The next day, my back was better enough for me to go to school. At school, we did an assignment for English. I already had a test for Science earlier. Our schedule is always different every day. At lunch, I was debating to tell Eliza on how I felt, but I figured she still may not care. Dad already knew about what happened. I'll ask him for an advice before I could talk to Eliza. I was sitting with Samuel like I always do when a girl came when she realized me.
"Excuse me, Becky. Is this table free?" asked a girl.
Then, I remembered who she was. Stephanie Newtons happened to be my best friend since birth. We're the same age. We went to school together. In fact, we were in kindergarten before she got moved up to first grade after Christmas Vacation because she was so smart. She just turned 15 last month. Her parents must have gotten filed for a divorce a week ago because I remembered the text when she told me the news. I felt bad for her.
"Hi, Stephanie," I said as we hugged. "You can join me."
"Thanks," said Stephanie.
"How are you doing?" I asked.
"I'm still torn by my parents' divorce," said Stephanie.
"I remembered when you texted me to tell me that and I was the one who said I was sorry to hear that," I said.
"Yeah, I remember that, too," said Stephanie. "I was thankful to have you."
She didn't want anyone to know- not even the girls. I knew it was a secret. Her parents would fight a lot. When she told me her folks announced about the divorce, I told her it was better off that way because they won't fight anymore. She felt a little better after that.
"Oh, by the way, this is my boyfriend, Samuel. He lives across the street from me and my dad. He and I have been dating a few weeks after I moved," I said.
"It's nice to meet you," said Samuel.
"Same here," said Stephanie.
"Stephanie and I have been friends for a very long time," I said.
"Wow," said Samuel.
"Her mother was friends with my father," I said.
"That's cool," said Samuel.
"My mother decided to come here because this was her home before she moved to California with her parents. That was way before she dated my father," said Stephanie.
"Isn't that strange?" asked Samuel.
"Yes," said Stephanie
"By the way, I found out where my mother was all this time. The one who left without a trace," I said.
"I remember when your mother did that to you and your father. Where was she?" asked Stephanie.
"She was here the whole time. My dad and I didn't even know that. She works at Dave and Buster's. I slowly reconnected with her after a while. I recently decided to visit her on the days Dad has a double shift when Samuel and I don't have any plans. I didn't want to move in her in case it didn't work out. I'm worried she could take off again," I said.
"I don't blame you," said Stephanie.
"Plus, I'm pregnant, but giving it up for adoption. I already found a family," I said as I explained the reasons.
"That was considerate of you—especially after your dad works for a double shift. I also don't see how you would raise a child in a two-bedroom house. It's good that you made the right decision that is the best for you, your father, and your baby," said Stephanie.
"I know," I agreed. "My dad supported my decision."
After we had a nice long talk that includes Samuel, it was great that we got together again. I remembered how popular Stephanie was, but she was never mean though like some people are. She doesn't believe in tough crowds- even when the mean ones invited her to join, she turned them down because she doesn't want them to change her to be mean. I didn't blame her.
One time, Janet was picked on by a boy. I couldn't stop that bully. Stephanie stepped in to warn him if he doesn't leave Janet alone, she will report it to the principal. She even mentioned how he would feel if he was being teased if he was in Janet's shoes. Thankfully, the bully stopped picking on Janet and we both thanked Stephanie for her help.
After school, Stephanie and I walked home together. We also let Samuel join so he won't feel left out.
When I told Stephanie my address, she said, "No way! That was my mom's former childhood home."
"Really? Isn't that weird?" I asked.
"Very strange," said Stephanie.
"Where do you live now?" I asked her.
"Two blocks before that," said Stephanie.
"Wow. You know, my birthday is a few weeks," I said.
"Duh. How could I forget?" asked Stephanie. "We can hang out some often."
"Great idea," I said.
She gave me her new address.
When I got home, Dad was getting ready to leave for a meeting and he won't be home for supper.
"We got a new student today. Guess who it was? Stephanie," I said.
"No kidding," said Dad.
"And…. Here comes the funny part? Her mother used to live in this house before moving to California when she was a child," I said.
"Isn't that a small world?" asked Dad.
"Yes. Her mother came back after the divorce," I said.
Dad was the only who knew.
"How is she doing?" asked Dad.
"A little better although she told me she's still torn about it," I replied. "She didn't tell any of the other girls."
"How come? They could've help her out, too," said Dad.
"I understood. She wanted this to be a secret. Then, I realized why she told only me: she remembered the same thing happened to us back when Mom left us," I replied.
"Oh, I get it now," said Dad.
"I'm going to be with Mom for dinner," I said.
"Okay," said Dad.
"Is it possible if I can bring Stephanie with me when I go to Mom's house for dinner?" I asked. "I don't think Mom won't mind."
"Sure, you can," said Dad
Then, Dad left for the meeting. I texted Stephanie to ask her if she can come with me when I go Mom for supper. Her mother said she could. Then, I texted Mom to tell her that I had permission to bring a friend with me. Mom didn't seem to mind at all. Stephanie came over and we left together.
"Mom doesn't live far from here," I said. "She gave me her address."
I was a bit nervous because I wasn't sure how it would go with Mom tonight. That could explain why I decided to bring a guest. We were there five minutes later.
"I ordered Chinese and it will be here in 15 minutes," said Mom.
"Sounds good to me," I said.
Then, we set the table. Mom remembered Stephanie.
"My mother liked the idea about me coming here with Becky when Mr. Moore is needed for a double shift," said Stephanie.
"The only thing Dad has tonight is a meeting. He won't be home for supper," I said.
Chinese came about 10 to 15 minutes later.
"What time your father's getting you?" asked Mom.
"The meeting is only two hours. He said he would text me when the meeting is over and he would be on his way. I gave him your address so he can get me on his way home. Pizza was going to be served during the meeting," I explained as we sat down at the table.
After dinner, we helped clean up while Mom said, "I rented a movie from Netflix. Do you want to watch the movie until your father comes for you both? If we didn't finish it tonight, we can continue another time. There is no deadline."
"Sure," I said.
"What movie did you rent?" asked Stephanie.
"It's My Cousin Vinny," answered Mom.
"I've seen that movie before. It's so funny," I said.
"Me, too," said Stephanie.
We watched it while having some popcorn.
"I'd have ice cream, but I'm Lactose intolerant and I can't use Lactid pills during pregnancy," I said. "It happened to me four years ago."
"I understand, honey," said Mom.
The movie was still playing when Dad texted me saying the meeting had just ended and he will be on his way. I replied and we're watching a movie until he gets there. Thirty minutes later, I heard a car horn and got up to checked and said, "Stephanie, my dad's here."
"Okay," said Stephanie.
"We can finish watching the rest next time you're here," said Mom.
"Sounds good. Bye, Mom. Thanks for a great time," I said as Stephanie and I went out to the car.
Dad brought Stephanie home before we went home.
"It's nice that we had a fun time with Mom," I said.
"That's good," said Dad.
"We decided to continue My Cousin Vinny when we're there next time," I said.