Chapter Twenty: Sleepover Plans and No Escaping
(Lyra's POV)
I was doodling in my sketchbook during lunch when Soraya leaned over dramatically.
"Lyra!" she whispered. "Guess what time it is?"
I glanced up, trying to look casual. "Uh… 12:30?"
Saphira snorted. "Wrong. It's sleepover time! You know, the one we've been hyping up for months. The iconic Soraya sleepover! And yes, you are coming."
I blinked. "Uh… I don't think—"
"Don't think what?" Evan's golden hair caught the sunlight as he leaned casually against the table. "That you're skipping?"
I sputtered. "I… my mom… she wouldn't—"
He smirked. "We'll personally tell her it's fine."
"W-what?!" I whispered, cheeks heating.
Soraya and Saphira were practically bouncing in excitement. "Lyra, your mom is ecstatic to see you making friends," Soraya said knowingly. "We saw her at Clover's Café. You lied. Don't even try it."
I groaned, hiding my face. "I… didn't—"
"Yeah, yeah," Evan said, smirking, leaning closer. "You're coming. And just so you know… I'll be picking you up. Personally."
"What?!" I squeaked, clutching my sketchbook.
"You heard me," he said, golden eyes glinting. "Don't even try to escape. I've got you. Sol."
I froze. "Sol… again?!"
"You don't question it," he said, smirk softening just a bit. "Just… accept it."
Later, as the group chattered endlessly about what snacks to bring, who would bring which movies, and how many marshmallows were too many, I tried once again to protest.
"My mom might—"
"Relax," Saphira interrupted, slapping a hand on my shoulder. "We'll tell her. She's thrilled, trust me."
I groaned again. "This is… chaos."
Evan leaned over, brushing a stray strand of hair from my face. "I'll make sure nothing bad happens. You're mine, remember?"
I groaned even harder, flustered, heat creeping up my neck. "Evan… you're impossible."
He smirked. "You love me."
I buried my face in my hands. "Stop saying that!"
By the time school ended, the sleepover plans were set. Soraya and Saphira were practically vibrating with excitement, laughing about Halloween candy, movies, costumes, and all the chaos that awaited.
Evan stayed close to me the whole walk to the car, smirking at my flustered attempts to glance at my phone or sneak a text. "No escape," he said, voice low, teasing. "You're mine tonight. Sleepover included."
I groaned, muttering, "You're so impossible."
"You love me," he reminded me softly, just loud enough for my cheeks to burn again.
And somehow… I didn't want to escape.