Jen rang the doorbell and waited. There were no cars in the driveway, so that likely meant they were some of the first to arrive. She had to assume that at the very least Randi would drive and would bring some of the others with her. It wasn't unthinkable that Trinity would borrow her dad's car.
"Is it weird that I feel a little nervous?" Karyn asked. "Like, I can remember coming here so many times but I'm nervous."
"I get that," Jen said. "We have plenty of memories of Sarah being pretty terrible to us, and even with the new memories becoming more... in focus, I guess? That's a lot to try and put behind us."
Karyn nodded, mouth opening only to close when the door cracked open. Not Sarah, but her little brother Richie. He was Zoe's age, she knew, and gearing up to head down the same path to popularity Sarah had found herself walking. He Had blond hair that was a bit longer on top, the sides shaved. Unlike a lot of younger teens he kept himself clean shaved, not trusting the sparse facial hair he had to look good. He wore a short sleeved button up shirt and khaki shorts. He looked the two of them over, spending a bit more time on Karyn, before opening the door. "Jen, Karyn," he said. "Sarah's out back."
"Thanks Richie," Karyn said.
"What's Zoe up to today?"
Jen raised an eyebrow, shrugging. "She went to a concert with Athena and Trinity last night. She was sleeping the late night off when I saw her earlier."
Richie nodded, then shrugged. He closed the door and headed back to whatever he was doing.
"That was weird," Karyn said. "He knows Zoe? Is curious what she's up to?"
"Maybe they know each other because of me and Sarah. I mean, if we're friends it'd make sense they'd interact somehow, right?" Even as she was saying it, she knew it was somewhat right. She could remember gatherings involving the whole families, Zoe and Richie talking.
They made their way through the house, relying on their new memories to guide them, and emerged into the backyard. It was as big as the house was, with a patio, a luxurious garden, stone pathways, a pool, and a hot tub. Sarah was setting things up on the patio, drinks and snacks. She perked up when she saw them and came over, hugging them. "Jen, Karyn, you're the first to get here."
"Hey Sarah," Jen said. "You're really going all out here, huh?"
"This isn't really going all out. Just some stuff to have while we're... talking," Sarah said. She looked them over, then brightened. "I love your nails, very cute."
Jen lifted her hands and looked at them. Her nails painted blue except for her ring fingers which were painted pink. Karyn's were the same but with the colors reversed. "Thanks, we were sitting around and just kind of... did it," Karyn said.
"It's great. I love it, really," Sarah said. "If you want to get changed into your suits you can hop into the pool. I imagine it'll take everyone a bit to get here."
"I think maybe that can wait," Jen said. "You want any help setting up, or...?"
"You don't have to," Sarah said. "I invited you, it's my job to provide refreshments."
"We can help, Sarah. It's a lot of work for one person."
Sarah looked unsure, like she was still going to argue, but then she nodded. "Okay, I mean... if you want to..."
Jen and Karyn looked at each other, shrugged, and set to helping her. Between all of them, they were able to get everything set up by the time the others arrived. With everyone gathered, Jen put a hand on Sarah's shoulder. "I think it's time we get our answers?"
Sarah looked like she wanted to argue. To offer up the pool and snacks. Instead, she nodded.
