"Honestly, sometimes I just wear trackie pants and a T-shirt over there. It's not a big thing, you know. They're basically our family," She says to me, repeating the same sentiments that Lucy shared with me earlier. 

That doesn't make me feel any better, though, and I think Alexa recognises that when she looks at my face.

"But... If I were you and wanted to make a nice first impression. I'd wear something like... this. Maybe with a pair of jeans?" She says as she pulls a shirt out of her closet. 

She holds up a black shirt with black diamantes on it. It's not too dressy that I will feel out of place, but it's nicer than my plain black shirts and torn flannos. I smile as she hands it to me.

Back in my room, I check my reflection in the mirror. The shirt is a little bit big on me, but it's not super noticeable, and I can work with it. It looks good with my blue jeans. I quickly brush my hair and swipe on some mascara, just in time to hear Lucy calling out to see if we're ready yet. She was ready ages ago.

I open my door and run into Alexa, opening hers at the same time, making us both laugh. She's wearing a silver top and jeans, and I wonder for a moment if she meant to slightly match with me or if it was subconscious.

We make our way down the hallway to Lucy, who is wearing a white button-up shirt and black pants. I'm surprised that she seems to be the most formally dressed of all of us. She gives us a nod.

We make the walk through the front door and out to the neighbour's house. We walk past the red car I saw yesterday, and I inhale a sharp breath. I forgot for a moment that I'd be facing that boy again tonight. What if he's still angry? What if he's angry at me? What if he says something to Lucy and Alexa about me spying? Lucy must notice my anxiety because she places her hand on my shoulder and rubs it. 

"You'll be fine, and we can go home at any time," She says softly in a reassuring voice. 

She doesn't know exactly why I'm nervous, but I appreciate that she's picked up on it and is trying to comfort me. I give her a grateful smile, but when she turns away, my smile drops.

 I'm getting too comfortable with these two already. I need to remember my game plan of being kind and courteous but not comfortable. Not relaxing into the role of longed-for daughter, only for it to be ripped away. In two years, I'll be out on my own, and I can end this cycle. Until then, I just need to survive. 

I follow Lucy and Alexa up the driveway to the front door. I stand in between them both, a friendly smile plastered on my face as Alexa knocks on their door. From the way they had talked about the neighbours, I assumed they'd be the types to just waltz into the house, but maybe they don't feel comfortable doing that with me here. 

After maybe ten seconds, the front door opens, and when I see who it is, my smile falls from my face.