With a day until Nationals the school was bursting with excitement along with the entire town. Good luck posters were hung in every shop window and over the entrance to town. Everywhere Jen went she was offered good luck charms, free food, hugs and pats on the back. There was no way anyone could pay attention at school with so much excitement. A pep-rally was held in the afternoon in which cheers were screamed and everyone was pumped up with excitement. After school Peyton and Jen met up in the front quad where they waited for Cory.

“Are you packed yet?” Peyton asked Jen between locking lips.

“Not exactly, I tend to pack the morning of.”

“So you’re going to pack at like 3 am tomorrow before we load the bus?”

“Maybe, what’s wrong with that? Just because I wasn’t packed 3 days ago doesn’t make it bad.”

“2 days ago.. not 3. I’m going to regret telling you that I already packed.” Peyton said pushing Jen playfully.

The car horn honked making the girls jump. It was Cory coming to pick the girls up.

“What’s the plan Stanettes?” Cory asked unlocking the car doors.

“We’re stopping by Peyton’s house to grab her stuff and then last chance practice at the river court and then the feast of champs followed by bed at 8.”

“Busy schedule…”

“Well you know if you just let me have the car for the night you wouldn’t have to worry about it.”

“Oh, I wouldn’t would I??? I’ll consider it. It’s just that you know how dark it gets this early now that it’s winter. And you’ve only driven alone a handful of times.”

“Just think about it.”

They finally arrived at Peyton’s house. Jen and Peyton went inside as Cory popped open the trunk sitting on the edge waiting for the girls. They came back with a Laptop bag, a huge suitcase and a big backpack.

“You’re only going for a few days.”

“Well I like being prepared and I have lots of things I need to do while I’m there just because we’re in nationals does not mean the rest of my life comes to a halt.”

“Don’t forget her practice bag which is already in the car.” Jen added with a smile.

“At least I know if Jen forgets something you’ll have it Peyton.”

They drove to the Miller-Hill house picking up Jen’s practice bag and dropping off their school bags and Peyton’s numerous travel bags, changing before they left for the River court.

“Jen catch.” Cory yelled out throwing something her way. She caught it in her left hand looking at it. It was the keys to the car.

“Really pa?” Jen asked hugging him.

“Be safe.”

“I’ll make sure she’s safe Mr. Hill.” Peyton wrapped her arms around Jen.

The two hopped in the car driving to the river court, music blaring, and windows down but at a safe and reasonable speed. Coach led all the girls in a few last minute plays and a few they’d been practicing especially for nationals. After wards the girls went to the local buffet where they’d reserved the building and had foods specially made for them. Each girl got her favorites. But soon it was all over. Coach looked at his watch.

“We all better be on our way. 20 minutes until bed. I’ll see everyone at 4 am at the bus well rested and ready to kick some ass.”

Peyton and Jen arrived back at her house in 10 minutes. Jen stuck her head in her parent’s s room.

“Keys are on the board. We’re going to bed and don’t forget one of you has to drive us to the bus in the morning.”

“We drew straws and your dad has to drive you… so when no one comes down in the morning wake him up not me…” Jen walked over to Cory giving him a hug as Scottie laid curled up in his lap half asleep.

“Knock ‘em dead this week. And call me before and after every game. You know I’d be there if I could but work calls.”

“I know pa, don’t worry. I’ll come back with a trophy.”

Jen kissed her pa and dad on their foreheads. Leaving as Cory flipped on the T.V in mute mode. The light flickering against his body  stroking Scottie’s hair.

Peyton was already upstairs changing as Jen walked in, about to put pajama pants on.

“No need for those.” Jen said throwing them back into the bag. Hugging Peyton and leaning towards the bed making them fall into it. “You know if you speak nicely after I pack I just may cuddle with you until we fall asleep.”

“Who says I’m even sleeping in your bed. Maybe I was planning on taking the couch.”

“I know we’re not officially girlfriends but I figured we’re gunna have a week of hotel beds so you’ll probably want to sleep in a regular bed you know isn’t covered in semen and gets washed at least once a week.”

“Ms. Miller-Hill you make a very good point. But I’m not letting you in this bed until you’ve packed. You need something other then your uniform to wear this week and my stuff will not fit you all that well.”

“Fine I’m packing.”

Jen packed as Peyton lay in the bed reading Keeping You a Secret by Julie Anne Peters every once n a while glancing at Jen packing. When Jen jumped on the bed next to her Peyton was shocked.