Chapter 49

~Kayla~

My hand reaches out, fingers extending as I struggle to grab my phone off my bedside table. With every passing second my alarm grows louder, the sound ringing in my ears. A frown crosses my face, my teeth clenched as my fingers brush the edge of the phone. It lifts slightly before falling back onto the soft wood, causing me to let out a grunt of annoyance.

Normally, I can just sit up and scoot over. This morning, however, I’m unable to move due to the dead weight on top of me. Hazel’s arm is around me, and her leg is thrown over mine, I can even feel the warmth from her pussy against my leg because of how close she’s holding me. Her head is resting on my left breast and her long brown hair is falling freely down her back.

“Ow, that’s my titty,” I hiss when I try and move out from under Hazel, causing her head to pull on my boob. “Hazel, you’re gonna have to get up.”

“Hrmph! Ungh!” the tan girl grunts in her sleep.

“Hazel, move!” I sigh in exasperation while trying to extricate myself from her embrace.

“Shut it off!” Hazel whines when the volume of my alarm reaches a new level.

“I’m trying, idiot!” I snap, pushing her shoulder. “Get off me, I can’t reach my phone.”

With another grunt, Hazel finally rolls off of me. Grabbing a pillow, she immediately covers her head with it to try and drown out the noise. I roll my eyes before scooting over so I can reach the bedside table. Hazel grumbles something I can’t hear when I shut the alarm off. Probably something rude, knowing her.

I realize we have the whole week off before graduation, and today is only Monday. Still, she needs to drag her ass out of bed. I shake my head as I send texts to Stephanie, Ian, and Stacey. Hazel’s gonna be pissed in a few minutes when I have to wake her up.

Getting out of bed, I raise my arms above my head as I stretch, yawning loudly. I make a quick trip to my bathroom to pee, then I leave my bedroom and walk across the hall naked. Without breaking my stride, I boldly throw open the door to the master bedroom and stroll inside.

“Ah! Ah! Ah! Ah!” Lexi chants, her hands gripping the sheets while Daddy fucks her doggystyle. “Fuck that pussy, baby! God, yes, give it to me! Fucking own me!”

The scene in front of me immediately makes me wet as I feel the all-too familiar tingling between my legs. Lexi looks so fucking sexy while Daddy drills her from behind. The lightly-freckled redhead is facing the foot of the bed, her little apple-size boobies jiggling on her chest and her auburn hair flipping through the air. Daddy looks so powerful, hovering behind her, holding her hips as he buries himself inside her tight sheath again and again.

“This looks fun,” I comment with a smirk, crossing my arms beneath my breasts.

“Go! Away!” Lexi hisses, her teeth clenched and bared.

“Good morning, baby girl,” Daddy replies, looking at me briefly before dropping his gaze to watch Lexi’s snatch swallow his tool.

“Morning, Daddy,” I respond, feeling slightly off-put by the fact that he isn’t mesmerized by the sight of my naked body. Yeah, it’s a bit conceited, but a girl wants to be admired! “Lexi, we’re going out to breakfast.”

“Ah! Who’s, ah, we?” Lexi groans, tossing her head back as she scrunches her eyes shut. “Oh fuck, that’s deep!”

“The Slut-sisters, minus Nicole,” I answer, watching the sex with interest. “We discussed it in our group chat last night.”

“We were busy, sorry,” Daddy grunts, his thrusts steady and strong.

“Too busy getting railed to check your phone?” I suggest, raising an eyebrow.

“No!” Lexi gasps, her yelps coming faster and faster. “We, ah, we were talking about life and, ah, oh shit! And, ah my plans for, ah, the future!”

“Oh yeah?” I inquire.

“Talk later, cock now,” Lexi insists, pushing her ass back to engulf Daddy’s prick. “Fuck me! It’s your pussy, baby! It’s your pussy!’

“Fine, I’ll go wake Hazel,” I roll my eyes, turning to leave. “Just hurry up and bust a nut in her, Daddy. We’re meeting Ashley and Marcia soon.”

“Okay, honey,” Daddy calls out.

Returning to my bedroom, I notice Hazel still has the pillow over her head. With the blanket pulled up, most of her body his hidden from my view. I roll my eyes at the lazy lump before grabbing my phone. I then take a quick topless shot while blowing a kiss to send to Ian and Stephanie.

“Hazel, get up,” I order, yanking the pillow off her head.

“Hrmph!” the tan girl grunts.

“I don’t care, get up,” I repeat, grabbing the covers and pulling them off her naked body.

“Stop!” Hazel whines.

“Nope,” I respond, hopping up on the bed. I then raise my hand and swat her on the ass.

“Ah!” she squeals, turning away from me. “Fuck you, bitch!”

“That bad attitude of yours is one of the things we need to talk about,” I point out, smirking down at her. “Now, let’s go.”

It takes another ten minutes, but I finally manage to drag Hazel’s lazy ass out of bed. I have to admit, it’s a lot of fun climbing on top of her and kissing her awake. She’s annoyed, but I know I’m adorable, especially when I teasingly lick her cheek.

We’re both tired, so we decide to shower separately. I finish first, and am brushing my hair at my vanity when Lexi comes in. I turn at her and open my mouth to speak, but she quickly crosses the distance between us. Kissing me, Lexi pushes some semen into my mouth, making me moan.

Lexi and I swap cum back and forth, swallowing down the tasty treat. Then the nude redhead leaves to go get dressed. Hazel returns from showering down the hall a minute later, a towel wrapped around her slim body while she dries her hair with a second towel. The downside to having such long hair is that it takes forever to dry.

“Morning,” Hazel grunts when she sees Lexi.

“Hi,” Lexi replies stiffly.

“You two could try being nice to each other?” I offer. “You supposedly made up last night.”

“How was your night, Lexi?” Hazel asks with an obviously fake sweet voice.

“Got laid, can’t complain,” Lexi shrugs. “Yours?”

“The same, I guess,” Hazel shrugs.

“Close enough,” I sigh.

Once we girls are dressed for the day in casual clothes, we say goodbye to Daddy. He’s going to work out and shower before leaving for the restraining order hearing. Lexi, Hazel, and I all hug and kiss Daddy before getting in my car and driving to the restaurant for breakfast. Hazel and Lexi flip a quarter for the front seat so there’s no argument.

“Kayla, watch the speed bump!” Lexi yells.

“What? What speed bump?” I frown in confusion.

“The one you just flew over,” the redhead glares at me. “How did you not feel that?”

“Will you slow down?” Hazel grunts from the back seat. “We’re carrying precious cargo.”

“Yeah, me!” Lexi squeaks, grabbing the door handle to brace herself for some reason.

Oh wait, there is another speed bump. Oops. Well, in my defense, why the fuck are there speed bumps in a shopping plaza parking lot? The high school doesn’t have this many! Even the crosswalk is one big speed bump, and the other two overreact when I drive over it at a very reasonable speed.

Driving to the other side of the shopping plaza, I pull up to the restaurant. It’s easy to spot Ashley and Marcia parked side-by-side, but for some reason Hazel and Lexi suggest I park at the other end of the restaurant. I comply and drive over, parking in front of the building and away from other cars.

“Kayla?” Hazel says to get my attention. “What year is this car?”

“2023, why?” I ask. “Daddy bought it brand new when I got my license. He wanted something that would last awhile.”

“It’s new, okay,” Hazel lets out a breath, sounding like she’s trying to teach. “Did you notice the warning beep before you hit the curb?”

“Warning beep?” I repeat, turning my head to look at Hazel. “What are you- oh! That was to tell me I was getting too close?”

“How the fuck do you not know what that beep was for!” Lexi exclaims, sounding exasperated for some reason.

“No one told me!” I insist. “Daddy’s car does that, too. I thought a car just did that if you were parking!”

“How, you, what?” Hazel asks, looking at me like I have three heads. “Didn’t they teach you this shit in driver’s ed? You did take that, right?”

“Of course I did!” I counter, glaring at the tan girl. “It was a requirement. They gave us a test, which I passed. I had to do a bunch of driving hours with an instructor.”

“Did they go over parking?” Hazel rolls her eyes. “You’re usually fine on the highway, but you drive too fast when there are speed bumps, and you can’t park for shit.”

“We covered parking,” I state firmly. “Although, the guy did say I should practice that before my test. Oh, and the state trooper who administered my test said I was up on the curb when I had to park. He said it was okay!”

“Were you wearing something low cut?” Lexi wonders pointedly.

“Ew, no!” I declare, whipping my head around to face the redhead.

“You know this car has parking assist, right?” Hazel adds.

“Well, yeah, but I don’t trust it,” I answer, finally shutting off the engine before unbuckling my seat belt.

“Right. That makes sense,” Hazel deadpans.

“Ready?” I ask with a grin, changing the subject.

“Fine,” Lexi grumbles, and I hear her muttering as she turns to open the door. “At least we’re still alive.”

The three of us walk into the restaurant and look around until Hazel spots Ashley waving to us from a booth in the back. We make our way over and squish onto the other side, with me between Hazel and Lexi. It’ll keep them from hitting each other, but it also leaves me stuck with the two aspiring driving instructors who apparently want to walk back to the house. Criticize my driving? Bitches!

“So, now what?” Ashley asks when the waitress leaves after taking our drink orders.

“Before we start,” Marcia begins nervously, “can we all agree not to lose our tempers? Open communication, no yelling?”

“No,” Hazel, Lexi, and Ashley all answer at the same time.

“Then what are we doing here?” Marcia challenges, looking disappointed.

“I don’t know about you, but I was gonna order the ham and cheese omelet to see if it was the ham or the pineapple that made Hazel sick,” Lexi explains with a shrug.

“You fucking bitch!” Hazel hisses in a low voice so we aren’t overheard. “Do you think it’ll be funny if I have to run to the bathroom in front of everyone?”

“Yes,” Lexi responds. “Yes, I do.”

“How about some support?” Hazel growls. “I’m pregnant, I got kicked out of my house, and I have to mooch off a rich guy who feels sorry for me!”

“Maybe Marcia has a point, we should try and control our emotions,” Ashley speaks up.

“I would, but I can’t hear Hazel over all the sad background music,” Lexi rolls her eyes.

“Big talk from the school slut,” Hazel retorts, crossing her arms. “If you hadn’t gotten Steven to fall in love with you, you’d probably be taking it up the ass for fifty bucks right now.”

“Hazel!” I exclaim a little too loudly. “That’s enough. Apologize!”

“I will not,” Hazel mutters darkly.

“Kayla’s right, you’re both being horrible,” Marcia adds.

“She’s always been horrible,” Lexi snaps. “Being pregnant didn’t make her a bitch, it just made it so she can’t hide it anymore.”

“At least I bring something to the group!” Hazel argues. “All you are is the comic relief. You make jokes to hide all this pain, but most if it was your fault! Keith wasn’t there all the time. Everyone heard about the time you let three guys from the wrestling team make you airtight after a meet. Keith wasn’t there.”

“He wasn’t, but I was high and lost and thought I was worthless,” Lexi replies, tears in her eyes as her voice cracks. “And there’s nothing wrong with consensual sex, so why are you judging me for it? Or should we talk about all the guys who had a turn with you?”

“Fuck. You,” Hazel hisses. “It isn’t about sex, it’s the fact that you offer nothing but dirty comments and crude jokes. We have years of friendship and were better off before you. Next time ruin someone else’s life!”

“Next time take your pills,” Lexi says, placing her elbows on the table as she leans forward to look around me. “You’re nothing but a pretty face who’s gone out of her way to baby trap a wonderful man to take care of you for the rest of your life. You call me a whore, but you’ve sold your womb because you were afraid you’d end up old and alone! If Steven wasn’t such a great guy you’d be in a shelter right now. At least I’m leaving my trauma behind; you just keep rushing back to yours.”

“Wow. I can’t understand how things got this bad,” Marcia whispers. “I can’t imagine being so mean to each other.”

“Amen, sister,” Ashley puts up her fist, which Marcia reluctantly bumps in return.

“That’s not helping,” I say to Marcia and Ashley. “And please everyone keep your voices down so we don’t get thrown out.”

“The only value you bring to anyone is on your back!” Hazel yells at Lexi.

“I knew she thought I was a worthless cum dump!” Lexi responds immediately. “I knew it! It’s not just me she judges, it’s everyone. She thinks she’s better than everyone and her shit doesn’t stink. She thinks the guys are jokes because they’re nerds, even though they’re so sweet.”

“Whore!” Hazel shouts, causing a few heads in the distance to turn and look at us. One middle-aged woman gives us a judgmental look.

“Wait, what’s wrong with Ian? Hazel, have you been talking about him behind my back?” I ask, hurt. I still remember her mean comments after finals.

“Oh, now you’re mad at me, too?” Hazel rolls her eyes at me. “Is this just pile on Hazel day?”

“You have been really mean to everyone, Hazel,” Marcia points out quietly.

“Even you, Marcia?” Hazel deflates, looking sad and hurt.

“And you are constantly insulting Ian and Josh. Even Stephanie sometimes,” Ashley adds.

“It’s not just me, Hazel,” Lexi mumbles. “Sorry I ruined your happy, little group. But, I’m not the only one you’re hurting.”

“But ... I just...” Hazel looks around at all the angry, frustrated faces. I can see her eyes starting to mist. “Oh, God. I didn’t. I. Oh.”

The tears start to flow. Hazel buries her face in her hands as she starts shaking with sobs. Lexi is staring straight ahead, arms crossed and an angry look on her face. Glancing across the table, I lock eyes with Ashley, then Marcia. They’re both looking between the redhead and the tan girl, unsure of what to say. I wonder what is being said behind my back about Ian, I wonder how many other things are being kept bottled up, and I wonder if this is the end of the Slut-sisters. Before any of us can break the tension, we realize someone is standing at the table.

“I, ah, I have your drink orders,” the waitress stammers, holding a tray laden with coffees and juice.

“Thanks,” all five of us mumble in embarrassed voices.

“Ah, we’re sorry about the noise,” I add, my face red. “We’ll keep it down.”

“It’s okay, no one complained,” the waitress responds. “M-my manager did ask me to tell you to try and keep it down. Sorry.”

“It’s fine, you’re just doing your job,” Marcia smiles.

The waitress sets out our drinks, her face slightly pink from embarrassment. She’s young, probably nineteen or twenty. Likely in college, just like we’re about to be. I wonder if she has her own friend group with similar issues. Or maybe we Sluts are just fucking crazy?

“A-are you ready to order or do you need a few more minutes?” the waitress asks, holding a pencil over her notepad.

We place our orders, and I do notice that Lexi doesn’t order the ham and cheese omelet. This place is known for their pancakes, so I have to get those. Hazel manages to lift her head and wipe away the tears so she can order. Ashley and Marcia place their orders before the waitress makes her exit, looking grateful to be able to get away from us.

“I’m sorry,” Hazel chokes out, going back to crying.

I’m tempted to draw Hazel into my arms to comfort her, but she needs to realize and understand her behavior. I sympathize with what she’s going through, but despite multiple conversations, we’re still dealing with her attitude. I’m not happy with Lexi either; the redhead is currently sipping her juice while looking pleased Hazel is upset.

“I’m sorry you’re going through so much, but taking it out on us isn’t helping,” I tell Hazel sternly before turning to Lexi. “And you! You need to learn not respond to everything with a wise-ass remark or a teasing comment. Sometimes they aren’t cute or funny. Sometimes they hurt.”

“Hey!” Lexi exclaims, looking confused that she’s being confronted. “I didn’t!”

“What you said was really mean, Lexi. Even if there was some truth to it, you didn’t have to be so harsh,” Marcia tries to soften her words with a smile.

“It is true,” Hazel mumbles. “I’m baby trapping Steven. I’m sorry. I’ll pack my bags.”

“Hazel, shut the fuck up,” Ashley snaps, making all of us gasp.

“Ashley!” Marcia hisses.

“No, I’ve had enough. From both of them,” Ashley declares. “Hazel, you are not a charity case because you’re accepting help. You made some mistakes, but stop wallowing in self-pity. Your parents fucking suck, we know that, but you have help. You’re very lucky. Don’t feel guilty about accepting it, just appreciate it and be grateful.”

“She’s right,” Lexi says while Hazel sobs. “Steven is a great guy, just be grateful. He’s not asking you to be on his staff.”

“Let’s not forget about you, Lexi,” I point out. We’re passionate, but our voices aren’t raised any longer. No one is looking over at us.

“What did I do?” Lexi asks innocently.

“You were really horrible to Hazel,” Marcia interjects. “I know you were pushed, but it wasn’t right.”

“And you need to stop using humor to keep people away,” Ashley adds. “We’re your friends, your sisters. You can tell us anything, you don’t have to hide it away any longer.”

“Yes, I do,” Lexi whispers, absentmindedly playing with a napkin.

“Why?” I ask simply.

“You know the horrible things Keith and his buddies did to me,” Lexi begins slowly, still tearing at the napkin. “Well, you know what I told you and some rumors. You don’t know the worst stuff.”

“Uh, we don’t?” Ashley asks with a frown.

“I don’t want to talk about it, alright?” Lexi sighs, ripping the napkin apart. “I just don’t. I already have the memories, you don’t need the disgusting images in your head. They did every perverted thing they could think of. For fun. I wasn’t even human to them.”

“I’m suh-suh-sorry, Lexi,” Hazel sniffles.

“It’s not your fault,” Lexi insists, the napkin nothing more than a pile of confetti by this point. “I’m sorry I joke about everything. I know there’s a time to be serious, and it’s right now. I’ve come to a decision. I’m going to help others from ending up like I did.”

“What do you mean?” Marcia wonders.

“I’m going to major in psychology,” Lexi announces. “Then I’m gonna go for my master’s so I can be a school psychologist.”

“I think you’ll be great at that,” Ashley smiles. “You’re observant and wise.”

“And compassionate when you stop with the jokes,” Marcia agrees, nodding.

“I’m sorry,” Lexi states calmly. “Being the smart-ass is part of my personality, and that’s not going anywhere. I’ll do better about being serious when it’s called for. I’ve been a shitty sister, and I’m sorry.”

“I didn’t mean what I said,” Hazel adds, her crying under control. “Our lives are better with you in them, Lexi.”

“Or at least more interesting,” Ashley giggles.

“And,” Hazel continues, “I don’t think you’re a whore. You’re a good person. You’re going to really help people, I know it.”

“You’re not baby trapping,” Lexi acknowledges. “Steven offered to help you, and I’m glad he did. You deserve it. We’re all excited to be aunties.”

“You’ll be aunties, I’ll be a big sister,” I add with a wide grin.

“Just don’t ever call me ‘mom,’ okay?” Hazel smirks while dabbing at her eyes with a napkin.

“Deal,” I nod firmly.

Through some unspoken agreement, we all take a break from talking. Phones come out while we sip on our drinks and wait for our meals. Eventually our waitress returns, looking uncomfortable while setting our plates down in front of us. She tells us to enjoy our meal before making a hasty retreat.

“Roasted potatoes are amazing,” Lexi declares, popping her fork into her mouth before making an expression of pleasure. “Mm, orgasmic.”

“You’re cumming from eating potatoes?” Ashley raises an eyebrow. “Weirdo.”

“You know it’s just a saying,” the redhead rolls her eyes.

“Potatoes are amazing,” Marcia agrees after swallowing a bite of scrambled eggs. “I just wished they weren’t so horrible for you.”

“They are not!” Lexi counters with a gasp.

“Lexi’s right, potatoes are a vegetable,” Hazel speaks up.

“A starchy vegetable,” I add, siding with Marcia.

“A vegetable’s a vegetable,” Lexi reasons while gesturing at her potatoes with her fork. “This counts as salad.”

“No, it doesn’t,” Marcia rolls her eyes. “Don’t blame us when you start gaining weight.”

“I’m eighteen, I don’t gain weight,” Lexi says confidently. We do all have flat stomachs, so the redhead has a point.

“Is this really what we need to talk about?” Ashley sighs.

“Lighter topics for a few minutes might be a good idea,” I reason, shrugging my shoulders.

“Yeah,” Hazel mumbles. “Um, what are the guys up to today?”

“The three of them are building a model rocket in Ian’s garage,” Marcia answers. “They’re gonna launch it in the park after lunch.”

“Sounds about right,” Hazel nods before wincing. “I didn’t mean anything bad by that.”

“Right,” Ashley states, looking upset.

“Anyway,” I interrupt, wanting to keep things light for the moment, “it’s something they really enjoy doing. It’s nice that the three of them are hanging out.”

“I’m glad Shawn is going,” Marcia says. “Those three haven’t been as close lately.”

“Maybe that’ll change now that Shawn got to enjoy that sexy, little mouth of yours,” Ashley grins. “Are you sure you’re not gonna pop his cherry?”

“I don’t think guys have cherries,” Hazel giggles.

“Ian did,” I shrug, trying to maintain a serious expression, which quickly cracks.

“Really? It’s okay for you to say it?” Hazel asks, looking slightly irritated.

“I’m just teasing, you were being genuinely cruel,” I point out.

“I’m not sleeping with Shawn,” Marcia interrupts. “I mean, I would. I do feel a connection with him. He just can’t accept me sleeping with you girls. That’s nonnegotiable for me, so that’s where we are. We’re friends. That’s it.”

“Sorry, Marcia,” Ashley says before taking a sip of her drink.

“Hey!” Lexi chirps. “What about that other guy? Kwan? He gonna get some Marcia loving?”

“I don’t know,” Marcia blushes. “I invited him to the graduation party, but I don’t know. Shawn will be there now that we’re okay, and I don’t want to make things bad again.”

“Jealousy can really be horrible,” I nod.

The only sounds for the next few minutes are caused by our eating. I can hear knives and forks hitting the plates, the occasional cup being placed back down on the table, as well as the buzzing of phones when a text comes in. Nicole does ask how things are going, causing all five of our phones to go off at once.

“Stacey and April are mailing out those drives today, right?” Lexi suddenly asks. “The ones with proof that Wagner pays for sex with students.”

“Already done,” I confirm. “Sorry, I forgot to tell you. Stacey texted me and told me.”

“That must make you feel good, Lexi?” Hazel asks.

“I guess,” the redhead shrugs.

“Is that Barry guy in jail?” Ashley wonders.

“No,” I shake my head. “He’s been fired and I think he’s getting disbarred, but he’s not in jail. Today is only about making the restraining order permanent.”

“I even made the lives of those girls crazy,” Lexi sighs.

“No, you didn’t,” Hazel insists. “It’s not your fault. There are assholes everywhere.”

“Yeah, and I draw them in!” Lexi exclaims.

“That’s not true,” I say kindly.

“You didn’t make Barry an asshole, you didn’t make David hurt Kayla, and you didn’t make Hazel forget to take her pills,” Marcia speaks up, surprising me. “Stop blaming yourself for all our problems.”

“Thanks, Marcia,” Lexi smiles softly before turning to Hazel. “I can’t wait to babysit. How are you feeling, by the way?”

“My boobs hurt, but I’m okay,” Hazel answers. “Thank you.”

Our conversation continues as we chat about safe topics. The weather even comes up, and we enjoy making fun of Marcia for commenting on the forecast. Breakfast is soon finished but we aren’t ready to leave. We get refills on our drinks as we get ready for another big discussion.

“Where should we start?” Marcia inquires carefully.

“I know,” Ashley says, looking at Hazel. “What’s your problem with Ian and Josh?”

“Nothing,” Hazel mumbles, looking like she might start crying again. “Really, nothing. I just think they’re not really your type?”

“Josh is my type,” Ashley states evenly. “He’s a sweetheart, he treats me right, he’s nice.”

“Even if you were right, why do you care so much?” I frown. “If you’re right, we’ll break up. It’s not like the guys are creating trouble?”

“Kayla has a point,” Lexi agrees. “Why does it even bother you?”

“It’s stupid,” Hazel replies, looking everywhere but at us.

“Then tell us,” Marcia prompts.

“It’s just. We were all together. We were hot, sexy. We could have anyone we wanted. I just pictured us with sexy model types. I just...” Hazel sighs. “And now I’m pregnant and have no one-”

“Ahem!” I interrupt, glaring at Hazel.

“Fine. I have Steven,” Hazel rolls her eyes. “But, as great as he is, I, I don’t know! I guess I was expecting the Sluts to go wild in college. Lexi will only fuck Steven, fine, but now you two are dating-”

“Great guys!” Ashley interjects.

“Fine,” Hazel grumbles. “I told you, it’s stupid! I just feel like everything is falling apart and nothing went the way I envisioned it. I’m scared all the time, scared of being pregnant, of being a mom, I’m scared of giving birth! I wanted at least Kayla and Ashley to have what I dreamed up.”

“But, it’s not our dreams, sweetie,” I respond, wrapping an arm around Hazel’s shoulders. “And you can still have your dreams. You just need to factor in your baby and the father.”

“I’ll still bag a hot sexy model guy if it makes you feel better,” Marcia says with a straight face before she bursts out laughing.

“Wouldn’t that be something? Marcia bagging the hottest guy of all,” Ashley giggles.

“Too late!” Lexi chirps. “I’ve already got that one.”

The five of us start laughing hysterically. It feels good. We aren’t really as amused as our laughter indicates. It’s a stress release. We beat this subject to death and it feels like nothing changes. The same issues, they keep coming up. Now? Now maybe we can make some real progress.

“Think we can actually move forward now?” Lexi asks, echoing my thoughts.

“That depends,” I reply. “Hazel, Lexi, are you done holding things in? No more bitchy comments, no more jokes when we need to be serious? We’re here for each other.”

“I’ll try,” Hazel nods, her long ponytail bobbing slightly. “And I know my problems aren’t Lexi’s fault.”

“Yes,” Lexi agrees. “I’ll do better.”

“And we’ll work on our jealousy issues, Ashley?” Marcia asks.

“Yes. Yes, we will,” Ashley promises.

We renew our promise; Slut-sisters forever. There’s more to talk about, but we are all emotionally drained. Hazel knows she’s being horrible, Lexi knows she’s a brat, and Ashley knows she doesn’t need to be jealous. Things are looking up. In fact, my phone soon goes off, bringing more good news.

“It’s official, Ian is Salutatorian!” I squeal happily.

“Congratulations!” Ashley grins.

“That’s great!” Marcia adds.

“I’m happy for him,” Lexi smiles. “I’m sure he’ll give a great speech.”

“We should celebrate,” Hazel suggests, looking sideways at me. “I really do like them. Let me prove it. Let’s go watch their rocket launch.”

“I really, really wanna make a dirty comment,” Lexi responds.

“You can still be a brat, Lexi,” I roll my eyes. “Just not all the time.”

“And don’t use jokes to keep us from getting close to you,” Marcia reminds the redhead.

“Do you really want to go, Hazel?” Ashley asks.

“Yes. Let’s do it,” the tan girl confirms.

I text Ian, asking if it’s okay for the girls to attend. He happily agrees and even invites Stephanie as well. We all agree to meet at the park after lunch. Then I pay for our breakfast before the five of us walk back out to our cars. Tearful hugs are exchanged in the parking lot as we reaffirm our love for each other. Then we start discussing what we should do until lunch. And I notice at one point that Lexi is slipping away to make a phone call.