Chapter TWENTY

Jessie lived in a mansion, on a quiet street, in an area that I didn't know well. There was a three-car garage, but she pulled into the massive driveway and turned off her car.

   "So, you're a junior, which they will appreciate. Tell them that your dad is a dentist, they'll like that," Jessie began, prepping me. She was being so serious.

   My dad was a dentist, I'd told her recently for some reason. He had his own practice and was his own boss. I mean, that was pretty cool, although not completely impressive. It wasn't really something I told people.

   I nodded. "Got it."

   "And... if they ask... you don't know Trenton. Or Kane," she added.

   I raised my eyebrows at her. "What do they have against them?"

   "My mom used to know Trenton's mom. I guess they are like arch enemies. And my brother was pissed at me awhile ago, and told my parents that Trenton and Kane smoke pot."

   "Oh man. I am glad my brother is seven," I laughed.

   "Seriously, you're lucky. I think they'll like you, though," Jessie smiled at me.

   Inside, we stepped into the huge foyer. It was all white, floor to ceiling. Big open windows, a tall winding staircase. I blinked, hard. It was gorgeous and I felt suddenly very out of place.

   "I know, it's a bit much," she whispered in my ear. "My dad is a brain surgeon."

   "Really?" I asked. I had not been expecting that.

   "Yes. Don't bring that up, though."

   I nodded as we took off our shoes, and then walked through to a sitting area. It was like a fancy living room, though it looked to me like no one had ever sat there. Everything was perfect, tidy, clean. The floors looked freshly washed, and shiny. I wondered if they had a maid.

   Jessie's mother was in the kitchen, sitting at the table. There were beautiful dark wood cabinets, stainless steel appliances and a huge island with a fancy wooden top. Another lady, wearing an apron, was at the stove. I guess I was right about the maid.

   "Jessica," her mother began. "You brought company?"

   "Mom, this is my friend, Marley," Jessie replied quickly.

   I waved, stepping closer. "Hi, nice to meet you, Mrs. Hanson."

   She stood up, smiling at me. I thought for a moment that this was going to go just fine. But then she looked me up and down, not saying anything for what felt like hours.

   "Where did you meet?" she asked suddenly.

   "We go to school together. Marley's a junior," Jessie answered.

   "What do you parents do, dear?" she asked me.

   "My dad is a dentist, he owns a practise," I said, confidently. "My mom is a receptionist."

   The woman thought about this, looking me over again. I was wearing jeans, a t-shirt and my favourite button up sweater. My was hair was back in a messy bun and I wasn't wearing make up. I hadn't exactly prepared for this.

   But then I saw her smile at Jessie. "Very well," she said plainly.

   "Is it okay if I go to Marley's house to hang out tonight? Her parents will be there. She has a seven year old brother," Jessie went on, telling more details than I thought she would. Using my brother as leverage, nice.

   Her mother paused, thinking. It was Friday and I didn't have any plans for the night. And I was actually pretty excited about hanging out with Jessie.

   "Okay, yes. Home by eleven," her mother finally answered.

   Jessie rolled her eyes. "Mom, it's Friday, and winter break."

   "Eleven-thirty then. But check in before eleven," she said sternly.

   "Fine. Thanks," Jessie finished, rushing me back out of the kitchen.

   In her bedroom, up the fancy staircase and down a long hallway, she closed the door behind us. First, she changed - out of her jeans and tank top into a dress with leggings. I just stood there, reminded of all the years I'd spent in Kaylee's bedroom with her. Jessie ran her fingers through her hair, sighing. I had learned this was something she did when she was stressed.

   "So, did Kane tell you about the party?" she asked me, now sitting at a desk, applying her make up.

   "No," I said plainly.

   "That's what we're doing tonight. So it's a good thing my Mom liked you," she laughed. "We'll head to your place so you can change, then -"

   "A party? Where?" I asked, feeling nervous already.

   "Trent's. But it's like, the whole house. I'm surprised Kane didn't mention it to you."

   I shrugged, but pulled out my phone. I hadn't looked at it in awhile, and I had two messages.

   Do you need a ride home? My mom had sent a little while ago.

   So, party tonight at Trenton's. Nothing crazy. Say you'll be there? from Kane.

   "Oh," I said to Jessie now. "I guess he did text me about it earlier."

   "Oh good." She was finishing up her make up. "So, your place?"

   I nodded. "Okay."

   We walked in the front door of my house half an hour later, to find Andy running around, burning energy. My mom was yelling for him to calm down. This was not an unusual occurrence in my house. Andy was wild, and my mom always wanted him to be calm.

   "Marley!" Andy yelled, hugging me immediately.

   "Oh, Mar! You didn't text back -" my mom began, but stopped when she saw Jessie. "Oh, hello."

   "Mom, this is my friend Jessie," I said quickly.

   "Pleased to meet you," my mom smiled, looking at Jessie and then back to me.

   "You too! I love your house," Jessie said to her. What a strange comment, considering her mansion.

   Our house was a small three bedroom; two floors, but the upstairs was just two tiny bedrooms, mine and Andy's. Our living room was messy with toys, books, video games and our kitchen was well-used and never spotless.

   But, alas, my mom smiled at me again. "Plans tonight?"

   "Actually, yes. We are just going to... hang out, at Jessie's boyfriend's house. Okay?" I answered, trying to sound casual.

   "Be safe. Home by midnight, right?" she replied. "And call your dad if you need a ride."

   I nodded, then lead Jessie up the creaky stairs to my bedroom.

   "Your mom is awesome," she said, once we were inside, door closed.

   "Well, she's not like Tracy-awesome, but... yeah," I laughed.

   "Ugh. I just wish I knew why my mom hates Tracy so much. She's the best," Jessie went on, sitting down on my bed.

   I opened the closet, moving some clothes to the side. "I haven't been to a party in awhile," I told her, wondering if she knew about my drama with Kyler.

   "Kane had said something about punching your date in the face, awhile ago?" Jessie looked amused.

   "Yeah. Long story," I said. It really wasn't that long.

   "So, you and Kane go way back?" She was curious,  I could tell. It had been a few weeks since I'd been hanging out with them, but she and I hadn't done a lot of talking.

   I smiled. "We were best friends, growing up. Until I was twelve."

   "What changed?" Jessie wanted to know.

   I grabbed a gray skirt from the closet, then turned back to her. "Everything."