Katie~

"Parents... in Hawaii... Tsunami.." I start crying again. Willow tightens her grip on me.

"Is there anything we can do?"

I rest my head on Willow's shoulder and cry. The girls tighten their grip around me and join in. Their arms feel like a blanket, warming me to my heart. They weep with me now, when I most need a friend, they comfort me in this time of need. Courage, faith, strength, love, hope, all warming me, comforting me. Their arms holding me like a mother holds her child. Their pressence warming me like a father's loving smile. Loss fills me with grief, but love gives me a newfound hope. We weep silently for what was, but rejoice for what will come. For whatever does come we have each other, we can stand strong and live.

Jonhston~ 

Christoff and Jason are already asleep. I decide to let them be and climb into my cot. It seems like my whole life has been great, just to break at this moment. Everything, has been leading up to this moment. Life was great, then 'BOOM,' the world exploded, life ended. I look over to my friends. No. it didn't end, it is just merely reshaping itself into something new. Something unforseen and different. Strange, and scary. But whatever it will be, I must be there for Katie. We will prevail. 

.:Brielle:.

"Maybe you should call a truce with them. Maybe even be friends?"

I stare at Kat incredulously. She can't be serious. "Call a truce with Katie?"

She nods slowly, trying to conceal the hopeful expression clouding her face. That's the thing about Kat. I can read her like a book. She wants me to say yes. We don't even have to call the truce. All she wants is for me to say yes to her. For once in my life.

"Katie's a she-devil. I don't want to be friends with her," Rianna complains.

"We should at least try," Kat persists, nudging Gigi, who shakes her head up and down spastically in agreement.

A mischievous smile creeps onto my face. I bore into Kat's eyes. She fidgets uncomfortably.

"Fine." My voice is light and airy as I speak that one syllable. I wait a moment for that to sink in. "We'll try. Later. Now, let's have some cupcakes and manicures." I'm lying, of course, but Kat shoots me a relieved look that shows her gratitude. I can practically feel my eyes glinting back at her.

This will be an awfully fun plan. 

Katie~ 

Erin emailed me the whole story. Sisters? With Christoff?  I dash out of my cabin and run into Johnston, who was obviously running to mine.

Johnston says, "Christoff is going to be Erin's brother"!"

At the same time i say, "Erin is going to be Christoff's brother!"

Despite the situation we laugh. "Here, im going to invite Erin out to lunch. You should invite Christoff." He nods and we say goodbye, rushing back to our cabins. I plop down in my beanbag and text her.

Do you have time to talk? Meet me at subway at noon?

She replies soon after. mom says yeah, is Gramps okay with it? 

I rush to the house and ask Gramps, he says yes and i sprint back to my cabin. 

Yes.

Johnston~

Christoff> Sure, i can make it. Where?

Johnston>  Jonnies?

Christoff> yeah. 

.:Brielle:.

Once the hospital finally permits me to go home after what seems like an eternity, all five of us enter the limo parked in the front. I gasp with delight when I realize it's my favorite, the one with the flat-screen TVs and the leather plush sofas lining the interior. Rianna joins me in the far right corner, while Kat and Gigi hover over the mini fridge.

"Grab me a water bottle," I request, stretching my legs onto the ottoman and picking up the remote control.

Gigi nods and tosses me one, then gathers three cans of soda for her and the other girls. I lean back and press the recliner button on the armrest as I switch through each channel, browsing. Rianna swipes a bottle of sparkly sapphire blue nail polish and lifts my hand, giving me a much-needed manicure (apparently in the hospital, emergency beauty sessions aren't a thing?). The cold paint tickles a bit when it collides with my fingernails, a feeling I've always loved. It's been reminding me of the squad's slumber parties ever since we started having them. The memories rush to my brain like supernova - the time I first met Rianna in preschool; when we befriended Gigi in first grade and welcomed Kat in third. I rememeber my dad letting us stay up late for movie nights; our "fancy" tea parties and double-dutch jump rope at recess. A lump begins to form in my throat as I swallow, blinking back a flood of fresh tears. I allow Rianna to work on her second coat.

"There's nothing good on," Gigi comments and turns off the TV. "Let's play a game instead."

"Oh!" Kat pipes up. "Twister!"

"Can't - wet nails." I flutter my fingers for evidence. "Also, ew."

"How about Truth or Dare?" Rianna suggests.

"Sure," Gigi approves. Kat shrugs her shoulders.

"Perfect," I put in with a coy smirk. "Kat, truth or dare?"

"Um...truth." I knew it. That girl's always trying to play it safe. "What was your most embarassing moment?"

Kat crinkles her nose, pondering. "I don't know. Maybe last year when I tripped in the hall?"

"Lame," I declare, turning to face Gigi. "Ask Rianna now."

"'Kay. Rianna, truth or dare?"

"Dare, obviously," she replies with a fake yawn. "Hit me with your best shot."

I bend over and whisper in Gigi's ear. She gazes at me with wide eyes. I stifle a giggle. "Do it."

"Do what?" Rianna demands.