…should probably go over my speech for next week's election speech, Gabriela thought to herself. I'm going up against Dredden and I can't forget that as much of a pain he is, he's also a good talker and persuader. It's why he's so good at debate. Can't forget about debate either now that I think about it. Need to work up a plan before the Sectionals, especially with Sumin taking a leave. I need someone to help fill their spot. I also can't forget about homework. I'll do Mr. Warners's assignment first. He always goes harder on me so I need to work to make it flawless. Of course, I want to also work on my tour speech and add in the stuff Franklin suggested. Should have time for that around…
She was so lost in thought that she walked right past the doors to her home and would have kept on going if not for the loud voice. "Gabriela! Hey, Gabriela!"
She jumped, turning to see Arnie the doorman. "Oh, hey Arnie. I did it again, didn't I?"
He chuckled. "Yes, I'm afraid you did, Miss Gabriela. No harm done, though."
"No. Thanks. How's the family?"
"Oh, not too bad. Got my son dropping by to visit next Friday."
"That should be nice. Tell him I said hi."
Gabriela walked through the lobby and managed to find an open elevator, entering it and pressing the next-to top button of 31. As she watched the numbers go up, she continued to schedule tonight's workload. It was manageable. But maybe…she was loathe to ask for help but after her conversation with Franklin, maybe some outside input could help her. And her dad was pretty smart.
She walked in the front door and removed her stuff from her backpack, making her way to the kitchen. "Hey Joaquim," she greeted the older, bald man with a thick mustache and a chef's outfit.
"Ah, the lovely princess," Joaquim replied. "How was school?"
"Enlightening as always. And you don't have to call me princess, you know."
"As the fair maiden wishes," he bowed, causing her to sigh and roll her eyes. "I see you have your work cut out for you," he said, looking at all her papers.
"Yeah, got a lot to do tonight. But, it'll all benefit me in the long run, so worth it."
Joaquim had been homeless for most of his life until her dad had found him and taken him in. Turned out, he was a decent chef and so he became a part of the family. Gabriela had spent hours in the kitchen, working on her homework while Joaquim whipped up his latest culinary masterpiece.
"Is my dad home?" she asked.
"Yes, he's in his office right now."
"Great. Be right back," she said, walking out. They lived on the second to top floor of one of the most expensive apartment buildings in the city, only a handful of flats per floor, the top one being a single. Her dad's company made tons of money on government-contracted projects that were 'hush-hush' as her dad liked to say. He was probably working on one in his office with his opera music cranked up. He said he liked that music because it gave him a sense of calm and clarity while he worked.
As she walked down the hall, she couldn't help but blush and look away from all the pictures on the wall. Most of them were of her accomplishments, like winning her first-grade spelling bee or her first debate tournament at nationals. But there were other, sillier ones as well her first real drawing of herself on White House's front lawn with her hands on her hips. She still had that goal but the picture just seemed childish now. But her dad refused to take it down.
As always, she stopped at the picture in front of her dad's office. Her mom holding her as a baby, staring at her with a look of pure joy like she was the most precious thing in the world to her. The familiar ache filled her up and she sighed, looking at it for a second longer before turning.
"Dad?" she said, knocking on his door.
She heard a soft "come in," and blinked, half-expecting him still listening to music. She opened the door and saw him going through different papers, muttering to himself as he organized them.
"Ah, Gabi," he said, looking up as she came in. "How was school today?"
"It was fine," she replied. "I, uh, got some helpful tips on my tour guide. Dredden was a pain as usual but nothing I can't handle. And Mr. Warners still gives me the evil eye whenever I pass him."
Her dad sighed. "Ugh, I'm sorry about that."
Mr. Warners had been a former employer at her dad's company, one of the top scientists her dad claimed. But he had gotten impatient at the lack of funds for his project, needing more for it to be completed. Her dad had refused, saying the money was spread out equally and he had to make do. Warners then began taking money from other projects. When it was discovered, he had been fired though her dad had pitied him and recommended him as a teacher. Still, he held a bitter grudge.
"Well, let me know if he actually starts treating you unfairly," her dad told her.
"I will." She watched as he collected one of the larger stacks of papers and placed them in his work bag. "You, uh, going somewhere?"
"Don't tell me you forgot? I've been telling you for the past week."
She face-palmed. Of course, how could she have forgotten? He was working late at the office, one of his projects making a major breakthrough. With everything going on, it had completely slipped her mind. She pursed her lips, rearranging her plans. While Joaquim was helpful, and his cooking divine, he was too uncritical at giving her advice and she really needed some honest criticism like Franklin had provided, especially for her speech. That was something her dad respected and gave to her.
"Problem?" he asked, shaking her out of her thoughts.
"Oh no, not really. Just need to rework my schedule for tonight."
He walked over with a concerned look. "Gabi, how about you take a break for tonight?"
Gabriela gaped. "What? I can't do that! I have homework, my student election speech, debate club, and I want to rework my tour guide. Plus all the community service I need to map out. Also-"
"Exactly," her dad said. "You have so much on your plate. But, and really listen to me here, what would happen if you took one night off? Honestly?" he added, seeing her already start to answer.
She stopped, about to say it would mess everything up. Instead, she actually thought about it. If she pushed everything until tomorrow, all her plans would be…
…fine?
She blinked as she realized this. None of it was really urgent. Most of her homework was due days from now and the speech wasn't til next week. Debate club still had months to practice and there were no new students for her opening tour. So, if she took a night off, nothing would get messed up.
"But…I like to get a head start," she complained weakly.
"And that's a good quality to have. For the most part. But you haven't really left the apartment in the last two weeks, focused on your work. When was the last time you hung out with your friends?"
Gabriela opened her mouth and then closed it again. God, her friends. She had been neglecting them this whole time. She couldn't even remember the last time they really hung out.
"Trust me. This may even help you in the long run. One time, I was in a huge rut on a project of mine, just couldn't figure out how to get it to work. Days went by and it was driving me crazy. Then, your mom dragged me outside, literally, and took us all to the park. Several hours went by and we were just walking, eating ice cream, and BAM! The idea hits me and I solved the problem." He put a hand on her shoulder. "Sometimes, you need to just get out, let your brain relax. It gives it time to settle and then come back stronger. And maybe, you'll have some better ideas for your work."
Gabriela stared at him for a long moment before nodding. "Ok dad. I will."
"Great. Joaquim's in charge and don't do anything reckless. Now I gotta go. Love you."
As he left, Gabriela pulled out her phone and found the group chat with her friends.
Netflix at my place tonight? Joaquim's cooking paella.
There was a pause and then…
Latika: Oh my god, yes!
Meredith: I'm in.
Rosalyn: Thanks girl. You're the best. Be there soon.
Gabriela smiled. Maybe her dad was right. Maybe she should take it a little easier. What was going to happen to her anyway?