Time seemed to have a mind of its own as it slipped past me in every way possible. Ronnie had finally reached the final stages of her recovery which allowed her to apply at SDCC (San Diego Community College) to major in Culinary Arts. It was a process that all her therapists and even the head doctor at the hospital needed to agree on. They were being extra thorough which incidentally made Ronnie roll her eyes at the major scrutiny she was under. Fortunately, she has also gained another five pounds—I can still see the wariness in her eyes when mom or dad brings up her weight gain, but she swallows down the positive comments with a grain of salt.

Nevertheless, Ronnie’s progress in recovery isn’t the only thing that seems to be moving in fast forward; my soon-to-be-married brother is also figuring out that planning a wedding isn’t all rainbows and unicorns. I remember how Cassandra hounded my brother in trying to pick the perfect font for the table placements—whatever that means. Jason wanted some type of bold font, which then clashed with Cassandra’s vision for something cursive and elegant. Then the issue of what vehicle they wanted to ride in to the airport came up—you know, for after the wedding and reception; when the lovebirds are on their way to their honeymoon escape. Jason wanted to save money and just drive one of their cars, but Cassandra wanted a limo. Let’s just say, that the two are learning that they need to compromise what they want for their wedding, not that I care since I have to wear a dress and heels because Cassandra made the eye-rolling decision that I am a bridesmaid.

To top it all off, my senior year is nearing a terrifying end. Finals are just around the corner and I’m on the cusp of getting a B in my calculus class. I know I shouldn’t have to worry about grades since I’ve already been accepted to a college of my choosing, but my pride will not my perfect 4.0 grade slip because I’m still at war with myself for not talking to Tony. He still hasn’t made the initiative to speak with me, which is fine I guess. I’m the one who ended it right, so I shouldn’t mope over a guy who will move in with his ex who is having his kid. I shouldn’t be suckered into that soap opera when I have school—my number 1 priority!—to worry about. I needed to stay focus; focused on my grades, on my family, and on the fact that in a few short months I will be heading to New York, leaving all of this petty high school bullshit behind me.

I was walking to my calculus, wondering if I could do some extra credit work to raise my grade when I unintentionally bumped into Austin.

“Whoops, sorry Verity.” He said abruptly. He looked a little timid in front of me, which sparked my curiosity.

“You okay Austin?” I asked.

He was shifty which made me feel like I was about to make a drug deal instead of asking this mutual acquaintance how he’s doing.

“I’m fine.” He mumbled.

“You don’t seem like it.” I answered.

He sighed. “It’s nothing, really. I’m just stressed as hell; you know, with graduation coming up.”

There was something off in his tone, but I let it pass. I don’t need to take on any more problems than what I already have. “Okay, take it easy man.” I said and started to walk away.

“Verity.” Austin said abruptly, bringing my steady walk to a halt.

I don’t have time for this! “Yeah?” I asked; my voice eliciting hints of annoyance.

“You should talk to Tony.” He mentioned looking a little apologetic.

“Why, because he’s your friend?” I challenged. I don’t particularly like when people say I should do something.

“No, because…well its best if you hear it from him.” Austin replied; tripping over his words.

In response, I gave a quizzical look. However, my free time wasn’t in abundance so I left the conversation at that and bee lined towards my Calculus class. It was pretty pointless since my teacher gave me two sheets of practice problems that needed to be completed before the lunch bell rang. I did my best, hoping that I answered every problem to Mr. Greyson’s expectations, but that old crow was Red-Pen-Happy when it came to correcting assignments. Not to mention after my little run-in with Austin I couldn’t help but hone in on his words. It made the itching of talking with Tony much more pertinent, but after seeing Mr. Greyson slash most of my answers, the thought of Tony dissipated.

“Not you best work, Ms. Abraham.” Mr. Greyson commented.

I frowned. “I know.” I answered honestly.

“Since you are one of my brighter students who actually cares about their grades” He began before adding “I’ll let you raise your grade by doing an entire chapter’s worth of practice problems.”

I slumped a little. Each chapter has at least 100 problems. I gulped before asking “And how much time do I have to complete it all?”

“Have it on my desk Monday morning before the first bell rings.” He answered then dismissed me with a single wave of his hand.

Great, the shit I’ll do to get an A.

---

“Do you think about the future?” Callie asked.

It was midnight and I had just caught the beginnings of cramps in my hands from doing all those math problems—and I’m only halfway done! We decided to sit on my roof and look out over the back yard. I inhaled my cigarette like an old train burning through coals.

“I always think about the future Cal’s. I’ve been planning my future since I learned how to read.” I replied before flicking the cigarette into the corner of the yard.

Callie sighed. “What do you see for yourself in 15 years?”

I thought about my life plan. I was all about earning my Bachelors in Communications then moving onto a specific field which was Journalism for my Master’s degree. Then hopefully, once I successfully obtain both degrees while being a part of the AIUSA club in Columbia, I will travel the world, covering stories that deal with third world politics or campaigning for Human Rights.

“You know my plan Cal’s. It hasn’t changed since we were in junior high.” I answered. “What’s got your mind thinking about the future?” I asked. I could tell when something was bothering Callie.

“I guess I’m just worried.” She shrugged.

“What about?” I pressed.

“Well, I’ve always been an okay student. I mean I’ve gotten average grades, but I’m no smarty pants like you.” She answered in a soft voice. “I guess I’m worried that college will chew me up and spit me out, that I’ll be nothing more than a pretty face.” She confessed.

I pulled my friend in for a hug as a few tears started to trail her flawless face. “Of course you’ll amount to something.” I consoled. “What makes you think that you won’t?” I asked.

Callie hiccupped while wiping her face clean from tears. “It’s my mom. She’s just being…mean or whatever. She’s drinking again.”

I offered a sympathetic look, allowing my friend to vent. When we were younger, Callie’s mom would drink which resulted in Callie having a low self-esteem. I mean, her mom would get downright nasty when she had enough Vodka running in her veins. My parents would occasionally step in, giving Callie’s mom a reality check, but it was never enough for her to kick the habit.

“She’s keeps telling me that I won’t be smart enough for college and that I should just stay home and continue with my modeling.”

There’s that damn word 'should' again.

“Ignore her.” I said sternly. “Your mom needs you t model because that money helps pay the bills. If anything going away to UNLV will show you just how much you can do. There are many possibilities out there for you Cal’s.” I encouraged. “And even if you’re struggling academically, there are tutors available and I’m a phone call away; we can even skype. Don’t let your mother’s poisonous words stop you from doing what you want.”

Callie was still tearing up, but she had a small smile on her face as well. “And what if I fail?” She asked almost breathlessly.

“Then you’ll just retake those classes.” I began the added “The worst case scenario is that you fail your first semester. Yeah it might suck, but it doesn’t mean you didn’t try. Not doing something because you’re scared that things won’t work out the way you planned it is worse than trying and failing at it”

Callie smiled while looking out into the night. It was then that I actually heard what I had said. I thought about what Austin had told me on Friday, making me roll my eyes a little. This entire time I’ve avoided Tony was because I was scared. I was scared that he was angry and that he’d choose Carmen over me. I was scared. The taste of my own advice was bittersweet, but it was enough enlightenment which made me realize that I needed to talk to him.

Notes

I know it's a filler, but I felt the need to update about Jason and Callie's home life. Sorry if you guys were waiting for Verity to make up with Tony, but idk I kinda want to end this story on a realistic note where the two don't end up together. But I'm still debating on that haha.

Let me know what you guys think! <3

And thanks for all of your responses. I love you all and I hope I can update again soon! :D