We had just gotten home, and Harper was still in the hospital. Harper's family had gotten into a car crash right after I got sick, and ever since I found out, it kinda put a damper on the rest of the vacation.

I heard a knock on my bedroom door and Stephanie popped in. "Hey, Josie. How're you holding up?" I shrugged my shoulders and said nothing.

"Not good, are you?" Stephanie asked. I shook my head and then Stephanie said, "I have a surprise for you."

"What is it?" I asked.

"Brandon wants you to go over to his place and stay over for the night, just hang out. Doesn't that sound fun?" Stephanie asked.

I nodded, feeling slightly nervous. I had never had a sleepover before, nor did I want to. Ever since the Samantha incident, I've been dreading going back to school, even going to summer dance which started up in a week. Why? Because I couldn't bear being away from my mama, even if it was just for a day.

And especially with Harper in the hospital and probably going on life support any minute, all I really wanted to do was stay home in my own room. In my own apartment. With Mama.

"Josie, I know things are hard for you right now, and you certainly don't have to go if you don't want to, but I'm sure Brandon would love to see you. And it may help distract you from everything that's going on!" Stephanie said.

She noticed the painful, worried look in my eyes and sighed, taking my hands as she kneeled down beside me. "I know you get homesick a lot, and I know you're scared to leave home ever since...what happened, but if you go, I'll make a promise to you. I promise to FaceTime you before you go to bed and say goodnight and read you The Mysterious Benedict Society like we do every night, okay?"

I nodded and sighed, getting up to get an overnight bag from my closet.

"Atta girl! Now, let's get you packed up and ready!"

________

"Okay, don't keep Josie up too late, she's ten for goodness sake, and don't hop her up on sugar." Stephanie said. "Though judging from the last time I left her alone with you, you'll probably break both of those rules."

"No, I won't, I promise!" Brandon said. I started to giggle and Stephanie hugged me.

"Be good for Brandon tonight, okay Josie? I'll pick you up at nine tomorrow morning. I love you." Stephanie said, kissing my cheek.

"Love you too, Mama. I'm gonna miss you."

"I'm going to miss you too, but I'll call you before bed, remember?" Stephanie said. She put me down and waved to Brandon. "See you both tomorrow!"

"Bye Mama!" I yelled before Stephanie walked out and closed the door behind her.

"You're not gonna follow the rules my mom left, are you?" I said to Brandon.

"Nope. Not at all. Wanna pull your first all-nighter and FaceTime your uncles while watching TV shows that are slightly inappropriate for a kid your age?" Brandon said.

"Would be a nice change of pace. All I ever watch are cartoons." I said.

Brandon laughed and then said, "Popcorn, chips, or candy?"

"CANDY!" I yelled, running to the kitchen and grabbing the biggest chocolate bar I've ever seen in my life. "Dad, what time is it?"

"Dinner time. What are you in the mood for?"

"Can I have ice cream for dinner?" I said, pulling my best begging face. "Please?" Brandon laughed and said, "Since you're so cute, sure. Your mom doesn't need to know. Also, Josie, ever heard of Superstore?"

"No?"

Brandon laughed and said, "It's a relatively new show. Slightly inappropriate for a kid your age, don't tell your mom I'm letting you watch this. I did hear that a little girl was adopted by someone in the cast, just like you were with us. I think her name is Add-no. Edison! Her name's Edison."

"Interesting name choice."

"Yeah, I like it. Now get yourself a napkin, there's chocolate smeared all over your mouth."

________

Brandon's POV

It was around 2 in the morning, and Josie and I had a lot of fun tonight. I was still fully awake thanks to caffeine, and Josie was half asleep and was about to fall asleep on my shoulder. She was desperately trying to stay awake, I think she wanted to pull her first all-nighter and feel like a rebellious kid.

"Hey Josie." I said, gently tapping her shoulder. "You awake there?"

"Barely." Josie said.

"Aww. Well, you can fall asleep if you want. I know you wanted to stay up all night, but you're a little kid, your body needs to sleep. You did pretty well for your first sleepover." I said.

Josie nodded and I turned the TV volume down.

Then five minutes later, she was asleep on my shoulder.

_____

Josie's POV

"Mama's here!" I yelled as the doorbell rang. I threw open the door and Stephanie was standing there.

"Someone's excited." Stephanie said, picking me up. "Did you have a good time with Brandon, baby?"

"Yeah! We..." I said, before I noticed Brandon making a Stop it motion with his hands.

"...played board games and I went to bed at a reasonable time!" I said, improving.

"Good!" Stephanie said, then my phone rang. It was Harper.

"Mama, put me down, Harper's calling and I don't know if it's good news or bad." I said.

"Josie? It's me." Harper said on the other end of the line.

"Harper! Oh my God! It feels so good to talk to you again, are you okay?" I asked.

"Well, I'm still in the hospital, but I got moved out of the ICU so I can have visitors now!" Harper said.

I squealed a little and said, "Hold up, I'm going to ask my mom if I can come see you! I'll maybe be there in 20 minutes!"

I hung up and turned to Stephanie.

"Mama? Can you take me to the children's hospital? Harper's out of the ICU!"

Stephanie squealed and hugged me. Then she said, "Of course we can, baby! Now get in the car."

AN: Have I redeemed myself yet with this fluffy fluff? I hope I did, hehe. Hope you enjoyed! Catch ya later!