It was spring break and Eva was planning another grand sleepover. She asked Kiersten and Lisa to come, who agreed that it would be fun. Eva was then curious to see if Leo would join them this time. She rang on Leo's doorbell. Mary answered. "Why, hello Eva." Mary said dryly. "Hi! Um, is Leo home?" "Yes, he's out back. Come in." They walked through the living room to the backyard. "You have a visitor, Son." Mary said. Leo looked up from his book. "Hey Eva!" "Hi Leo!" Mary went ahead and went back inside.
"Whatcha reading?" Eva asked. "A philosophy book. Inside are the secrets of the origins of the universe." Eva laughed. "What have you been up to?" Leo asked. "Not much, I was just wondering if you had any plans this spring break." "Not really, why?" Leo asked. "Well, I was wondering if you wanted to come to my sleepover party tomorrow." Eva was worried he would say no, but before she could over think it, Leo said, "Of course. I'd love to!" "Really? That's great!" Eva said happily. "Lisa and Kiersten will be joining us, so it looks like you'll be surrounded by a bunch of girls!" Eva said giggling. "I don't mind; as long as you guys don't try to braid my hair or paint my nails." Leo joked. They laughed. "I look forward to getting to know the three of you a little better." Leo said. "You mean learning about our deepest, darkest secrets?" Eva asked jokingly. "More or less." Leo replied. "Well, just as long as you're not afraid to reveal some mysteries about yourself." Eva said. "I can do that." Said Leo. "Great! Well I'll see you tomorrow then." Eva said as she turned to leave. "Eva." "Yeah?" "Do you feel like going to the mall?" Leo asked. "The mall? Sure!" Eva said. "Alright, let's go!" Leo said.
As they went in Leo's car, Eva was puzzled. "This is your car?" She asked. "Yes." Leo replied. "How old are you?" Asked Eva. "16." "Oh, so you must have just gotten your license." "Yes, I did." Leo said. As Leo turned on the engine and backed up the car, he began to drive. "My mother gave me this car last week." Leo said. "How nice of her!" Said Eva. She paused. "So what was your real mother like?" "I don't remember. She died when I was an infant." "What about your father?" Eva asked. "He left my mother right after I was conceived. I suppose he wasn't ready to be a father." "I'm so sorry to hear that." Eva said softly. "That's alright. It is what it is." Leo said.
Leo managed to find a parking spot close to the entrance. They got out of the car and went inside. "So many people today!" Eva said. "That's because it's spring break. This is probably where most of the students will be spending their time while school's out." Leo said. "That's true." Eva said as she looked around. "Did you want a coffee?" Leo asked. "Um, how about maybe a smoothie? I drink about five cups of coffee on a daily basis!" Eva said as she laughed. "Then a smoothie it is!" Leo said as they headed towards a smoothie shop at the food court. They began to order. "I'll get a strawberry and banana." Eva said. "And I'll get a kiwi and cucumber." Said Leo. As Eva reached for her wallet, Leo said, "Don't worry about it." "What? Oh no, I can get it." Eva said. "It's my treat." Leo insisted. "Well, okay. Thank you!" Eva said as she smiled. When they got their smoothies they started wandering around the mall. "Wow, this is good!" Eva said. "And it's good for you." Leo added. They went into a candle shop. "This smells wonderful!" Eva said as she began to smell all the candles. "I prefer unscented candles. I use them to meditate." "Oh, you meditate?" Eva asked. "Everyday; to sort out my thoughts." Leo said. "Heh, I should probably do that too." Said Eva.
They visited several stores. Leo eventually entered a jewelry shop. "Huh? What are we doing here?" "You'll see." Leo said. Leo began to browse through the rings. "Hmm. Maybe he's going to give his mother a "Thank you" gift." Eva wondered. Leo then bought one diamond studded ring and one plain, silver ring. "Oh my God, is he going to propose?! I told him-" As Eva thought this, Leo said, "Here, a friendship ring." "Friendship ring?" Eva asked. "To always be reminded of our friendship." Leo said as he slid the ring on her index finger.
As Leo did this, Kelly and Haley walked by the store and was stopped dead in their tracks as they saw what was taking place. "Oh-my-God." They said speechlessly. "Leo, this cost you a fortune. There are plenty of friendship rings that are only a few bucks." Eva said as she watched Leo slide his ring on his finger. "I want our rings to be as authentic as our friendship." Leo said with a smile.
"I can't believe what I'm seeing!" Kelly said infuriated. "Aren't they like, too young to get married?" Haley asked biting her finger. "This is unacceptable!" Kelly said as she barged in the store. Kelly just stood before them in anger. "May I help you?" Leo asked. "Leo, what are you doing?! You belong with me!" Kelly said angrily. "It's alright Kelly, we're just frien-" "What is it to you if I want to be with Eva?" Leo interrupted. Kelly gasped. Eva blushed. "So let me get this straight. You want to be with an average nobody, and not with-uh, me? The most popular girl in school?" Kelly asked putting her hands on her hips. "Yes." Leo said plainly. Kelly took a deep breath and said, "Sweetie, you're confused. You must not be from around here." She said holding his hands. "I love her!" Leo declared as he pulled his hands away. Eva gasped, not believing that Leo would say that out loud. She was horrified at the rumor that would surely start and the punishment she would likely receive from Kelly. Kelly forced herself to smile. "When you get your act together, meet me at my locker!" Kelly said storming off. All of the staring customers looked away and went about their business shortly after Kelly left.
"Leo. W-why did you say that?" Eva asked. Leo just looked at her. "Now she's going to make my life a living nightmare." Eva said sadly. "Don't worry. I won't let that happen." Leo said as they slowly headed out the shop. As they left the mall, Eva didn't say a word to Leo. They drove in silence most of the ride back, until Leo finally spoke up. "Eva, why are you so afraid?" Leo asked. "I'm just tired of making enemies." Eva said with a sigh. "She's angry at me, not you. She'll most likely not even notice your existence. And besides, even if she does try to hurt me by hurting you, I'll set her straight once and for all." Leo said. "What makes you so sure?" Eva asked. "I have my ways." Leo said. "What is he going to do to her?" Eva thought, a bit worried. "I never got to thank you properly for the ring. I really love it! It was so thoughtful of you." Eva said looking at her ring. "It's my pleasure." Leo said. When they made it home, it was late. "I had fun, Leo! Thank you for everything." Eva said smiling. "So did I." Leo said as he embraced her. "See you tomorrow!" He said.
It was the next morning and Bertha had to run a few errands. "We need some more groceries. Would you girls like to come along?" "Sure!" Eva and Annabelle said. As they drove, Bertha and Annabelle talked up a storm while Eva sat quietly. "What's the matter, Eva?" Annabelle asked. "Oh, nothing." Eva replied. "Are you sure?" She asked. Eva paused. "Well." Eva began, getting their full attention. "There's this guy at school." "Yeah?" Bertha said. "And he really, really likes me." Though they knew who she was talking about, they pretended not to. "Go on." Annabelle said. "But I don't like him back." "Wha-?! I mean, is that so?" Bertha asked. "Why not?" Asked Annabelle. "I mean, I don't know if I like him or not. I just don't want my dreams of being a rock star to be ruined." "Why can't you have both?" Annabelle asked. "Because he seems like the type of person that would want to settle down and start a family." "Well." Bertha said. "You'll just have to figure out which of the two is more important to you." "That's what I can't seem to figure out." Eva said softly.
As they entered the grocery store to pick out food for the week, Eva was piling in the junk food for the sleepover. "Eva, how much are you guys going to eat?" Annabelle asked in astonishment. "Who knows? But I get to eat all the leftovers!" Eva said with a grin. Just then, Annabelle noticed Eva's ring. "Eva! Are you-engaged?!" Annabelle asked. "What do you mean?" Asked Bertha. "Look at her ring!" Bertha covered her mouth with her hands. "Don't worry, it's just a friendship ring. Leo gave it to me." "Since when did friendship rings come with real diamonds?" Annabelle asked as she held Eva's hand to get a closer look. "This is better than mine!" Annabelle exclaimed. "Leo's probably just rich. His mother was the president's advisor after all." Eva said. "I guess." Bertha said doubtfully. After getting their groceries they went home.
It was 5pm and time for the guests to start arriving. Eva had everything ready; including a new dance pad game that her parents bought for her. First Kiersten arrived, and then Lisa. "Well, since everyone is here." Kiersten began. "Why don't we-" Just then, Leo arrived. Kiersten and Lisa gasped. "Hello everyone!" Leo said. "Is Leo-?" "Yes, he's sleeping over. Surprise!" Eva said. Lisa gradually hid behind Kiersten as Kiersten exclaimed, "Why didn't you tell us Leo was coming over?!" "If you'd like me to leave-" "No!" Lisa and Kiersten shouted. "What I meant was, it's such an honor Leo!" Kiersten said. "Thank you. The honor is all mine!" Leo said as he smiled at them.
"This is my first sleepover with a boy!" Lisa whispered to Kiersten. "Same here!" Kiersten replied. Just then, they noticed the ring. "What's that?" Lisa asked. "Oh, this? It's a friendship ring!" Eva replied. "And who's this friend?" Kiersten asked crossing her arms. "I am." Leo said putting his arm around Eva. They then noticed Leo's ring as well. "Are you guys best friends?" Kiersten asked. "Yes." Leo said. "What about us?" Lisa asked. "Well, uh—you guys will always be good friends of mine and-" "Hmph, I hate being second best." Kiersten said disappointed. "Don't worry. I'll share her." Leo said. "Em, how about we play that dance pad game?" Eva said trying to change the subject. "You have a dance pad?" Lisa asked enthusiastically. "Just got it!" "Whoa, yeah! Let's play!" Kiersten said.
"The rules are simple." Eva said as they stood behind the two dance pads and a television. "There are two players that compete to win. All you have to do is jump on where the arrows are highlighted. And whoever lands on the most arrows wins!" "Sounds exciting!" Lisa said. "Bet I'll win!" Kiersten smirked. "Let's start! Who wants to go firs-" As Eva said this, Lisa and Kiersten ran to the dance pads. "We do!" They said. "Alright then, let's begin!" Eva said as she started the game. A techno song started to play and before they knew it, they were stepping all over the arrows. "Oh, I got one!" Kiersten said. "Me too!" Said Lisa. "I guess we're next." Leo said as they played. "Yup! I'm sure I'll win. I've been practicing all week!" Eva said. "You think so?" Leo asked. "Ah! You won!" Lisa said. "I knew I would! Your turn!" Kiersten said turning to Eva and Leo. As they began to play, everyone noticed that Leo was getting every single arrow. "What? How are you doing that?" Eva asked as she struggled to step on the arrows. "Just luck, I guess." Leo said not breaking a sweat. After Leo won everyone just stared at him. "So, you think you're a dance pad master, huh?" Kiersten asked. "Well." Leo said. "Why don't you play an advanced level?" Lisa challenged. The girls just watched in unbelief as he effortlessly got a perfect score. "You're not human!" Kiersten exclaimed. "Good job, Leo!" Eva said. "Thanks!" Leo replied.
As night fell, everyone started to get a little hungry. They were all in Eva's room as Eva brought in all the snacks. "Nice!" Kiersten said. As everyone dug in, Leo just sat there. "Aren't you going to eat anything?" Eva asked. "I'm not much into junk food." Leo replied. "Well, that's obvious." Kiersten said looking him up and down. "I can get something else for you." Eva said. "No need to worry." Said Leo. "Well, okay." "So-um, Leo." Lisa said blushing. "Yes?" Leo replied. "I didn't mean to use Eva to tell you how I feel." Eva looked horrified. "Oh, so it was you that liked me?" Leo asked. "Yes-and" Lisa continued. "If you really want to ask me out later, of course I will wait for you!" Eva was powerless to stop this. "What are you talking about?" Asked Leo. "Well, didn't you tell Eva that you're just not ready for a relationship right now and that when you were, you would ask me out?" Leo looked at Eva with disappointment as she just looked away. "No, that's not what I said." Leo replied. "Huh?" Lisa said. "Eva may just have been trying to be polite, but what I told Eva is that I was in love with her and that I would be waiting for her to love me in return." Lisa and Kiersten was in shock. "You're in love with Eva?!" They asked. "Yes." Leo replied. "Eva! Why don't you love him back?" Kiersten asked. "Well-I" "Yeah, and why would you lie to me about Leo?" Lisa asked a bit upset. "I'm sorry Lisa, I shouldn't have lied to you. I just didn't want anyone to know about this. Besides, I figured if Leo waited long enough he would get tired of waiting and would look for someone else." "Eva." Leo began. "I will never stop waiting for you." Kiersten and Lisa sighed over how romantic Leo was. "Leo, I want to be a rockstar!" Eva said. "Eva." Kiersten said. "I'm sure being a rockstar is cool and everything; but why would you choose that over love?" "Because music is my passion! And I'm sure Leo wouldn't want to follow me around the world." Eva said. "What if I would be willing to follow you anywhere?" Leo asked. Eva just blushed. "No, you would be a distraction." Eva said, immediately regretting the words that just left her mouth. "Eva." Kiersten said in unbelief. Leo just smiled. "I'm still going to wait for you." Leo began. "But anyways, it's enough for me that we're just friends for now." Leo said. "You're so devoted!" Lisa said dreamily. "Alright, you guys. I didn't mean for our sleepover to turn all dramatic." Eva said rubbing the back of her head. "You're right, let's just continue the fun!" Kiersten said.
The four of them just talked as Eva had some music playing in the background. They all told their life's story. Lisa was from England as well and she wanted to be a painter when she graduated. Kiersten was from China and was undecided as to what she wanted to be. "I dunno, I think I want to be a rockstar too." Kiersten said. "Really? We could start a band!" Eva said enthusiastically. "That sounds awesome!" Kiersten said. "What about you? What do you want to be, Leo?" Lisa asked. "Well, I do want to make a difference." Leo said. "Maybe I will try to be President." "President? Of the United States?" Kiersten exclaimed. "I believe I can change the world for the better." Leo said. "Well, I'll vote for you!" Eva said. "Same here!" Kiersten and Lisa added. "Thank you." Leo said.
"Hey, you guys. Would you like to sleep under the stars tonight?" Leo asked. The girls just stared at him. "Eww, there are bugs outside!" Lisa said. "Actually, that sounds like fun!" Kiersten said. "What do you think, Eva?" Leo asked. "Sure, I haven't done that in a while." Eva replied. "Oh, alright!" Lisa said realizing she was outnumbered.
Everyone moved their sleeping bags in the backyard and just laid down looking up at the stars. The stars were like diamonds that sparkled in the night sky. "What is your Zodiac?" Kiersten asked Lisa. "I'm a Scorpio." Lisa said. "What about you?" Leo asked looking over at Eva. Eva just laughed a little. "I'm a Leo." She said. Everyone just laughed. As minutes turned into hours, Leo was explaining the myths behind the constellations. As Leo told the stories, everyone fell asleep one by one until Leo was the last one awake. Leo turned to Eva, who's face he could see under the moon light. "Oh, Eva." Leo whispered. "When will you stop trying to be like everyone else?" He said as he leaned in to kiss her forehead. The next morning it was a bit chilly but Eva felt warm. "Am I-in my room?" Eva thought as her eyes were still closed. She felt herself holding something. At first she thought it was her pillow, but when she opened her eyes, it was Leo! They had slept in each other's arms all throughout the night. "What?!" Eva thought as her face turned red. "How did this happen? How do I get out?" Eva thought, not wanting to wake Leo. Eva held her breath as she slowly inched her way out of his grasp. Eva exhaled as she finally broke free. "What is going on?" Eva thought as she looked up at the morning sky. "Then again, I felt so loved in his arms." Eva thought. She watched a few birds fly overhead then she shook her head. "No." Eva thought. "I'm not going to fall for Leo!"
As everyone began to wake up, Eva looked at them. "Good morning!" She said. Kiersten yawned. "Good morning!" She replied. "Would you guys like some breakfast?" Eva asked. "Sure!" They all replied. They went inside to find Bertha cooking some churros. "I hope you guys are hungry!" Bertha said. "We are!" Lisa replied. "That smells amazing!" Kiersten said. After breakfast, everyone said their goodbyes and went home. "Did you guys have a good sleepover?" Bertha asked as she cleaned the plates. Eva paused. "Actually." She began. "It was the best sleepover ever!" Throughout spring break; Leo, Eva, Kiersten and Lisa hung out everyday. They went to the beach, the mall, some restaurants and even the movie theaters. As they bonded, they began to realize that the four of them would be best friends for life!