By Jason Geary

Leanne knew the sleep over would backfire. She didn’t really want to invite half of the girls anyway. The popular set had gotten wind of the event and basically invited themselves.  Leanne was powerless to stop it, just as she was powerless to stop the momentum of enthusiastic “yeses” to the suggestion of ‘Truth or Dare’.  Jane, with a calculated tone from underneath her popular girl grin, said; “Leanne should go first.  It’s her party…” Leanne just smiled not wanting to back down.

“Truth of Dare?” sneered Jane.

Leanne struggled to keep the smile on her face. She had a secret that, should it ever come to light, would fuel ridicule for the rest of her days. “Dare.” She said not wanting to risk the truth. Jane smirked. “I dare you to let Francine touch your bellybutton.”

SHE KNEW.

They all did. Leanne’s smile disappeared; ”No! It’s too dangerous.”

“You said ‘Dare’. Do you want me to think of a punishment?” Reluctantly Leanne pulled up her top.  Everybody in the room gasped. Her bellybutton had no bottom; it just fell away into infinite blackness. Francine reached out and touched the rim. As she did she let out a scream, which echoed inside Leanne for the next fifteen minutes.