Free In Deep by Terra Elan McVoy

necessary.
    â€œGrier’s mom’s in town but just for the weekend,” I lie. “They had to do some stuff.”
    â€œOh. Well, are you hungry?” Louis asks. “And if you’re up for bagging some of these leaves, we would certainly welcome the help.” The giant magnolia in our backyard is the bane of Louis’s existence. It’s beautiful, but it sheds huge waxy leaves and these grenade-like pods all over the place twice a year.
    â€œI’m bushed, actually. We were up late. I think I’ll eat and take a nap.”
    â€œThere’s some leftover takeout we got last night if you want,” Mom says, shielding her eyes from the bright sun. I can’t tell if she’s doing it to get a better look at me, or what exactly she’ll see if she does.
    â€œThanks. I’ll be fine.” I start to head to the house. I need my bed so bad.
    â€œWell, Mercy and Dan are coming over later tonight to do some grilling and take us on a spin in their new electric car. We’d certainly love it if you—”
    I lift my hand and keep moving, because there’s no way I’m hanging out with Louis’s geeky friends, even if I didn’t have another party tonight.
    â€œThanks, but Grier and I’ve got a sleepover. It’ll be fine. I just need a quick nap.”
    â€œOkay, honey,” Mom says.
    â€œWe’ll be out here if you need us,” Louis adds.
    I don’t turn around, and I don’t say anything back. I just make a beeline for my bed, and pull the blanket up and around me without even taking off my suit.
    â€¢Â Â â€¢Â Â â€¢
    Mom’s hand on my back wakes me up. My room is much darker than it was when I got home.
    â€œBrynn?”
    â€œWhat time is it?” I roll over and try to find my clock. But apparently when I plopped down, my head was facing the bottom of my bed, so now I’m all twisted around.
    â€œIt’s almost eight.”
    â€œShit. Really?”
    â€œYou’ve been sleeping for hours. You feel okay?”
    I sit up. “Fine. Van’s just upping my drills in prep for State. And there’s a shave meet coming up.”
    She sighs. “I just don’t think you’re getting enough rest, honey. Maybe you shouldn’t—”
    â€œI’m fine, Mom. Just a later night than usual.”
    â€œWell, I don’t know if you should go out again tonight then.”
    It’s in me to tell her she wouldn’t even know about my plans tonight if Grier hadn’t ditched me this afternoon, but it’s not worth it. She made it clear a long time ago that she’s only interested in playing mom, not actually being one.
    â€œIt’s cool, Mom. Tonight’s just some girl’s birthday. A little sleepover. Nothing wild.”
    â€œYou always came home so exhausted after sleepovers. Remember that one of Kelsey’s? That meltdown you had? I always had to brace myself for a tantrum when you got home from kindergarten, because they never gave you enough of a nap.”
    â€œWell, I just had a huge one, so I should be fine.” I smile even though all I want is for her to get out of here.
    She puts her hand on my forehead. I force myself to not jerk away.
    â€œWell, you’re a little warm, but I think it’s from sleeping. The Flytes are downstairs. Come on down and say hello.”
    â€œI’ve gotta text Grier, see what time she’s coming over.” I start untangling myself from the bedding.
    â€œAll right then.” Mom sighs. “Remember, there’s extra chicken if you need it.”
    â€œThanks, Mom.” At the sound of the word chicken , my stomach makes a demanding noise. I realize I came straight home and went to bed, without eating a thing. “I’ll come down in a minute. Just let me wash my face.”
    â€œOkay, if you’re sure you’re all right.”
    â€œI am.”
    She leaves but doesn’t close the