The Sleepover

August 15th, early morning hours.


We've moved two twin beds into Amy and Eliza's room, turning a double room into a quad (technically, we have squished them all together into one huge  lounge area). It is 1 a.m. and we're trying to settle in for a good night's sleep--well, nap is more appropriate. We have to be up at 4 a.m.


Rain beats down on the roof of the Gould as Amy, Eliza, Katie, Kelsey and I begin to tuck in. Alessandro has opted to join us, whipping out his black sleep mask. I am not joking. He gets an entire bed to himself, since #1 he is a male, #2 he doesn't want anyone's boyfriend to get angry, and #3 he is Alessandro therefore we always let him get what he wants because we adore him.

Photo courtesy of Amy N. 

We laugh together about memories from the trip, Alessandro dropping his sarcastic remarks with perfect timing. Katie makes random sounds at the far end of the bed when everything falls quiet, and has us dissolving into laughter again. 


It is a slumber party of the best kind--friends convening and remembering, talking and laughing about anything and everything. A brief break in conversation has Amy saying, "Now you can say you've slept with six American girls in one night, Alessandro!" and we all crack up. 


The best possible ending to the best seven weeks of my life.