Chapter 13: Friends to the Rescue (REVISED)

The aroma of coffee and bacon filled the air as I stumbled into the kitchen. My backpack thudded heavily on the tile floor, the sound bouncing off the walls in the oddly silent room. The beanie I had picked out to cover up... well, everything, was starting to itch on my head. I pulled at the hem of my light blue cropped hoodie, wishing I had opted for a cozier sweatshirt instead. My new white sneakers with rainbow accents, which Pops had helped me choose, squeaked a bit as I shuffled across the floor. Dad, Pops, and Stetson were already seated at the table, with Bernard's fluffy head resting on Stetson's knee. *Great, just what I needed - an audience.* I slid onto a stool, the metal legs scraping loudly against the floor.

Dad's sharp blue eyes took me in from head to toe. "You're staying home," he said firmly, though I could hear the worry in his voice.

*Seriously?* I leaned back against the counter, the cool marble contrasting with the warmth of the kitchen. "But Daaad," I whined, my voice barely audible. "I feel fine." I fiddled with the sleeve of my hoodie, the soft fabric snagging on the silver watch Pops had given me for my last birthday.

Stetson let out a laugh. "Yeah, right. You look like you're about to collapse."

"Thanks for the support," I shot back, giving him a glare.

Pops offered me a kind smile. "Your dad's just looking out for you, Sloane."

"Well, if you're going to be home, young lady," Pops said, his tone both kind and serious, "make sure you eat something. You need to keep your energy up."

He set a plate in front of me - two pieces of whole-wheat toast topped with mashed avocado and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes. My stomach growled at the sight. I nibbled on the toast, the sound of crunching filling the quiet kitchen.

Stetson jumped up from his chair, his messy blond curls bouncing as he moved. He tossed his dishes into the sink with a loud clatter, grabbed his backpack and keys, and declared, "I’m outta here! Don’t let boredom get to you, Sloane." He shot me a playful grin before heading out the door.

"See you, son! Be good!" Pops called after him, shaking his head with a laugh.

I pushed my plate away, proud that I had managed to eat half the toast. "I’m going to put my stuff away," I said quietly, getting off the stool.

My room looked like a tornado hit it, with clothes and books strewn everywhere. I tossed my backpack onto the floor, kicked off my sneakers, and aimed my beanie at the overflowing laundry basket. *Another miss.* Dragging myself back, I flopped onto the sofa in the family room, the cushions wrapping around me comfortably. I grabbed the remote and turned on Hulu, landing on a random reality show. Bernard, sensing I needed some company, lumbered over and settled down next to me, his fluffy white head resting on my lap.

As the opening credits began to roll, Dad and Pops walked in from the hallway, both looking sharp in their work attire. Dad was dressed in a crisp suit with a perfectly tied tie, while Pops sported his neatly pressed uniform.

"We're heading out, Sloane," Dad said, bending down to give me a kiss on the forehead. "Try to get some rest. We'll check in on you at lunch."

"Love you, sunshine," Pops chimed in, playfully ruffling my hair.

"Love you too," I replied, my eyes still fixed on the TV.

Once the front door clicked shut, I quickly grabbed my phone.

To: The Squad

*Stuck at home today.* 🤮 *Need some entertainment.*

I paused for a moment, then started a new message.

To: Evan

*Guess who’s skipping today?*

😉

My phone vibrated almost right away.

From: Chandler

*Hey, what’s up?*

A wave of guilt hit me.

To: Chandler

*Not feeling too hot. The doctor said I should take it easy.*

From: Maekynzie

*OMG! Are you okay?! Should I come over? I’ll bring snacks!*

I rolled my eyes. Typical Maekynzie.

To: Maekynzie

*I’m fine, just a bit sick. Save the snacks for when I’m back at school. We can have a pity party then.*

From: Emory

*Yo, Sloane! If you’re bored, I could totally hack the school system and change your grades. Just saying.*

I laughed.

To: Emory

*Sounds tempting, but I think I’ll pass. Wouldn’t want to ruin your future as a tech genius.*

My phone kept lighting up with messages from the rest of the crew. I couldn’t help but smile, feeling a warmth spread through me. Even though they could be annoying at times, I really loved my friends. They always knew how to make me laugh, even when I was feeling down.

A new message came through.

From: Evan

*Skipping class, huh? Nice. Don’t have too much fun without me. 😉*

A weird feeling settled in my stomach. It wasn’t quite disappointment, but it wasn’t butterflies either. More like...a bunch of moths. What did he mean by that?

I tossed my phone onto the coffee table, causing Bernard’s head to bounce off my lap. "Sorry, buddy," I said, scratching his ears. Maybe a reality TV binge was just what I needed to take my mind off my increasingly complicated life.

The TV's constant noise made me drift into a sleepy haze. Behind my closed eyes, I saw flashes of contestants bickering, Bernard chasing after squirrels, and Evan with Chandler's face... I must have dozed off because a loud voice jolted me awake.

"Sloane? Sweetheart, wake up."

I blinked, feeling confused. Dad and Pops were hovering over me, worry written all over their faces. Bernard, the little traitor, had left my side and was now wagging his tail happily at Dad.

"Look what we brought you," Pops said, sounding cheerful.

Dad held up a familiar Panera Bread bag. My stomach growled, suddenly aware of how hungry I was. He pulled out a container of hot Broccoli Cheddar soup and a whole Roast Beef sandwich. *My favorites!*

"We thought you might be tired of reality TV," Dad said with a grin. "And a growing girl needs her food."

"Thanks," I mumbled, my mouth watering already.

Pops plopped down on the sofa next to me, while Dad went to the kitchen to get a bowl and spoon.

"So," Pops started, his green eyes sparkling, "how's the invalid enjoying her day off?"

I shrugged, sinking deeper into the cushions. "It's okay. Boring."

"Well, hopefully, this will make it a bit less dull." Dad came back with a steaming bowl of soup and a napkin. "Dig in. We don’t want you wasting away."

I took a bite of the sandwich, the delicious flavors bursting in my mouth. "This is amazing," I said between bites.

Dad and Pops shared a pleased look. For a moment, the worry on their faces faded, and they just looked like... dads. Caring, loving dads who wanted to take care of their sick kid.

A wave of warmth filled me. "Thanks for coming home," I said softly.

"Of course, sunshine," Pops replied, giving my hand a squeeze. "Always."

The garage door creaked open, and it sent a shock through me. I quickly grabbed the lever to lean back on the sofa. *Who could it be?* My heart raced in my chest. I heard footsteps thumping on the tile floor of the foyer, followed by the quieter sound of sneakers on the hardwood as they got closer. My heart raced even faster, a mix of excitement and nervousness swirling in my stomach.

"Sloane?" Stetson's loud voice echoed through the house, accompanied by a bunch of cheerful chatter.

I couldn't help but smile. My friends, with their wild energy, had skipped school to come hang out with me. *Our parents are going to be so mad,* I thought, feeling a wave of laughter coming on.

“In here!” I shouted back, my voice a bit rough from not being used.

Stetson was the first to turn the corner from the dining room, a playful sparkle in his bright blue eyes. He casually tossed a RedBox movie case onto the coffee table as he walked by. Chandler followed closely behind, his strawberry blonde curls all over the place. Noelle was bouncing on her toes, her golden blonde hair bouncing along with her. Maekynzie strutted in, her coffee brown braids swaying dramatically. Emory made a joke that had Tinsley laughing uncontrollably. Ashton came last, his dark hair messy and a silly grin spread across his face.

They burst into the living room like a wave crashing on the shore, their vibrant energy filling the space that had just been filled with the soft sounds of the TV and the gentle crackle of the fireplace. They were a storm of laughter, conversation, and the familiar aroma of teenage rebellion - a sharp contrast to the quiet solitude I had been feeling all day. A warm feeling washed over me, pushing away the coldness of loneliness.

Stetson flopped down on one of the reclining loveseats next to me, a big grin on his face. “Hey, twin,” he said, pulling me into a side hug. His warmth wrapped around me like a cozy blanket. “How are you doing?”

“I’m alright,” I replied softly, leaning into him. “Just a bit tired.”

“Well, we brought you some goodies to lift your spirits,” Chandler said, grabbing a brown paper bag from the coffee table. “Snacks, drinks, and some RedBox movies. We’re having a marathon!”

I was taken aback. “You guys skipped school for me?”

“Absolutely,” Noelle said, her bright blue eyes shining with concern. “We couldn’t just leave you here all by yourself.”

“And,” Maekynzie chimed in, her eyes glinting with mischief, “we thought you could use some company.”

I couldn’t help but chuckle. They really understood me. “You guys are amazing,” I said, feeling a wave of gratitude fill my heart.

A cozy quietness settled in the room as we started watching the first movie, a cheesy romantic comedy that Noelle chose. I nestled into the soft cushions of the couch, letting out a happy sigh. The aroma of buttery popcorn wafted around us. The only noises were the sporadic crunch of popcorn and Noelle’s muffled laughter. Sunlight poured in through the window, creating a warm atmosphere in the room.

I looked around at my friends, all absorbed in the film. Stetson was stretched out like me, his long legs extended in front of him. Chandler sat on the edge of the loveseat, his brow knitted in focus, a small smile hinting at his lips. Noelle was laughing at all the cheesy lines, her giggles echoing in the room. Maekynzie gasped dramatically at every twist, clutching her chest in surprise. Emory kept up a running commentary, his clever jokes making Tinsley burst into laughter. Even Ashton, who usually leaned towards action movies, seemed to be enjoying this one, a rare smile lighting up his face.

A wave of warmth washed over me as I took in the scene. Despite the chaos and uncertainty of the past few months, this moment felt just right. Surrounded by my friends and wrapped in the comfort of their company, I felt a peace I hadn’t known in a long time.

As the movie built up to its climax, a comfortable hush fell over us. I felt a light nudge on my arm and turned to see Chandler offering me a can of soda. Our fingers brushed as I took it, sending a little spark of electricity through me. I met his gaze, his bright blue eyes radiating warmth that made my heart race. A soft blush crept onto my cheeks, and I quickly looked away, focusing on the screen.

*What was that?* I wondered, my heart beating faster.

The film came to a close, and the credits started to play, yet we all stayed seated. We enjoyed a peaceful silence, with the only noise being the gentle buzz of the fridge in the kitchen. I shut my eyes, soaking in the moment and trying to remember it forever. This was my place, surrounded by those who cared for me and embraced me just as I was, imperfections included.

Out of nowhere, a loud groan shattered the quiet. "Ugh, I'm so hungry," Emory declared, dramatically holding his stomach. "Watching all these movies has really worked up my appetite."

"Same here," Tinsley added. "How about we hit the kitchen?"

Everyone agreed, and we quickly jumped up, excited to refuel after our movie binge. As we headed to the kitchen, I felt Chandler's hand slip into mine. I looked down to see our fingers linked together, his warm grip sending a tingle through me. I met his gaze, curiosity in my eyes. He just smiled back, a playful sparkle in his eyes, and gave my hand a gentle squeeze.

The kitchen was buzzing with energy as we dug through the pantry and fridge, on the hunt for snacks to curb our cravings. Noelle stumbled upon a box of brownie mix and excitedly announced that she would make a batch. Maekynzie, never one to be outdone, insisted on preparing her famous guacamole and chips.

While everyone else was busy with their cooking, I leaned against the counter, enjoying the lively atmosphere with a satisfied grin. Chandler stood next to me, our shoulders brushing against each other.

"So," I said casually, trying to keep it cool, "what's going on with you and Reighlynn?"

He shrugged. "Nothing too serious. We just hang out sometimes."

"Just hanging out?" I pressed, raising an eyebrow.

He laughed. "Yeah, pretty much. Why? Are you jealous?"

I rolled my eyes, but a smile crept onto my face. "As if."

Yet, even as I said that, I felt a strange flutter in my stomach. Was it jealousy? Or something else entirely?

Before I could think too much about it, Noelle handed me a bowl of brownie batter. "Here, lick the spoon," she said with a playful wink. "It's a baker's privilege."

I chuckled, thankful for the distraction. As I enjoyed the rich chocolate, I caught Chandler watching me with a teasing grin. My heart raced. Maybe spending time with my friends wasn’t so bad after all. Perhaps this day was shaping up to be pretty great.