When you get back to your room you immediately spot Bow Kid on her back, her head backwards over the side of your bed, a small smile on her face as you return. Your smile widely back. Slowly, Bow Kid raises a hand, pointing at the sleeping form of Moustache Girl. When your eye meet Bow Kid’s again, both of you silently break out in giggles.
As you take a seat on the bed again, Bow Kid shuffles back onto the bed and sits up, moving back into a cross legged position. Now aware of it, you can make out the faint crinkling sound of her nappy. Your heart aches slightly as the fear Bow Kid no doubt felt hits you.
“You alright?” you ask.
There’s a moment before she nods back with a small smile.
“Yeah. I was worried because this is my first sleepover,” she admits.
Wordlessly you put your arms around Bow Kid and pull her into a hug. You can hear the crinkle again as she reciprocates and you try not to laugh as you realise it’s actually super cute. Part of you wants to tell her you know and it’s okay, because nappy or not, she’s your friend. Another part is embarrassed about how you pried and how you stared, and the only reason you know is because you were nosey.
You’re not sure what to do when you slip out of the hug.
Moustache Girl is stirring however, having been woken by the motion of the bed. She yawns as she sits upright.
“Is it morning yet?” she mumbles.
You and Bow Kid share a look before breaking out in giggles.
“Maybe we should get to sleep?” Bow Kid suggests.
You hum in agreement as Moustache Girl looks on conflicted.
“I guess I’ll go to the toilet then,” Moustache Girl says, getting up.
She stretches a moment before heading out the door.
You turn back to your pondering, wondering if you should tell Bow Kid. How will she react to you knowing, even if you promise you’re still friends? After a moment of silence, she looks at you curiously and you begin to feel further guilt for prying. You decide to confess.
Shuffling backwards, you sit against the headboard before patting the spot next to you. Bow Kid takes the seat, sitting close enough that your sides and legs make contact. As you try to come up with the words, you take her hand in yours.
“You’re my friend, no matter what — right?”
She looks slightly alarmed at the question.
“Yeah,” she replies, an edge to her voice.
“It doesn’t… change anything,” you start. “It doesn’t make you any less my friend.” Bow Kid’s eyebrows almost reach her hair line in alarm. “But I know about… you know?” you say, losing your train of thought.
Bow Kid’s face goes through several emotions before settling on panic. You try to give her a reassuring smile, but it feels tainted by guilt and seems to give Bow Kid the wrong impression.
“It’s okay,” you say, leaning your head on her shoulder. “I’m — I’m not going to make fun of your or treat you differently.”
Bow Kid is stiff besides you, but as the seconds pass, she relaxes somewhat, her breathing ragged.
“Really?” she asks, her voice strained on the verge of a sob.
You finally muster the courage to look her in her wet eyes, and the guilt returns. You feel like you might burst into tears yourself so all your can do is nod with a small smile. Bow Kid’s lip trembles as you pull her into another hug.