A bit of a shorter chapter. Just wanted to get something posted. Hope you guys enjoy!
Side Note - LoveKitaSoMuch said they weren't very good at leaving reviews and I just wanted to say that your review means everything to me. A review can be as simple as a heart to eight paragraphs and I read every one and every single word. I cherish all of them. They make me see why I'm writing. When I feel bad about my story I'll come back and reread all those amazing reviews and it encourages me to continue writing. Thank you so much to those who take the time to write something positive about my writing! You're the reason I'm able to keep going.
Words: 3,059
"You found it."
"Unfortunately." Ada grumbles as she looks down at the book in her hands. She had nothing against reading, she quite enjoyed it if it was something she was interested in. She wasn't interested in this.
"It's only like, seventy thousand words." MJ shrugs to her friend, leaning against the bookshelf in the small library the two teenagers occupied.
"Yeah, I suppose." Ada sighs. Why did her teacher feel the need to give them a reading assignment? She was fifteen, she knew how to read. And it's not like any of the book options would teach her anything. "Is it still murder if I give them a heads up?"
"That's called a threat." MJ informs her without looking up from her nails.
"Damn." Ada mutters, chewing her lip as she looks down at the book once more. It wasn't too bad, she tried to reason with herself. If she just put some time aside every night to read, she'd be done by the weekend. "Speaking of the weekends." The girl mumbles aloud, even though she'd been thinking silently. "You're not busy right? I'm having you guys over cause my dad's going out of town." Business trip he'd warned her about. Thankfully this wasn't something she had to come to.
"I could clear my schedule." MJ nods with a shrug, pushing her shoulder off the shelf to follow after Ada.
"Yes!" The girl silently cheers, excited at the idea of spending a night with her friends. "I'm ordering pizza and getting snacks. Was gonna do that today if you wanna help. And I was thinking you could spend the night. I haven't had a sleepover since I was like, six." She's not counting the other day at the avengers compound.
"I'm in." MJ offers her friend a smile as she checks out her book. The two friends then exit the building and walk side by side down the sidewalk until they reach a convenience store.
"Have you tried these?" Ada asks, spinning on her heel to face MJ, holding up a bag of super sour candies. "They're great. They make your head feel like it's going to explode."
"You're insane." MJ tells her dryly but her eyes were filled with amusement.
"I know, isn't it great?" Snorting, MJ follows behind the shorter girl as she puts any and every snack food in the little handheld basket she'd picked up when they first entered the store. MJ occasionally tossed something into the cart herself, idly letting her fingertips trail over the objects on the shelf until she comes to a stop on a certain item. "What convenience store has nail polish?" Ada asks when she sees what the taller girl was looking at. "Is that normal? The one I usually go to doesn't."
"Meh." MJ Shrugs as she picks up a ruby red bottle.
"I wouldn't have pegged that as your color."
"It's not for me, it's for you." MJ tells her, setting the bottle in the basket on top of a pack of gummy worms. "You wanted a sleepover. I'm painting your nails."
"Oh, okay." Ada nods, trying not to let the smile pulling at her lips take over her face. She still wasn't used to this. Having friends that really cared for her, who wanted to spend time with her and do things like paint each other's nails. It seemed girly, Ada wasn't a girly person but she couldn't help but get excited over the thought of MJ painting her nails. It was something so simple but it meant so much to her. "Want anything else?"
"I'm pretty sure you got one of every type of snack food in this building and then some." MJ points out, nodding towards the scratched up, blue basket in Ada's hands.
"Huh." Ada huffs, looking down, noticing her friend was correct. She wanted to be prepared, sue her. "And I can always get more later."
"Yeah." MJ chuckles with a shake of her head.
The rest of the week was one of the slowest weeks of Ada's life. School dragged by, that stupid book taunted her from where it sat on her nightstand. She'd almost finished it but every night she found herself falling asleep before she got very far. Reading boring things made her sleepy. She wasn't worried though, she would be able to finish it before she was supposed to...Probably.
Friday finally approached. Nathan left early that morning with a quick bye to his daughter before Charles took him to the airport. School that day was the slowest out of the entire week. Ada was so excited, she bounced on her feet and in her seat all day. Stacey, a girl in her history class asked if she was on something. Ada was sure if she'd said she was, the girl would've asked for some. Stacey, despite the cliché attitude that went with the name, was a nice enough girl. Didn't take shit from anyone, hated fake people - everyone at their school - and her local drug dealer was on speed dial.
As soon as the final bell rang, Ada was shoving her way through the school's front doors. People parted for her as she ran down the front steps. She had to get home. Had to change out of her annoying school outfit and get everything ready for the others. They'd be over soon.
Ada almost ran up the stairs in her building. She had so much energy she thought it'd be a good way to get rid of some of it. But her need to get to her apartment now won over and the girl rode the elevator up to the top floors. There was someone in there with her. She held tightly to the strap of her bag, trying not to move too much. Her body was practically buzzing, she didn't want anyone in her building spreading rumors that would find their way back to her father. Whoever said people's behavior in high school died down as they got older was full of bullshit.
Ada was pretty sure Mrs. Lorstien on the floor below her killed her husband. Or that theory had floated around after news of Mr. Lorstien timely death. He was like, eighty-seven. It wasn't all too surprising to hear that the man had passed in his sleep. His wife was a nice enough lady though, a little odd, but Ada liked her.
Calmly walking out of the elevator, Ada waits until no one can see her before bolting down the hall and to her door. She barely locks it before she was rushing to her room, tearing her shirt off as she went. She was sure she'd change into pajamas later, but for now, she wore loose jeans and an Iron Man T-Shirt. She thinks it'll get a reaction from Peter. But the man himself is to never know she owns it.
On the teenagers desk lied a basket filled with all the snacks she'd gotten with MJ earlier that week. Minus the sour patch kids she'd eaten through the week. The fridge was filled with soda and other beverages. The pizza would be ordered after everyone arrived. Now, she just had to wait.
Sighing, Ada throws her arms out, making no attempt to slow them in their descent and the appendages hit her sides. Maybe she shouldn't have rushed so fast. Pulling out her phone, Ada almost squeals when she sees Ned had texted the group chat, saying he was on his way. To which she responds with a gif of Will Ferrell cheering in the middle of a grocery store.
The others respond that they're also on their way soon after that. Ada was once again bouncing with excitement. She carried the snacks into the living room, setting them on the coffee table, unable to sit while she waited. Instead, she paces.
She knew the moment someone arrived. She had to buzz them up. It was difficult not to just go down and get them but she forced herself to stay inside.
A knock on her door finally came, Ada jumps before rushing over to open it and see Ned's smiling face. The boy wore casual clothes much like her own, a backpack slung over his shoulder.
"Edward!" Ada greets the boy with a huge smile, opening her arms to welcome him into a hug. She never thought she was much of a hugger until she met these guys. Now she loves them. And Ned was a great hugger.
"Ada!" Ned shouts back, wrapping his arms around the smaller girl.
"You're the first one here." Ada tells him after pulling away. "Welcome to my humble abode." She chuckles, gesturing out in front of them with her arm. Humble is nowhere near the correct word to describe her home. The kitchen and living room were all apart of a very large open space. The bedrooms were behind the kitchen that was to the left of the door. Nathan's office was to the right of the living room. It was a very modern style. Ada never really liked it, she thought it was plain and cold. But it was nice, she knew that.
"Damn, okay." Ned laughs as he follows the girl further inside, his eyes scanning the room around him. "You really are rich."
"Yeah." Ada sighs with a shrug. She'd admit, being rich had its perks. But she'd give it all away in a heartbeat if she could have her mother back. She knew that could never happen though. She'd settle for her father treating her like she was actually his daughter. "Well, make yourself at home. As soon as the others get here, we're ordering pizza."
"Sweet." Ned nods his head, placing his bag onto the pristine couch. "I brought..." The boy trails off, digging through his bag, finding what he was looking for and turning to show Ada who gasps when she sees the black and white card set.
"Yes!" She smiles widely, moving forward the gently take the Cards Against Humanity set from the boy's hands. "This is gonna be great." Ada says before her phone dings in her pocket.
MJ: Let me up, loser.
A: Yes, ma'am.
"MJ is here." Ada tells Ned, looking up from her phone and walking over to the door where she was able to press the button, allowing entrance to the girl waiting downstairs.
It didn't take long before the second knock of the night sounded on the door. Ada left Ned's side from where the two were reading and laughing at random white cards in the deck. She opened the door, looking on in surprise at not just seeing MJ but Peter as well.
"Hey, you two." She smirks, lifting her eyebrows at them suggestively.
"We ran into each other." Peter says quickly. Too quickly, earning him an odd look from MJ.
"Mhm." Ada hums, her smirk turning into a smile as she surges forward to pull them both into a hug. Peter accepts it. As did MJ, but the girl groans, making her displeasure known. "I'm so happy, you're here. We're gonna have so much fun."
"Nice shirt, by the way." Peter mumbles to Ada as she leads them inside.
"Thought you'd like it."
"I'm telling Mr. Stark."
"Don't you dare!"
After everyone was settled on the couch, Ada pulls her phone out and dials the pizza place, ready to read off the list. "Pineapple?" She mouths in question to Peter who only shrugs. She wasn't going to judge, she'd never tried it before.
Thirty minutes and way too many pizzas ordered later, Ada is once again allowing someone up to the floor, answering the door soon after. "Hello." She greets the delivery boy, smiling politely. Ned comes over, taking the pizzas so Ada can pay the man. "Keep the change."
"You sure?" The man, early twenties, Ada guessed, asks in surprise when he realizes how much there is.
"A hundred percent." She nods and smiles. It was her father's money. She didn't like throwing it around, didn't intend to ever make a habit out of it. But no one delivers pizzas because they enjoy it. "Have a nice night."
"Uh, you too." He nods to her, a more genuine smile on his face now. "Thanks."
"No problem." Softly closing the door, Ada turns back to the others to see them all gathered around the counter, sorting through the boxes of greasy food. "I wanna try the pineapple, see what all the fuss is about."
"No! Why is she running into the forest?" Ada shouts, gesturing wildly at the tv. The four teenagers had settled down after playing games to watch movies. They all sat on the couch, Ada stole the seat beside Ned, leaving it to where MJ and Peter had to be next to each other. "Go down the street where there are other people?"
"You know she can't hear you, right?" Peter asks with an amused grin, leaning forward to look at his friend. Horror movies weren't his favorite, but the girls had wanted to watch it, so he didn't complain. He was more entertained with the others reactions anyway.
"Yes, thank you." Ada grounds out, turning to shoot him a look. "That's not the point, Parker. The killer is basically going on a leisurely stroll and she's freaking out and running into the woods. It doesn't make sense."
"This movie doesn't make sense." MJ helpfully puts in, her eyes glued to the screen as she brings another piece of popcorn to her face.
"True." Ada nods before falling back into her seat. "Ugh, I gotta go to the bathroom. Don't bother telling me what happens. You see one horror movie these days, you see them all." She rambles as she untangles the blanket from around her, moving past everyone and down the hall.
The night so far had been everything she'd hoped for. Somewhere deep down, buried by all her excitement, she'd feared it wasn't going to be. Maybe someone or all of them would cancel, or just not show up. Maybe they wouldn't have any fun. But all those worries had been stomped out a while ago. This was one of the best nights she's ever had.
Washing her hands, Ada looks in the mirror, jumping when she thinks she sees the shower curtain move. Maybe that movie was getting to her more than she thought.
"Phew." The teenager breathes out slowly while she leaves the bathroom, stopping in the kitchen before going back to the others. They were still watching tv, Ned and MJ seemed to be arguing about something on screen. Smiling, Ada watches her friends for another minute before returning to her seat.
"Well," Ada starts as the credits roll, turning from left to right, looking down at the others. "I'm pretty sure the boiler downstairs room it haunted."
"No!" Peter and Ned say at the same time MJ nods, saying. "Yes."
"Another time." Ada laughs, once again untangling her legs from the blanket. "Ned, is your mom still picking you up?"
"Yeah, and Peter too." The boy confirms with a nod. "Can we watch something not horrifying before we leave though, please?"
"Of course." Ada nods, smiling softly at him as she grabs the remote, ready to find something to calm everyone's nerves.
"I've had so much caffeine, I don't think I'll ever sleep again." Ada states to MJ as the two girls move to her bedroom. The boys had just left. Ada was a little upset about that, but she also needed some girl time. "Which probably isn't a bad thing, gives me more time to do stuff."
"Like finish this book?" MJ asks, holding up the book from Ada's nightstand with an unimpressed look.
"Exactly like finishing that book." Ada nods a little sheepishly. "Which I will do tomorrow. Or the next day."
"Procrastinator."
"Yeah, there's no denying that." Ada shrugs. "Now, how do sleepovers work, exactly?"
"First things first." MJ holds up the bottle of nail polish that she didn't have a second ago, confusing Ada slightly but the girl just shakes it off and soon finds herself sitting on her bed with her hand placed on MJ's knee as the girl paints her nail red.
"So, I have a very serious question for you."
"I doubt that." MJ mumbles without breaking concentration.
"Peter." Ada states simple and MJ furrows her brows.
"That's a person, not a question."
"Come on, let's talk boys." Ada says with a chuckle. "You totally like Peter. And I'm all for it, I think it's great."
"Do you like Chris?" Ada, of course, had mentioned the boy to her only female friend.
"That's deflecting." Ada points a finger at her, raising a brow when MJ looks up.
"You didn't answer the question." The girl accuses with her own raised brow.
"I don't hate him," Ada shrugs, ceasing all movement when MJ glares at her. "But I don't like him. He's just like every other boy who goes to my school. Hard pass, thanks."
"Now, I answered your question, you answer mine."
Groaning, MJ keeps her head down and continues to paint her friend's nails. "I'm not talking about this."
"That's okay." Ada gives a short nod, smirking even though MJ couldn't see it. "Your silence is as good of an answer as any." Another, more deadly glare thrown her way had Ada shutting up about the topic for the rest of the night.
After her nails dry, Ada grabs her laptop and both her and MJ sit side by side against her headboard, laughing while making fun of cheesy romance movies until both girls fall asleep at some crazy hour of the morning.
Thanks for reading! The reviews last chapter were great! I always love to read what you guys think of the story.
'-'