Meet The Coach

Lesson 12: Have A Slumber Party

Lesson 12: Have A Slumber Party

Briiiiing. Briiiiiing. Briiiiiing. I heard my phone vibrate mercilessly in my pocket. I was plopped on my bed after the second last day of school, feeling completely and utterly lazy.

I grumbled and slipped it out of my pocket, not bothering to check the caller ID. "Hello?" I greeted.

"It's been over a month and that's the greeting I get?" A familiar voice remarked. My eyebrows knotted in confusion, I tried to figure out who it was - I should know who it is - but I was failing.

"Sorry, who is this...?" I asked pathetically.

"Emilee Bronson," She said. "It's only been a month Bree. Not 10 years." Well, it sure feels like that.

Emilee Bronson. Emilee Bronson? I hesitated and then it hit me. "s**t. Emilee, it's you! I'm so sorry - I get like that after school..." I apologized feeling even more pathetic. I couldn't remember my former best friend.

"So I guess you haven't broken up yet then?" She asked curiously.

"Just one more day left... and yourself?"

"Two days ago. So what have you been up to, been busy?"

There was something oddly mechanical about our conversation. Maybe it was my shock or Emilee's tone.

"Not this week..." I trailed awkwardly.

"Well, you must've been, as you haven't had time to talk to me. A text doesn't take that long either."

Emilee's words were a slap in the face. Due to the whole Coach thing, I had invested my time thinking about Carter and not my friends. Guilt started to churn at the pit of the stomach to the point I was being to feel a little sick. I got up and stood on my balcony.

"I've been so -"

"Oh, Bree you can just save it. I guess you're too occupied making friends rather than keeping in touch." Emilee's voice was like splintering ice, and just completely unlike her. She was a quiet, sweet girl with sass to back her up. But then again so was I a shy new girl who turned out to stand up to a b***h thrice.

"It's not that Emmy, you know it's not that! Time is not a friend of mine. And what's wrong anyway?"

"Nothing I'm fine... I just expected a phone call or something... everyone thinks you've forgotten about us..." she trailed, her voice becoming softer with each word.

That's the Emmy I know.

"I haven't, trust me. I've just been spending my time adapting myself... tell everyone I said hi and I hope to speak to them soon," I assured weakly.

"Okay. But you must keep your word! So how have you been?"

"I've been good apart from being busy. I can't wait until tomorrow is over. I need a break."

"Well, you are coming over to see us right?" A little part of me felt very reluctant to go back. It wasn't like I disliked the place. It was far from it. I think I just disliked who I was whilst I was there...

"I'll see what I could do?" It felt a little like a lie. I knew my parents would let me go back if I wanted to. But was I really going to ask them?

"Well, that sounds like a yes. I'll let everyone know." I internally groaned. Now, I might actually have to make a visit...

What's wrong with me?

I found myself looking into Carter's room uncharacteristically. Though my eyes were unfocused, I could still make out the pieces of furniture and soon Carter himself. He walked up to his window.

I had no idea what my face looked like, but my hand was in my hair and I was feeling a little distressed. I jumped slightly when his eyes caught mine. His eyebrows arched and I gave an assuring smile before I turned to face the big tree on the other side of the balcony. Emmy was yapping, I found it hard to concentrate. I could only catch she was talking about her usual family holiday.

My eyes drank everything in my surroundings, luckily I managed to 'ooh' and 'ahh' at the same time with the occasional 'yeah'.

"Bree! Come here at once!" My mom called. I sighed in relief.

"Hey, Emmy?"

"Yes, Bree? Were you even listening to a thing I was saying?"

"Yeah. Your holiday sounds amazing but I'm going to have to go. Mom's calling, you know how she is. I'll talk to you soon okay?" I bit back saying 'later' because I new Emmy would take that literally. I said my goodbyes and quickly disconnected the call and chucked my phone onto my bed. I made my way downstairs, my mom was in the kitchen - as usual - with Lee.

"Hey, Mom. Hi Lee," I greeted and sat myself down on one of the island stools.

My mom gave me a weird look probably detecting my jitters; I gave her the same smile I gave Carter. She didn't say anything regarding it. 'Okay. You know that we will just be leaving in half an hour right? So I'm just going to run over the rules."

Mom started with the emergency numbers, she advised me to stay over at Sandy's house but I didn't have to, she told me where I could get money for food from, told me to lock the house when I go out and said at least 3 times 'do not throw a party'. I agreed to her rules - I wasn't really going to break any of them.

Carter was throwing the party. Not me.

"Good. Now... oh yes! I need to get my bag before we leave, give me a moment." My mom swiftly left the room. Lee sat still and had her eyes trained on to me as if she was trying to figure something out. I gave her an uneasy smile.

"You know. If you give him time. He'll treat you right. He's just a bit stupid to realise that you're more than just a friend. You don't need him to be a boy to you. Expect a man out of him," Lee said simply. I just blinked in response, clearly not expecting her to say that.

Did she know about the Coach thing?

She slid a folded piece of paper across the island top. I grabbed it and opened it. "It's from Sandy." I nodded and read the words.

Lesson 12: Have a slumber party.

Oh gosh. Lee knew, but does my Mom know? I looked up at me and she answers my internal question. "No, she doesn't."

Like Mother like daughter.

My Mom came back into the room with her bag. She was on the phone. "Yes, I've packed everything. I'm just going to say goodbye to Bree. Then we can leave and no we won't be late. See you outside dear." My Mom disconnected the call and placed her phone into her bag. She then looked up at me with sad eyes.

"Oh, Mom. Please don't cry. It's only 3 nights. You're coming back on Monday. I'll be fine," I assured.

"I know. But I don't really want to leave you."

"Well, I'm not alone. I have Sandy." And as much as I'll hate to say it. "Carter too."

"Well, I trust you. I better not see the house thrashed on Monday, okay?" My Mom embraced me. I returned the gesture, knowing I was going to miss my Mom. Three nights or not.

"You won't Mom. I promise. Have lots of fun, okay?"

"Will do Sweetie." Mom let go of me and gave me a smile. I smiled back. She then looked at Lee.

"C'mon Lee. Our husbands are getting impatient."

"Okay. Bree make sure Sandy and Carter don't go crazy! I've already said my goodbyes to them. Let me just give you a hug and we can go!" Lee said. She did just that. I waved goodbye to both women and then made myself go back upstairs.

Slumber party time...

*

It took me 10 minutes to gather my things. I only needed my nice clothes, tomorrow's clothes and necessities. Sandy had everything else we needed.

I made sure to grab my phone off my bed, I slipped it in my pocket. I perched my flannel bag strap on my shoulder and then made my way downstairs. I made sure to lock the door behind me and walked to the Cohen's. I rang the doorbell, after 30 seconds a rather occupied (with his phone) Carter opened the door. He looked up at me. I smiled. He remembered why I was here as he eyed my bag and then slammed the door on my face.

"Hey! That's so rude! You jerk!"

Of course, this didn't make him open it.

Ugh.

I continuously rang the doorbell until he got the hint I wasn't leaving. Grudgingly he opened the door. "What do you want?" He grumbled.

"To start the slumber party I was invited to."

"Camp outside," he ordered.

"What's your problem? I haven't done anything to you!"

"Yet." Is he emotionally scarred by these slumber parties?

"I love your faith in me. It just makes my heart swell."

Carter ignored my sardonic response. "Who were you on the phone to when you were on the balcony?" He asked curiously.

My lips curbed into a smirk. I bit back saying “Lucas” because I knew he'd get jealous. "Why do you care?"

"Because you looked distressed."

"When have you started to care about what my facial expression is?"

"Since 20 minutes ago."

Stupid smartass.

"Can I just go in?" I questioned.

"Nope."

"You're an ass," I stated.

"Ouch. Your words wound me." His voice was mocking and he pressed a had to his heart teasingly.

"Good. Now move."

"That's not very polite," he pointed out.

"Says the guy who won't let me in," I countered with a challenging look.

"Touché."

"Will you just move?" I asked.

"Make me."

"I will."

Boldly, I pressed my hands to Carter's chest and pushed him back. He moved fractionally so I stepped on his foot so he took a step back. I slipped through the side. My body brushing dangerously against his.

He froze. "Why did you step on my foot?" He questioned, his socked foot squirmed.

"You didn't let me in! C'mon even a 3-year-old could've figured that out."

"Was that necessary though?"

"Yes. Yes, it was. Now I'm going upstairs. See you later.... maybe..."

I made my way upstairs. I didn't dare look back because I knew Carter was looking at me. I walked past Carter's room and reached Sandy's. I knocked on the door, but I doubted even with the music she played she'd hear me.

I slowly opened the door before it was yanked open. "Carter! No, I will not turn down the volume - oh hi Bree! You're earlier than I expected!" I rolled my eyes at her and entered her room. The music wasn't too loud, I could still hear myself think but I could understand why Carter would want it to be quieter. Or maybe he's extra cranky today?

"So your mom knows about the Coach thing?" I asked casually.

"Well, she sort of just caught on. She can always tell when something is on."

"She doesn't mind me tapering with Carter's feelings?"

"She knows you'll treat him right. It's you who she's worried about."

"Why?"

"He hasn't been very faithful in the last few years Bree."

I knew this and the reason why he was unfaithful still bugged me. I know I'll find out eventually. So I'll have to be patient, good things happen to those who wait right?

I was just about to retaliate but the next song that came on made me forget what I had to say. "Wow this song is old," Bree commented but smiled nodded nonetheless.

"I never knew songs had an expiry date. C'mon." Sandy passed me a hairbrush and I immediately understood what she wanted. "It's karaoke time!"

Bree rolled her eyes, dumped her bag on the bed and started to belt out the chorus with Sandy.

"'Cause it goes on and on and on and it goes on and on and on. Yeah, I throw my hands up in the air sometimes saying ayo gotta let go! I want to celebrate and live my life saying ayo baby let's go! 'Cause we going to rock this club. We're gonna go all night, we're going to light it up like it's dynamite. 'Cause I told you once now I told you twice, we gonna light it up like it's dynamite!"

A giggle started to form at the back of my throat and honestly, I couldn't control it. Sandy and I were really bad at singing. I feel sorry for Carter now. Well, I suppose it can be payback for slamming the door on my face.

*

I opened one of the top cupboards and went on my tiptoes so I could reach the packet of popcorn. I felt my top ridge up my waist as my fingers began to brush against the packing, I jumped and clasp it and brought it down.

Ha. I didn't need to ask Carter as Sandy said. I closed the cupboard with a content smile on my face and I turned around. I jumped.

Carter stood there in all his glory with only his boxers on. Hmph. I skirted past him and made my way to the microwave, I checked the back of the packing for the heating instructions. I did as it said and placed it in the microwave and selected the time.

Now I need a bowl.

I started to open the cupboards one by one in order to find a big bowl. I dared not to look at Carter - yes I haven't spent time looking at his rather gorgeous face, so I wasn't going to be caught looking at his body. Maybe I won't be able to help myself - I am a teenage girl.

"Bowls are in the cupboard above the sink," Carter informed.

I turned to him and looked hint straight in the eye. I gave a small smile and walked to the sink. I opened the cupboard above it and saw many large bowls. I picked out the first one. "Thanks," I remembered to say.

I walked towards the microwave and placed the bowl beside it. I turned around and faxed Carter. "So is this normal? You know, randomly standing in the kitchen wearing nothing but boxers?" I questioned.

"Not really, I was supposed to do something but I can't remember," he answered. I smiled at his honesty.

"Well, are you hungry?"

"Oh yeah. Can you make me a sandwich?" Honesty and boldness... I wonder where this will lead to...

"You slam the door on my face and you expect me to make you a sandwich?" I questioned.

"Yeah," he said simply. I rolled my eyes at him.

"What do you want in your sandwich?" I asked. Carter's eyes widened fractionally. "Don't give me that look. I'm not that bad."

"I was joking about the sandwich Bree."

"Okay then. No sandwich."

"You can make me one anyway?"

"Fine. But you get everything I need out and I'll assemble it together. Okay?"

"Okay."

Beep. Beep. Beep. The microwave beeped. I took out the packet carefully knowing it was hot and I opened it. I poured it into the bowl and took it into the lounge. Sandy was sitting with 3 DVD cases in front of her and tried to make a decision.

"Here you go," I said.

"Yay! Popcorn! C'mon let's get started!" Sandy cheered, looking up from the cases.

"Give me a couple minutes. I have to make a sandwich for that brother of yours."

"Awwww that's so cute! It's like you're a couple," Sandy gushed.

I rolled my eyes at her. "Shut up Cassandra." The dreamy look on her face vanished and was replaced with a glare. I smiled innocently at her and left the room. I walked back into the kitchen whilst tying up my hair into a quick bun. I entered the kitchen, Carter was sitting on one of the island stools with ingredients in front of him.

I quickly washed and dried my hands and got to work. I didn't bother engaging in conversation this time. I just made sure that the sandwich was assembled within no time at all. It didn't help that Carter had placed a lot of ingredients on the countertop.

"Don't expect me to make sandwiches for you whenever you want," I told him randomly. I had nearly finished the sandwich. I just put a slice of ham on top of the salad before I put the piece of bread on top.

"Well, that depends on how nice the sandwich tastes."

I grabbed a knife and cut the sandwich in half. "What's the difference between you and me when making a sandwich? Except maybe the order that everything goes in."

"You'd be surprised."

"If you say so. Well here you go, enjoy." I slip the plate to him and swiftly started to pack away the ingredients - Carter can put them back where they belong.

"Thanks."

"No problem. Anyways I'm going to go watch a movie now. Have a nice night." With that, I rewashed my hands, dried them and left the room. I entered the lounge once again and saw Sandy still looking at the 3 DVDs.

There was Dear John, She's The Man and The Vow, all that which starred Channing Tatum. "You like Channing Tatum?" I asked.

"He's hot," she said unashamedly.

"Does Hudson know that?" I teased.

"Yup. He hates it. He won't ever take me to see a movie which my beloved Channing is in."

"Sad times. Well, I don't find him too bad myself. So what are we watching?"

"I can't decide," she admitted.

"How about The Vow? I didn't get time to watch that one," I suggested.

Sandy nodded. "Okay! But it's quite sad. I'll get a tissue box ready!" She jumped up to get a tissue box and then placed the DVD into the player.

"Guess what we're gonna do afterwards," Sandy whispered as she settled herself down beside me.

"What?" I replied in an identical tone.

"We're gonna spray cheap perfume all over Carter's clothes."