To the dining room

Mandy leads you all into her dining room, where you discover four bowls of cereal, four mugs of coffee, and four folded navy dresses next to four backpacks waiting for you, all on a large plastic table, with four plastic seats surrounding it.

"Courtesy of mom, no doubt." Mandy says, apparently unsurprised at all this just being waiting for you.

"But... Where is she?" You ask.

"Um, never showing her face here at breakfast again on sleepover nights, I'd wager." Mandy says haughtily. "After that little stunt you guys pulled last time while I was brushing my teeth, locking her in the queening chair and using her like that."

"It was Bridget's idea!" Alice squeaks.

"It was hilarious." Bridget chuckles.

"It was rude." Mandy replies. "I know we're all technically adults now, but this is still my mom we're talking about. As her daughter, it's my job to take her place for that sort of thing, when it comes to my friends. You guys are supposed to show her more respect than that. You're lucky I'm still allowed to have you over."

Well... Now you feel bad for something you don't even remember doing. "I'm sorry Mandy. That was awful of us." You offer.

"Oh come on. It's hardly a big deal." Bridget huffs, and sits down to enjoy her breakfast.

"I just think the whole idea of respecting your elders like that is a bit outdated." Alice admits timidly, and then joins Bridget.

"This is why Janet is my best friend." Mandy says, and gives you a kiss on your cheek. That's not new - she's always been affectionate like that.

"Get a room." Bridget teases between mouthfuls of cereal.

"Get a life!" Mandy retorts.

"Janet, you're off the hook. Mandy's back to the top of my list." Bridget announces.

"Save the trash talk for St. Mary's, Bridget." Mandy shoots back. That's the school that Alice and Bridget go to. You're all in your senior year, but you go to two different schools.

You and Janet go to Prince College. It's less religious, and a lot less strict. There are a number of delinquents who couldn't make it at better schools, and they've always made your life hell. You don't imagine that'll be any different in this world. But by now you're used to it, and there's only one year left before you'll be off to university and never have to see them or anyone else in this shitty town again.

Other than your friends and family, obviously.

You draw up a plastic chair and tuck in to your breakfast, convincing yourself that despite you being scared and unsure about this crazy new world you've found yourself stuck in, you should be grateful that you still have these friends here with you.