Reconstructing Amelia (unedited)

Chapter 25

November 7th, 2019

"Hey, Mia!" Janie waved me over as Neo and I entered the cafeteria. I said goodbye to Neo, who squeezed my hand before I joined Janie sitting at her table. We'd finally made lunch plans together after two weeks of her missing lunch. Even though we saw each other at work, we'd needed some normal girl time together.

"Hi Janie," I greeted, plopping down. I'd actually packed myself a lunch today, just so Janie wouldn't give me hers. It wasn't much - just some baby carrots and apple slices - but it would have to do the trick.

"So I've been thinking," Janie said excitedly, a smile forming on her lips. Fear automatically formed in my stomach.

"And...?" I asked, nervous.

"You're my best friend, right?" Her almond brown eyes were gazing into mine, unease apparent in her expression. I smiled.

"Of course," I told her. She grinned.

"Good. Because I've been thinking that we need to spend some more time together outside of work and school, what do you think?" I nodded.

"I'd like that, yes. What exactly do you have in mind?" Janie leaned closer, wiggling her eyebrows.

"A sleepover!" she exclaimed, waving her hands. She looked so excited.

"A sleepover?" I repeated. I'd never been to one before, I wasn't even sure how they were supposed to work. You were just sleeping at somebody else's house, how was that fun?

"Yeah," Janie continued. "We can watch movies and have snacks and do all sorts of fun things together, doesn't that sound like fun?" I felt a smile creep onto my face. It did sound fun - no, it sounded amazing!

"Yes, it does," I agreed. "I think we should do it," Janie raised her eyebrows.

"Really?" I nodded avidly.

"Yes!" She squealed eagerly.

"Yay! Does next Friday work for you? You could come over after work," I nodded.

"Yes, sounds good to me," In reality, I had no clue how I was supposed to pull off an overnight again. Ben had already made it quite clear I wasn't supposed to do that even though the last one had been entirely an accident. But spending time with my best friend was something I deemed worth whatever punishment I'd get after it. I'd come up with some way to get out for a night - and somewhere for Javi to go so he wasn't alone with Ben for the night.

This was going to be one hell of an adventure.