It was nice to have mum and dad home again, especially mum. It was a relief to have someone to ask things to other than just Nick, who seemed to be even more grumpy these days. I didn't know what was going on, but everyone was busy studying for their exams and I could imagine he was the same. University exams were probably much harder than high school ones.

Dad was very impressed with me for going to the track training session and told me he'd encouraged Austin to do it every year, but he always chose soccer. He said Austin found it more enjoyable than just running since sometimes it became repetitive. I had enjoyed the session with Tate and felt fairly confident that it would be the sport I'd compete for next year, despite being so behind the other girls.

"You can train over the holidays if you want. I'm sure you'd be able to convince any of the boys, except River, to go on a run with you." Dad had laughed.

"These legs weren't made for running." River had sassed in return.

We all spoke about mine and Austin's birthday which was next weekend and agreed not to have a big party. Austin just wanted a few friends, and I still didn't know many people, so it worked well. A movie and sleepover was suggested, and I was excited for that, since it was what I'd had in my head after discussing it with Ryan.

"Who are you going to invite for your birthday?"  Mum asked excitedly as she was helping me get ready for bed and braiding my hair.

"There are these girls at school, Tate and Gabby. I've been staying with them and they're really nice."

"I know Tate's mum! She volunteers with me sometimes for events. I think Austin's having five friends if there's anyone else, but of course, any of your friends are welcome if it's more than that." She smiled in the mirror so I could see.

"I made a friend in biology the other day." I said, making it look like I was just thinking out loud.

"Invite them!"

"Really?" I checked.

"Of course!"

***

When I woke up on Friday morning, excited to have my last day of school so that I could enjoy a break on the weekend, the lounge had been completely transformed.

I left my room, still in my pyjamas, but was stopped short when Nick, Logan and about four other people were standing in the lounge setting up what looked like a huge sheet of white paper. I hurriedly scurried back into my room, not wanting to be in my pyjamas in front of so many people I didn't know, and got changed, putting my rumbling stomach to the side. I made sure to put Teddy's vest on too, just in case the other people didn't know they weren't really supposed to interact with him. They were all talking loudly and laughing when I left my room again.

I went to the kitchen to get breakfast, and was surprised to see Nick in there, since I hadn't noticed he wasn't in the other room.

"What're you doing?"

"Morning." He glared, slightly startled. I giggled. "What?"

"I scared you." I smirked.

"Get over yourself. You did not." He rolled his eyes and pushed past me with a tray of cups of water.

"What're you doing?" I followed, asking again.

"Photoshoot." Logan smiled at me.

"You should join us! You're so pretty!" One of the girls gushed.

"No, she has school." Nick grumbled.

"What are the photos for?" I'd never seen a photoshoot before and was rather intrigued to see what was going to happen, rather than spend my morning in double English.

"Logan's a media student." The same girl from before answered. "I'm Haven by the way."

"I'm Ash." I smiled at her. She had a head full of dark curls and I couldn't help but wish I had the same. She was stunning; of course Logan would want to take pictures of her.

"Go get ready for school Ash." Nick huffed at me, gently shoving me back in the direction of the kitchen. I huffed at him but got ready for my day anyway, besides, I was so excited to ask Tate and Gabby about my birthday celebration.

***

Tate and Gabby were deep in conversation when I finally got to the table. I'd been caught up talking to my English teacher, Mr Alcott, about what I could do to catch up in time for the exam which was coming up. The unit was fake news, and it wasn't very complex at all. I had insisted I was up to date and would ask for help if I got stuck.

I sat impatiently, waiting for Tate and Gabby to finish their conversation so I could mention my birthday.

"Ash, do you think Gabby should try out for soccer states?" Tate asked.

"Definitely." I nodded. I'd seen her play and she most certainly knew what she was doing on the field.

"See!" Tate exclaimed. Gabby just rolled her eyes and changed the topic.

"What's on for the weekend?" Gabby turned to me.

"Not sure yet, but I wanted to ask if both of you were free on Saturday next weekend?"

"In the afternoon I am."

"Me too." Tate nodded.

"It's my birthday and..."

"That's so exciting!!" Gabby gasped, interrupting. "Sorry, keep going."

"Austin and I are taking friends to the movies and then you're invited for a sleepover." I couldn't help but grin at the idea.

"Yay!" Tate squealed, giggling with excitement. "What movie were you thinking?"

"Austin gets to pick." I shrugged. "I haven't seen many."

"It's 'Reminiscence Month' at the cinema so they're showing so many old movies that are really good." Gabby told me. "Who's invited?"

"I invited you two and I think I'm going to invite Levi." I said sheepishly. They both looked at me and smirked, but I continued. "Jonah and Sean are coming with Austin and I think he's invited like three or four other people too. I don't know who though."

"I can't wait!" Tate grinned.

-
No updates for two weeks, I'm going on camp but I don't want to go :(