A Second Chance (15 page)

“Raquel!”

“Ugh, sorry! See, oh my God what the heck is wrong with me?”

“I don’t know but get it together because once school starts, you’re going to be around him a lot more. He’s Aiden’s best friend.” She rolls her eyes, but I can tell she isn’t too annoyed with me. I think she’s more surprised than anything that I, of all people, would allow something like that to almost happen.

We make our usual left onto Foothill and head towards my apartment. I glance around at the sort of familiar setting. I used to visit here a lot when I was younger. It’s changed a bit since then.  Natalia and I grew up attached at the hip and this is where she has lived her whole life. It’s different from what I was used to back home, definitely more suburban here. I like it though and I can see this being the exact change of pace my mom and I need.

“I’m sorry Natalia.”

“Oh please, Raquel. I don’t care. I mean, I do care about you getting hurt, but that’s all. I could care less about what happened. I just want you to be careful and be aware that he is known for that sort of thing. I’m just looking out for you, I’m not at all mad though.”

“Whew, okay. I didn’t think you were. I just wanted to make sure.” I let out a sigh of relief.

“So...do you regret it? Or were you disappointed that we interrupted?”

“Honestly?”

“Mm-hmm” She makes a suspicious face, though her eyes never leave the road.

“Okay, at first I was totally disappointed. BUT now that I look back, thank God you guys interrupted when you did. The last thing I need to do is start the school year off with drama.”

She laughs, “But if he didn’t have a girlfriend? What then?”

I try to stop the giddy smile from crossing my face, “Duh, he’s hot! I totally would have kissed him. As surprising as that sounds, even for me, that boy had me in a trance!”

“I knew it! Well, lucky for you we walked out when we did.” She lets out a loud laugh.

We finally pull up to the apartments and say our goodbyes. I’m pretty sure mom is still at work, since I haven’t heard from her. This is another one of those adjustments I have to make, life with Mom always working. When Dad and she were married, Mom only worked part time. By the time I was home from school, she was too. Hot meals were a given, since Mom loved cooking. Thankfully I paid attention and learned a few of my favorite dishes from her.

I head inside and recount the events of the day as I start preparing dinner for Mom and me. I can tell this is going to be one interesting school year ahead of me. I would be lying if I said I was excited, I’m completely terrified.