Delphic Song

Chapter Four

I refocused on repeating the dream to Payson, making sure to go into detail when I got to the point with the hot guy who saved my life (or at least tried to), knowing she’d appreciate it. When I described the howling coming closer and closer, Payson mock-shrieked and hid her face.

“Yeah,” I said, laughing, “My reaction exactly. I think that, in the end, it was more a nightmare than a nice dream.”

“I disagree!” Payson exclaimed, winking at me. “The hot guy part definitely canceled out the nightmarish part.”

I grinned. “Well, if you say so, Pay.”

“I do. And you need to get your ass out of bed now. Stop procrastinating.”

“Nooo,” I moaned, hiding my face under the blankets. “I refuse to move.”

“None of that, young lady,” Payson scolded, grabbing my pillow and yanking it away. I made a sad puppy dog face, but she only shook her head.

“Fine.” I stuck my tongue out at her, but didn’t rise from my relaxed position. “What time is it, anyway?”

Payson grinned devilishly. “Well, actually…” she checked her iPhone. “Its ten past two.”

“What?!” I gaped at her. “Are you sure?”

“Yeah, I know. I was surprised too, when I woke up and found you still sleeping. You never sleep in late, and when I say never, I mean never.”

“When did you get up?” I asked, suddenly embarrassed. It had always been me that woke up first whenever the two of us had sleepovers. I would wake up two or three hours before her, eat breakfast and then start my day, and then Payson would show up somewhere around lunchtime. I had grown used to it and no longer minded, but it might have been weird for Payson. The house was empty; my parents were down working the apple orchard and Joshua and Alyssa weren’t home.

“Oh, like three hours ago.” She shrugged and waved her hand like she was brushing it off. “It’s no biggie.”

I was about to apologize, but my phone abruptly buzzed on the nightstand beside my bed. I twisted around to grab it, frowning and unlocking it when I didn’t recognize the number.

“Hello?”

“Is this Gwen Connolly?”

I paused. “…Yes. And who is this?”

I could practically hear the voice laughing as it said, “Your smokin’ date tonight.”

I smothered my laugh with my pillow. “Oh? I have so many; I can’t possibly remember them all.”

“Ouch, that hurts,” Nate teased.

“How’s you get my number, anyway?” I asked.

“I have my ways. Anyways, I was just calling to tell you to dress casual. Oh, and bring your swim suit. Preferably a bikini.”

“And why do I need my bikini? I think you forgot that part.”

I glanced over at Payson, who was making smooching faces and pretend kissing the air. Rolling my eyes, I smiled and turned back to the phone when I heard Nate on the other end.

“Nope. It’s a surprise.”

“Oh, great,” I said in a deliberately not amused monotone. “A surprise. Can’t wait for that.”

“See you at six.” The phone clicked off.

I hung up, a smile tugging at the corners of my lips. Turning back to Payson, I opened my mouth to speak but stopped when she held up her hand.