, who's your friend you're talking about?" Lauren stuttered, her mouth gaping open.

"Oh, his name's Alan Parker. Red-head to be exact."

"We're going to the same sleepover!" Lauren blurted out. "I-I'm the friend's friend." She added, adding the pieces together to their discovery.

"Oh, wow.. that turns the tables." Michael snickered, while Lauren giggled along tune. "This'll sure be fun." He added, raising an eyebrow.

A phone buzzed.

Michael glanced with annoyance towards his pocket, groaning as he pulled out his device.

"Shit, and so the spamming begins." He mumbled.

"What's wrong- who texted you?" Lauren blinked over his shoulder.

"My girlfriend.." Michael responded, seeming more frustrated then proud.

Lauren's gaze darkened, a frown replacing her curiosity.

"Oh.. you have a girlfriend." She repeated.

"Yeah, and-"

"We should go to class.. now." Lauren muttered, cutting him off. She slipped into the room, head drooping.

 All of a sudden she's sad again?  Michael frowned. Girls were confusing. Wait.. whenever I mentioned my girlfriend, she was sad.. does she like me?! He paused, taking this in, though shook his head. Nah, you can't just assume things.

Michael sighed, scrambling after Lauren, where he found her crossing her knees on the floor. She looked upset.