Chapter 9: The unexpected Invitation card
Ding-dong!
"Who's there?" Manon called out, her feet thumping a rapid rhythm on the stairs as she practically flew towards the front door.
She swung it open, her face instantly lighting up like a Christmas tree. "Ria! Mariam!" A wide, genuine grin stretched from ear to ear. "Ria, you finally got your curls redone! They look absolutely amazing, even bouncier than usual!"
Ria beamed, her green eyes sparkling with delight. "Thanks! I was so ready for a touch-up."
Mariam tapped her foot playfully, a mischievous glint in her yellow eyes. "Aren't you going to invite your besties in, Manon, or are we supposed to admire your doorstep all night?"
"Oh! Oops! Sorry, my brain's still a little fuzzy," Manon said, stepping aside quickly, her cheeks flushing slightly. "Come on in, ladies! Operation Sleepover: Maximum Fun is officially a go!"
"Pajamas!" they all shouted in unison, dissolving into a fit of giggles as they raced up the stairs and burst into Manon's room.
Manon quickly pulled on her favorite pink bunny pajamas, the fluffy tail bobbing behind her as she swept her hair into a high, playful ponytail. Ria emerged from the bathroom a moment later in a hilarious red T-Rex onesie, the oversized hood pulled up, revealing her goofy and fun-loving side. Mariam, sporting cozy brown kangaroo pajamas complete with a giant front pocket, pushed her purple-streaked hair over one shoulder, her yellow eyes gleaming with excitement.
"We look absolutely adorable!" Ria exclaimed, wrapping her arms around her two friends in a big hug. "Proof or it didn't happen! We have to take a picture right now!"
Manon grabbed her phone, already framing the shot. "Okay, everyone squish in! Ready? Say 'Pajama Power!'"
"Pajama Power!" they chorused, erupting in another round of laughter as they looked at the silly photo.
"So cute! Manon, you have to post this!" Mariam said, already reaching for Manon's phone.
"Okay, okay! But maybe after we figure out what deliciousness we're going to devour," Manon agreed, a playful smirk on her face.
"Speaking of deliciousness, my stomach is staging a full-blown rebellion," Ria declared, clutching her tummy dramatically. "What culinary masterpieces are on the menu tonight?"
"Behold!" Mariam announced with a flourish. "The classic sleepover feast: peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and a vibrant, vitamin-packed fruit salad!"
"That's... an interesting combination," Manon said, a slight wrinkle in her nose, but she happily followed her friends to the kitchen, ready for whatever culinary adventures the night held.
As they chopped strawberries and spread peanut butter with enthusiastic abandon, Ria casually leaned against the counter and asked, "So, Manon, I heard there's a big party happening this Saturday?"
Mariam, ever the observant one, gave Manon a knowing, sly smile. "And guess what else we heard?"
Manon busied herself with slicing an apple, carefully avoiding their gazes. "Hmm? What's that?"
"You're invited!" they both exclaimed in perfect unison. "And you didn't even tell us! We had to hear it from… well, someone else!"
Manon's face flushed slightly. "Wait a minute, are you two calling my brother a 'someone else'?" she asked, a giggle escaping her lips.
"Don't try to distract us with your brotherly connections!" Mariam insisted, playfully pointing a sticky knife at Manon.
"Fine, fine, you caught me," Manon sighed dramatically, wiping her hands on a paper towel.
"Anyway, we forgive you," Ria said, giving Manon a quick hug. "But the real question is: what are you possibly going to wear to this mysterious party?"
"Honestly? I have absolutely no idea," Manon admitted, a hint of worry creeping into her voice.
Ria and Mariam exchanged a look of mock horror and disappointment. "Okay, then this sleepover has officially been upgraded to 'Operation Find the Perfect Party Dress'!"
"Let's speed through this food prep so we can hit your closet like a fashion hurricane!" Mariam said, already picturing Manon in a dazzling pink number.
"This night is officially going to be epic!" Ria declared, grabbing a handful of grapes.
(Later, in Manon's room, amidst a mountain of discarded clothes)
"Are you ready for the grand reveal?" Ria called from behind the closed bathroom door.
Manon took a deep breath and stepped out, her eyes wide as she looked at her reflection.
Mariam jumped up from the bed, clapping her hands excitedly. "Oh my goodness, Manon! After trying on approximately one hundred and seventy-three different outfits, this is absolutely perfect! It's like it was made specifically for you!"
"Watch out, world! The gorgeous and suddenly socially active Manon is officially on the scene!" Ria announced with a flourish.
They all burst into laughter, collapsing onto the bed in a heap of happy exhaustion.
"Okay, now that the fashion emergency has been averted, it's officially movie night!" Manon announced, jumping up and grabbing the remote.
"Yes!" Ria and Mariam cheered, already snuggling under the covers.
(Later, during a particularly suspenseful scene in the movie)
"So, uh, where's Adrien… I mean, your mom?" Mariam asked, her cheeks suddenly looking a little flushed in the dim light.
"Oh, Adrien's out 'networking' with his friends," Manon said, a teasing glint in her eyes as she noticed Mariam's slip-up. "He said he didn't want to disturb the presence of such beautiful and intelligent ladies."
"He… he wouldn't have disturbed anyone," Mariam mumbled, quickly turning her attention back to the screen.
"Ria, my popcorn reserves are dangerously low! Operation Snack Replenishment is a go!" Manon said, grabbing Ria's arm and pulling her towards the door. "Mariam, could you be in charge of drink retrieval?"
They settled into the small cinema room downstairs, the lights dimming, the anticipation for both the movie and the party hanging in the air.
"I wonder what Manon has in store for us at this party," Ria whispered during a quiet moment in the film, a hint of nervousness in her voice.
An hour later, they were all exhausted from a hilarious popcorn fight, a few well-timed screams during the scary parts, and endless fits of laughter. They piled back into Manon's room and quickly drifted off to sleep.
Manon, however, found her mind still buzzing. She glanced at her smartwatch, the screen glowing softly in the darkness.
Mini mission: Detective for a day. Party at Woodluck Hotel. Find the thief who stole the original copy of "Over the Moon."
"That's my absolute favorite novel!" Manon whispered, her eyes wide with surprise. "And that's the party I'm actually going to! What in the world am I supposed to do?"
Ding! Another notification flashed on her wrist.
Reward: Enhanced writing abilities. Upgrade: Increased vision (activated when needed).
"What is with all these sudden upgrades?" Manon muttered to herself, a mix of confusion and excitement swirling within her. "I have a feeling tomorrow night is going to be way more interesting than just awkward dancing and questionable party snacks."