Ann was astounded by how much she was enjoying herself. The young gothic teen found herself happily talking with Clyde, the boy was intelligent with a quick sense of humor. Ann found herself laughing and talking with him, quickly discovering sje felt completely at ease with Clyde.
"This in incredible," she thought happily. "This kid is so engageing. I feel like I'm at an office party. Only difference, I'm actually enjoying myself."
"Hey Ann!"
Ann turned to see Jackie making her way towards them. Smiling she waved the girl over. "Hey Jackie," she said happily. "I want to introduce you to Clyde. "
Clyde smiled, nodding in Jackies direction. Jackie felt her cheeks burn as she gazed at the handsome teen. "H..hey," she stammered. "I'm Jackie, Ann's best friend."
"Sup Jackie," he smiled. "Was just talking with your friend here. She's alot of fun and I don't think I met a girl before who was as confident as she is. It's like shes way older than you would think. "
Jackie surpressed a giggle as she looked at the grown down adult. "Yeah thats Ann," she smirked. "Little miss maturity."
"So whats up Jackie," Ann said quickly, trying to change the subject. "Well," Jackie smirked. "Was wondering how you were doing. Saw you over here talking with this guy so....just wanted to check up on you."
Ann furrowed her brow before turning to look at Clyde. "Be right back," she said. "Just need to talk with my bestie." Clyde nodded as Ann now led Jackie inti a side room where the two could talk. Seeing that they were out of earshot from Clyde Ann now faced Jackie, a grumpy look etched on her face.
"This better be good," Ann grumbled. "I was really enjoying myself back there."
Jackie giggled as she looked at her friend. The look on her face may have bewn intimidating as an adult. As a teen her age Ann's face gave Jackie the impression of a child about to throw a tantrum.
"Sorry," she said, holding back a laugh. "Just checking on you thats all. By the way I'm not sure if you should really make that face, you look like a kid who doesn't want ti wat her veggies."
Ann growled, causingJackie to bwgin to laugh. "So not cool Jackie," Ann fumed. "Remember I'm old enough to be your mom." Jackie smiled smugly before reaching into her purse and oroducing a mirror. "You sure about that," she asked.
Ann gazed at her youthful appearance, sighing sadly. She did look like a kid. A youmg teens face with dyed blond hair and a cute innocent face stared back at her. Glancing at her body only cemented it further. Of all of Jackies friends she was probably the skinniest. Ann thought about how she had only recently celebrated her birthday, meaning that the rest of the girls would turn 15 before she did.
"Ugh," she groaned. "Not only do I look like a kid, Im probably the youngest one here, thats so unfair. I really like Clyde."
"Ann," Jackie said flatly. "Your really 42, remember?"
"I know, I know," Ann sighed. "Still I wish..."
"Wish what?"
Ann turned to her friend, the rhoughr had been rattling around in her head for awhile now. Looking at Jackie she realized it was time to come clean with her friend.
"I wish that I really was 14 again."
Jackies jaw dropped as she looked at her sullen friend. "You can't be serious," Jackie whispered. "Ann. Your talking about becoming a kid again. Giving up your job, your independence, your life."
Ann gave a short laugh, wiping her eyes as she gazed at Jackie. "What life," she muttered. "Work IS my life. I spend 12 hours of my day working only to come home to an empty house and go to bed. Sure I have money but I'm so lonely. I don't have any real adult friends, only co-workers."
"Im your friend Ann," Jackie whisperd, taking her hand.
"Exactly," Ann said. "Jackie, your...your the best friend I think I've ever had. The only problem is that I'm 42 and your only 14."
Ann and Jackie stared at eachother shortly before looking out towards the party. "Do you know how many adults wish they could go back to their youth with the knowledge they have now," she sighed. "Tons. The difference between me and them though is that I can actually do it."
"But, but where would you stay," Jackie asked. "Who would take care of you? What would you do to feed yourself, how would you pay the bills?"
"I have enough money to last a lifetime," Ann stated. "And why couldn't I stay in tgis house? Katie isnt useing it. It would be perfect. And it would give me a chance to hangout with you all the time. You may not know it Jackie but I love you like a sister. You really are my best friend."
Jackie smiled as she felt her eyes dampen. "Your my best friend too," Jackie whisperd. "I...I thought that Gloria was but... since we started hanging out...its..its you."
The two teens hugged eachother sniffling at the idea that they were truely the best if friwnds after such a short time.
"Look," Jackie said. "As your friend I think this is nuts. Still, if your absolutely certain abiut this I'll support you."
"Thanks Jackie," Ann whispered, higging her friend. "Now cmon. Lets go find my niece and the rest of my family and see what they think."
Ann now walked out to the party, certain about what she wished to do. Although conflicted about the idea of giving up her adulthood, she felt that she could convince her family it was the right thing to do