Page 9 of Another Love, Another Time
She scoffs. “What? What did you tell her?”
“I told her that I know what she did at my birthday party with the costumes tonight. I don’t know why you both don’t get along, but if she doesn’t start being nice to you, we will never be friends.”
“Oh, so I can thank you for the conversation.”
I shrug. “She said she was going to try to be nice. She’s trying.”
Logan laughs and shakes his head. “I’m so glad I’m not a girl.”
“You think I asked for this?” She scowls at Logan.
“No. Not at all. It’s just that girls always have so much drama. I’m just saying I’m glad I’m a boy.”
“Look, I don’t know what it is. Even before the birthday incident, we didn’t get along the best, but I could talk with her. Now, I justfeel like I’m wasting my breath because I couldn't care less what comes out of her mouth.”
Logan looks over and nods his head toward the shop. “Melissa is heading over this way. Looks like she has a friend.”
After glancing at the shop, I recognize the girl from school. I’m not sure what she is doing here since it’s typically only the families that our parents know. You never know with my mom, though. She always says, “The more, the merrier.”
Melissa is the first to speak, “Hey, you all know Meredith, right?”
“Hey,” Logan calls.
I wave at the girl while River introduces herself. “Hey, I’m River. Nice you meet you, Meredith.”
I point to the table that has the graham crackers, Hershey bars, and marshmallows. “Do either of you want to make a s’more?”
“Oh, yes. I’d love to have a s’more.” Meredith approaches the table.
“Meredith is staying the night tonight,” Melissa tells me. “Are you all staying at your house tonight?”
“Yeah. Logan is staying the night, and River and her family are staying,” I answer. “Do you think that Meredith and I could stay the night?” Melissa asks.
“I don’t think our parents will be okay with that.” I tell her.
“Why, because we’re girls? We can just tell our parents we are going to stay and hang out with River.” she shrugs her shoulders like it’s no big deal.
I laugh. “You know that our parents won’t believe that. Even if they do, you will have to get River to agree to it, and we both know she won’t.” I raise my brows at her.
“You’re right. River will not go along.” Melissa pouts and then seems to change tactics.
Melissa looks at me nervously. “If River wouldn’t mind, would you be okay with us staying the night? I’m hoping maybe you can talk her into letting us stay. I would like to prove to her I can be her friend. I only get to hang out with her when she is in town, and she only cares about hanging out with you. I really would like to get to know my cousin. Can you help, Auggie?” She holds her hands begging me to say yes.
I cock my head to the side. Something is off, but she if she is willing to get along with River?
“What about Meredith?” I ask. “I don’t know if our parents will let all of us stay.” I respond not giving in.
“I’ll ask my mom to talk to your mom and my Aunt Ashley,” she insists. Before I can stop her, she turns and walks toward our parents in the shop. I wipe my hands down my face. Great. River is going to be so excited.
River, Age 11
I’m currently sitting in the back of my parents’ van, where I’m packed beside Brock and Serena like sardines. Melissa and her friend are sitting in the comfortable bucket seats. I’m so mad at everyone (except Brock). He’s the only one who spoke up when he found out Melissa and her friend were going to spend the night. All I wanted to do was go back to Auggie’s house, watch a movie with him and Logan, and go to sleep. I really think my mom hates me. She knows how I feel about Melissa. And what makes it worse is I can’t even act mad, or I’ll be the brat. Ugh! I don’t have it in me to be nice anymore today.
“Aunt Ashley, thanks for letting us stay the night. I’m really excited to hang out with you all,” Melissa says, smiling. I really hope my mom isn’t falling for this stuff.
My mom turns in the passenger seat. “Connie has some games she’s pulling out for you kids to play until bedtime.”
I cross my arms. Now I’m going to be forced to interact with her. I’m going to have to ask my mom what I did to make her hate me so much.
