Secrets and sleepover

"Okay, go freshen up; dinner's ready," her mom said with a warm smile, her eyes twinkling with affection.

"Thanks, Mom, I'm starving... Love you," Kamsi replied, her voice filled with gratitude. She leaned in, pressing a quick, affectionate kiss to her mom's cheek before dashing off to her room, her feet barely touching the ground in her excitement.

The warm bath was a soothing escape, the heat melting away the day's fatigue as she slipped into her favorite comfy clothes. The promise of dinner lured her back downstairs, where the familiar aroma of home-cooked food wrapped around her like a comforting blanket.

"Mom, I'll quickly take this to Zendaya," Kamsi announced, her heart swelling with a mix of duty and affection. Ever since Kamsi had shared Zendaya's situation, her mom had always packaged an extra meal, a silent gesture of kindness that spoke volumes.

"Okay, don't stay out too long!" her mom called after her, a hint of concern in her voice. Kamsi nodded, the bag swinging in her hand as she strode confidently out the door, a slight breeze brushing against her skin.

Ding dong! The doorbell's chime echoed, and a surprised Zendaya opened the door, her eyes widening with unexpected delight.

"Hey, I didn't know you were coming over!" she exclaimed, her voice a mix of surprise and happiness.

"I brought you something," Kamsi said, lifting the bag with a gentle smile, the gesture simple yet filled with care.

"Really?" Zendaya's face softened as she reached for the package, pulling Kamsi into a tight hug. The warmth of the embrace was as comforting as the meal itself. But as Kamsi pulled back, her eyes searched Zendaya's face, sensing something amiss.

"Are your parents in?" Kamsi asked gently, her concern evident in the slight furrow of her brow. Zendaya's smile wavered, her gaze dropping as she bit her lip.

"No, I'm home alone. My mom had to stay over at work, and my dad... I have no idea where he is," Zendaya replied, her voice tinged with a sadness she couldn't quite hide.

Kamsi's heart ached at the sight of her friend's downcast expression. "Well, you can come and spend the night at my place," she suggested softly, her eyes hopeful, trying to chase away the shadows clouding Zendaya's face.

Zendaya's eyes lit up, her sorrow dissolving into a broad grin. "Really? Are you sure?" she asked, almost breathless with relief.

Kamsi nodded, her smile reassuring. "Yeah, my mom's cool with it too!" she replied, her voice light with certainty.

"Thanks, Kamsi!" Zendaya exclaimed, her excitement bubbling over as she stepped aside. "Come in, let me get my stuff."

As Zendaya hurried to gather her belongings, Kamsi pulled out her phone, her fingers tapping a quick message to her mom: "Mom, can Zendaya come over and spend the night?" she typed, the words almost an afterthought.

A few minutes later, her phone buzzed with a reply: "Ok, dear." Relief washed over Kamsi, her smile widening as she slipped her phone back into her pocket.

Zendaya carefully packed her pijamas and the things she'd need for the next day, her mind heavy with thoughts. As she zipped up her bag, her eyes lingered on the vape she had become so dependent on. She held it in her hand, feeling its weight, both physical and emotional. Should she take it? The risk of Kamsi or her mom finding out sent a wave of anxiety through her. It could ruin everything. But the idea of trying to sleep without it made her stomach twist with dread.

Finally, she sighed and slipped the vape into a hidden pocket in her bag, her decision made but far from comfortable. Forcing a smile, she walked back to the living room, where Kamsi was waiting with an eager look on her face.

"Okay, girl, let's go!" Zendaya said, trying to match Kamsi's energy as they linked arms and stepped out into the night, the clock reading 9:19.

"We'll get dinner together," Kamsi said, her voice bubbling with excitement.

"Cool! We're having a sleepover!" Zendaya responded, her enthusiasm genuine this time, the excitement of the night helping to push her worries aside.

"I'm so happy!" Kamsi beamed, her eyes sparkling with the thrill of spending time with her friend.

"Me too!" Zendaya echoed, feeling a warmth spread through her chest.

Later, as they sat on Kamsi's bed, the night still ahead of them, Zendaya picked up a bottle of pink nail polish, her expression playful. "Are you sure about this?" Kamsi asked, a hint of hesitation in her voice as Zendaya took her hand.

"Of course, it's cool. Trust me," Zendaya reassured her, her tone confident as she began painting Kamsi's nails with steady, practiced strokes.

"I don't know what you're worried about," Zendaya teased, raising an eyebrow as she looked up at Kamsi.

"Well, in my old school, we weren't allowed to wear polish or even bracelets," Kamsi explained, a slight frown creasing her forehead as she thought of the strict rules she had to follow.

"But why?" Zendaya asked, genuinely curious.

"School policies and all. Plus, my country is strict about lots of stuff, even teenage dating," Kamsi added, watching as Zendaya's eyes went wide in surprise.

"For real? You've never dated?" Zendaya asked, her voice full of shock. Kamsi shook her head, her expression a mix of amusement and embarrassment.

"Most Nigerian parents are skeptical about teenage dating. My mom isn't particularly fond of it either," Kamsi admitted, her voice quiet as she shared this piece of her life.

"Wow, that's really tough. Have you ever liked anyone?" Zendaya asked, her tone softening with understanding. Kamsi smiled faintly, a blush creeping up her cheeks.

"There is someone," Kamsi said, her voice barely above a whisper, but Zendaya caught it and immediately leaned in, her eyes sparkling with anticipation.

"Come on, tell me!" Zendaya urged, her excitement infectious.

"It's complicated," Kamsi replied, shaking her head with a small, nervous laugh. But Zendaya wasn't letting it go.

"Okay, fine. So, there was this guy… handsome, cute, hot! You know it!" Kamsi began, her face lighting up despite her nervousness.

Zendaya gasped, her excitement overflowing. "Go on, tell me!" she insisted, leaning in closer.

"Well, his name is Ayomide. He was my classmate…" Kamsi's voice trailed off as her cheeks turned a deeper shade of pink.

"Did you tell him?" Zendaya asked, her eyes wide with interest.

"No, I never got the courage to. Plus, I was scared of rejection," Kamsi admitted with an anxious chuckle, her hands fidgeting slightly.

"Oh, that's so sad," Zendaya murmured, her face softening with sympathy.

"It's okay. We still talk once in a while. I even told him about you," Kamsi said, a small smile tugging at her lips.

"Really?" Zendaya asked, her surprise quickly turning into a warm smile.

"Yeah, and there's a picture of him," Kamsi said, pulling out her phone with her free hand and showing Zendaya a photo.

"Ahh, he is good-looking," Zendaya complimented, her voice full of genuine admiration, and Kamsi blushed even harder.

"Look at you all red!" Zendaya teased, her laughter bubbling over.

"Stop it!" Kamsi said, trying to frown but failing as she too was caught up in the laughter. The room filled with their giggles.