You and Susie came back in the house, sopping wet and holding a once fluffy, once white dog. You were laughing uncontrollably.

"Did you get him back?" Barney asked. You held the dog up for him to see.

"Yep, got me all muddy too," you smiled.

"I'm sorry about that, this little guy can be a troublemaker." He took the pupper into his arms and started carrying him to the bathroom. "Alright Toby, you big buffoon. Bath time!"

"Sorry about your clothes," Susie said. "I'll get you a towel, there's a shower upstairs so you can clean yourself up. I'll try and find a change of clothes that'll fit you."

"You don't need to do that, Susie."

"Yeah, I kinda do, you're tracking mud all over the floor. But still. It would be rude to send you home like that."

"Oh, sorry! I didn't realize. Thank you, I really appreciate it." After a few moments, Susie handed you a towel and you headed towards the bathroom. You undressed yourself and climbed into the shower.

As the warm water ran over your back, you started humming to yourself. A song played in your head and you had to fight singing along. Eventually, you just gave up and let the words slip out.

You started quietly but started getting louder without realizing it. By the time the song was finished, you realized you had been belting the ending. Your face flushed and you prayed nobody had heard your horrific singing. You turned the water off, wrapped the towel around yourself and left the bathroom. You fumbled over to Susie's room, dripping water everywhere. You found a purple sweater and a pair of black capri leggings lying on the bed. You assumed they were left out for you, so you grabbed them and put them on.

You carefully examined yourself in the mirror. The sweater was a little big, but it looked good and hid your hands when the sleeves hung by your side. The leggings seemed to fit perfectly.

"You look nice," Susie said from behind you. You jumped.

"Jesus Christ, Susie! You scared the hell out of me!" She laughed.

"It's what I do." She paused for a minute. "Was that you singing just now?"

Your face glowed with embarrassment. "Y-yeah, sorry, I know I suck, I just couldn't help myself-"

"Are you kidding?! Bro, you sounded like fucking Beyonce!"

"Like hell I did! I've heard myself sing before believe it or not Susie. You aren't going to fool me."

"I'm not joking, you sounded beautiful. Have you ever considered doing a competition or something?"

"A competition!? No way. Not me. I'd just make a fool of myself. Thanks but no thanks, sweetie."

"I seriously think you would do super well, but you don't have to do it if you don't want to. I'm certainly not gonna force you."

"I appreciate it but I have a long way to go before I even think about competing. Maybe after I get better training."

"Alright, I can accept that," Susie nodded.

You felt your phone vibrate in your pocket. You pulled it out and found a text from your mom.

Birthgiver: Hey I'm going to be home late can you do the dishes thanks 😘

You quickly typed up a response.

You: what is it this time? a sale on your cheap booze?

Birthgiver: business meeting

You: yeah whatever it'll be done when you get home

Birthgiver: wait a second

Birthgiver: you're supposed to be in class right now

Birthgiver: (Y/N) (M/N) (L/N), you put your phone away right now!

You clicked your phone off.

"Who was that?"

"Mom. Wants me to do the dishes. I gotta go, sorry. Thanks for the change of clothes and the shower. Tell your dad I said bye."

"Alright, see ya tomorrow."

You waved her off and started back home.