For Sara and Ashly
1:
Bo looked at her board in dismay. "I don't understand," she said. "This is our third game of 'Battleship' and I haven't gotten a single hit."
Across from her, Jessie sat Indian style. "Aw, don't let it getcha down, Bo-Bo!" she said with a grin. "D8!"
Bo sighed. "You sunk my battleship." With a frown she pulled the tiny cruiser from its place and pegged it on top. "It's strange. You would think that in three games I would've at least…" she stopped. Jessie's face was turning red as her cheeks puffed out. She made a little snort, as if she were desperately trying to hold something in.
"Wait a minute…" Bo yanked Jessie's 'Battleship' Board toward her and turned it around.
"Hey you're cheatin'!"
"I'm cheating?" Bo turned the board so Jessie could see it. "You didn't even put any ships on your board! No wonder I couldn't…"
At this Jessie could no longer hold it in and she burst into hysterical laughter as she collapsed on the floor, clutching her stomach as she rolled.
Bo scowled and stood up. She turned toward the bedroom door. "I'm out of here." Jessie stopped hooting and propped herself up on her elbows.
"Where're you goin'?"
"Back to Molly's room."
"Aw c'mon!" Jessie got up off the floor and followed her. "Don't get yer bloomers in a bunch! It was just a little joke!"
"It wasn't funny." Jessie made a pouty face. "Okay, it was a little funny. But you still cheated!"
"Don't be mad! I was just havin' a little fun!" Bo still scowled and as she started to walk to the door again Jessie jumped in front of her. She played pouted. "Aw, don't leave me in here all alone!"
Bo folded her arms. "You think that by acting cute you can just get away with anything, don't you?"
Jessie couldn't help but grin. "Are you kiddin'? I'm a cutie-patootie!" At this Bo's annoyed expression evaporated and the two women shared a laugh.
"Still my best friend?"
"Of course I'm still your best friend," said Bo. "Even if you are a cheater."
"Yee-hah!" Jessie cheered and grabbed Bo for a tight hug, lifting her off of the ground. "And we're gonna be best friends forever and ever and ever and ever…"
There were thudding noises out in the hall as footsteps trampled up the stairs. Jessie dropped Bo. "See ya!" she yelled as she darted back to her spot.
As Bo moved back to where she'd been left, she smiled to herself. It was good to have a best friend.