The minivan pulled up to the mall. Athena and Mikey were standing there.
Athena entered first, sliding in next to Zoe and gently pressing against her before Mikey slid in next to them.
"Did you have a nice time?" Jon asked.
"Great...except I asked Athena not to tell people what was going on with me, so she told people I was her new friend, Maddy."
"What's wrong with that?" Athena asked.
"Maddy?"
"It was the first thing that came to mind," she said. "Sorry...but you and Zelda hit it off."
"You saw Zelda?" Zoe said. "I mean...I just haven't been ready to...come out. I guess I'll have to on Monday...but..."
"And you think Zelda will judge you?" Mikey commented, dismissively. "That's so stupid. She'll be cool with it."
"Then why didn't you tell her who you were...'Maddy'?" Zoe challenged.
"Because I wanted to be treated like this whole mess wasn't happening for one afternoon..."
"Where did you get those clothes?" Jon asked.
"Simon and I went shopping. We wanted something that fit us better."
"Well, I hope you didn't spend too much. I mean, we can't afford for all of us to buy a whole new wardrobe."
"It was just one outfit for each of us," Mikey said.
The minivan stopped in front of Athena's house. Mikey got out to let her out, then went back into the car.
"Text me," Zoe said.
Laura waited till Athena was nearly at the door before pulling away and heading the few short blocks to home.
