I was just reading my book. I had already got groceries, I had gone for a hike with my dog, Dexter, and went swimming. It was my regular schedule. I was only seventeen. Mom was walking, sipping her coffee on her phone." Is that my phone?" I asked. Mom stared at me, her dark brown eyes hinting guilt." Mom!" I snapped. She looked away with guilt." I was just making sure no one sent you anything weird." She frowned." Who's Jessica?"

"A friend." I said through gritted teeth." Well, Jessica invited you for a sleepover for a week. It would be better for you to get out of the house and be social for once," Mom nagged. I reached down and pet Dexter. He was an old, black Labrador. He was closing his eyes and sleeping at my feet. He always ate, getting dog food on his white and grey face." No. I already went for a run, got groceries, did my laundry and went swimming." I argued. I wasn't an only child. I had a brother, Liam, who was always at his friend's house. He was sixteen, a year younger than me. 

"But did you speak to anyone?" She cooed, an innocence in her tone creeping past. This was true. I hadn't spoken to anybody. It was summer break. School had ended just two days ago. I only speak to the teachers or sit at lunch with Jessica, who was rather like talking  to the wall. She had intended to talk to me, but I just nod while reading. Jessica was the opposite of me. She was funny, beautiful, popular and really smart. I was smart too, but I don't have straight A's.My worst grade was a B. School was the most painful time of my day. But it was all worth it coming home back to Dexter.

"No." I finally answered." You are going." She stared intensely at me, daring for me to argue. As much as I hated it, I nodded, going along with it. I didn't want to." Tomorrow." She said smoothly. I sighed." Give me the phone, I wanna ask if I can bring Dexter." I said. Mom stared at me for a moment before nodding, reaching her hand out with the phone planted into her palm. I reached out and snatched it, and read the text.

Hey! It's been a while. Well, two days, but it seems like two centuries! I'm having a sleepover. At my house, you know the address. If not, it's 6739 Velvet Hill. It might be bumpy, because it's in the woods. For a week, you could leave if you like. But I'd prefer you stay! My parents are gone to Mexico for the week. What do you say?

That wasn't long ago, just about five minutes ago. My fingers hovered above the blinding white screen.

Yes, but on one condition. Could I bring Dexter? My dog? He's old, but he has the body of a young Doberman. I waited for a reply, and seconds later, she replied, of course! Is he cute? I bet he is! A few other people will be there, though...do you mind? I did, in fact, mind. I didn't want to, but I bit my lip. No. Is it tomorrow? I almost screamed bloody murder at what she replied.

Yes. Tomorrow. Pack your bags!

I felt my face burn red. I sighed and got up. I shut off my phone and put it in my pocket. Dexter let  out a loud sigh as I got up. He followed me, tail high and wagging as I pulled out a suitcase. I wondered if I should bring a bathing suit. Before wasting room I checked with Jess. Should I pack a swimsuit? I  was about to put it away until it buzzed. Yes! We have a pool. That was good. I was hoping to swim and run. I packed my swimsuit. Since there would be lot of people, like in public pools, I brought a one-piece. I wasn't comfortable with tons of people staring at my belly. I was a perfect size, in my opinion. Not too overweight or thin. I also didn't have a mirror in my room, because I didn't want to acknowledge how I looked. Although, in the bathroom, I peeked.

I thought I was quite pretty. I had dark eyes and lighter blonde hair. But as I admired myself more, I frowned. I had to pack. I packed my hairbrush and elastics, because I usually loved to put my hair in messy buns. I packed deodorant just in case. I didn't wear makeup, so I didn't worry about stealing Mom's stuff. I stared at Dexter for about a good thirty minutes. I got a large ziplock bag, for his food and treats. I also grabbed his dish, and his water dish. He could survive tomorrow without water or food. I finished packing and packed an extra pair of jeans and a sweater in case. My sweaters said, No Hugs and Ew, People and It's a beautiful day to Leave Me Alone. There were more, but my personal favourite, I will put you in a trunk and help people look for you. #stopplayingwithme. I decided to save it, and I walked into the living room. I checked the time. 8:45 PM. I should get some rest, because the next week I would suffer. Mom had her pjs on." Goodnight, hon." She said softly." Night," I said." Love you!" She called." You too," I mumbled, going into my room and closing the door. I sighed and stared at my ceiling, going into the comforting arms of my warm bed. It was hard, like keeping me up instead of sinking into the bed. Dexter stared at me. His dog bed was in the corner, but I gestured him onto my bed where he curled up beside me.

"Sam?" Mom called." Yeah?" I hollered, my hand running through Dexter's warm fur." Did you pack your stuff?" She asked." Yes," I answered." Phone?"

"Yes."

"Clothes?"

"Yes."

"Alright," she said." Dexter's stuff?" I answered with a loud yes. Dexter was precious to me." His leash, and your running shoes?" She asked." Umm..." I hummed." I'll get them ready for you," she sighed." Thanks mom, love you." I cooed. I heard her humming That's So True by Gracie Abrams. She was my favourite singer, just like my mom's." Your AirPods?" She called. I remained silent. She sighed." I got them," I heard her footsteps thudding against the wooden floor. She creaked open the door." Here," she tossed them at me. It landed on my face." Good catch," she sneered. I rolled my eyes and put them in my bag. I put on my pjs. I heard the door open, and my brother and dad were grumbling something." Hey!" Mom said. I shut my door. I hopped into bed with Dexter. Dexter's tail wagged twice as I pet him. He closed his eyes and sighed. 

I drifted into sleep, prepared for tomorrow.