Caribbean Dialect Included.

Elijah

"Ellie, what are you doing to the kid now?"

A laugh escaped me when I saw my older brother's look of exasperation on his face with our little sister by his side.

"Oh shush you. It's his senior year, he has to look hotter than last semester," Marielle huffed.
I didn't mind whatever she did to my hair because I trust her with everything in my life. She's my big sister and second mother after all.
The smell of the hair bleach product and the crinkling of foil punctuated her statement.
Jayden rolled his eyes while Shaye giggled behind her hand and left us to our own doings. The little brat is probably going to tell the others what's going on inside the house.

"You do know, you can say no, right," Jayden offered.

"But all my styles come from her," I argued. He reached up and touched his recent haircut, frowning at my declaration. He knew I was right. They always look to her for haircuts, what to wear for events, and even what to cook for dinner. I don't think the twins can survive without my sister. Mom said they need a woman like her to keep them grounded.

Jayden, now being a huge NFL Star needs the down-to-earth side of his wife.

Yes, I said, wife.

They didn't make it till the end of their freshman year of college when Jayden simply said he wanted to marry his woman in less than two weeks. Carson was simply waiting for his twin to break so he won't look that impatient. Jayden and Mari were married by law but through a hand-fasting ceremony, all three were bonded for life.
Home for them is in Texas where Jayden plays quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys. It has always been his dream to play for them. Carson still works at his dream architectural firm and has just been promoted to a junior-level position in the Texas office. The owner of the company gave him the green light to simply work at the firm if he has to move in the future.

Mari personally took me to the two buildings he designed while under his internship and which got the approval of the CEOs.

That day I saw what true love really was. My sister was so proud of Carson, she took millions of pictures with tears in her eyes, murmuring over and over how proud she was, how happy she was to see his childhood dream come through. Jayden sat out a game to come with us to see what his twin achieved.
I stood aside and watched all three as they got lost in their own world of love, at that moment I longed for what they had.
Our parents had that type of love since they met in high school. I thought I was about to experience the same love my family was blessed with but it never happened. 

Just thinking about that day brought on bitter memories of what happened a few months ago. My happy bubble with my family popped just thinking about the lies and hurt I went through.

Why......

"Hey. Where did you go, bug?"

The voice of my sister brought me back into the light bickering my brothers and sisters were having all around us. I've only noticed everyone came in from the pool and was lounging around us on the back porch. She didn't say it aloud to attract attention to me for which I was grateful.
Looking over my shoulder at her, I knew she saw what she needed to.

"You can finish your senior year here," she offered.

"It won't be fair to Mischa and Harem to let them move again nor will I give her and her friends the satisfaction," I replied with a shake of my head.

"I wish I can take it all away," she said softly. We both watched our makeshift family enjoy themselves together.

Luanne was animatedly telling a story to Charisse while sitting on the lap of a quiet and smiling Issac. Katie was showing Shaye a few dance steps from the Selena Gomez music video she just choreographed. Bryan, Kade, and Jerron along with the twins and Lane were peering over some plans Carson drew up for the two aspiring top-class mechanics in the group. Mischa was asleep on the hammock and Harem was tinkering with a laptop he was personalizing, hardware-wise. Michael was taking a nap in his room, sleeping off some medication for a current cold he had. Being the youngest of them all, everyone took to caring for the boy after the fire all those years ago. 

My brothers and sisters. They all had a hand to play in my growing up and now Shaye's.

"Then how will I learn to decipher what is real life and what is a simple dream world," I countered.

"When did you get so smart?" She asked checking my hair.

"When my big sister gave me my first book to read," I answered cheekily. For that, I received one of my favorite hugs from her, both she and mom gave the best hugs which calm and reassure you that everything will be alright.

Tapping my shoulder, she beckoned me to follow her into the house and into the downstairs bathroom where she usually washes my hair for me. It may sound like I'm a spoiled brat but no one defies Marielle and Janine Johnson. I gave them both free reign on my clothes and hair in exchange for me to make my own decisions relationship and school-wise. I made a mistake on one and have been paying dearly for it presently. We stayed in a comfortable silence as she washed out the hair bleach from my long brown curls, listening to the noises outside.

"I can move back to Spencer," she said softly.

"No, sissy. I gotta do this on my own. I love you and mom for y'all fierce protection but I have to step out now. Focus on Shaye, now. She's gonna be a handful, don't let that quiet brat fool y'all," I quipped. She chuckled probably remembering the prank our seven-year-old sister pulled on Carson, two days ago. Let's just be thankful, Mari is good with a set of clippers and hair products. I'm still trying to figure out who bought industrial paint for her.

"I still wanna smack the shit out of her."

A low laugh escaped me, picturing my sister and mother confronting my ex-girlfriend, she once said I had an unhealthy relationship with them both, boy, she doesn't know how far these two women will go to protect me. Luckily for her, Mari lives in Texas, and mom's itinerary has a lot of traveling over the past few months.

"Calm down there, MJ. I promise the next girl who breaks your little brother's heart you can beat her up," I jokingly promise.

"That's all I ask, bug," she returned haughtily before kissing my head.

"And the guys can have all of Shaye's ex-boyfriends."

"Carson wants to have a word with that Bennett kid who keeps smacking her with his Twizzlers."

Folding my lips tightly, I stifled the laughter that bubbled in my throat and so did Mari. No matter how many times we've told him that the kid simply has a crush on our little sister, he wasn't having it. Apparently, Shaye is to stay single even after he's six feet under but he may come back from the afterlife to make sure she's still single. Dramatic. I know but that's Carson for ya.

"Poor kid," I mumbled.

After she carefully washed my hair, dried it and placed it in a few braids, we both went to her office to finish our afternoon time. A huge smile took over my face upon seeing her six best seller book covers blown up portrait side hung on the wall behind her desk. The six books she wrote, all with black female leads have been topping the charts over and over again. From paperback to hardcover to audiobooks, my sister was on top of her game. There have been talks of bringing one of them to life but the decision will be made by Mari.

My once shy big sister was now a household name, not only by her books but by the homework centers both her and mom established seven years ago. Dad and I were proud of them both and have been helping whenever they allowed us to. Our family has grown in so many ways, I gained brothers and sisters, thanks to the strong friendship Mari and the twins had with their group. A little brother whom I look after from afar and a sister I protect as fierce as our mother. Life has been good to me on the homefront but my love life. It sucked big time.

"Are you still gonna apply for Baylor?"

"Yeah. The coach said I'm in the running for a scholarship for soccer but you know I'm just playing for fun," I returned plopping down on her comfy sofa. Playing around with my phone, I took a candid shot of her with the book covers as her background and posted it on Instagram, putting the simple caption of 'Always family time'. It was my second post of the day and that was my quota of pics while on vacation.

"Jayden said that before and now he's a big star," she teased coming to sit beside me.

"I don't know what to do entirely. I talked to mom and dad about the whole college thing but they kept saying it's my decision, not theirs," I pressed. A frown marred my face, dad will be stepping down soon and I know he's silently hoping I will take over but do I want to be a CEO. Though dad doesn't do the whole suit and tie, expensive office crap, he still runs a multi-billion dollar empire, not to mention mom's own businesses. Will they choose someone outside of the family to take over or will they hand it all over to me?

"And they are right. You have till Christmas break to decide if college is for you or not. Till then just be a teen, go to your friends' crazy parties, be a spoiled rich teen, do something crazy. Enjoy living, bug."

I rolled my eyes at her advice. I must admit that I haven't been myself lately and not only did my parents notice but my cousins and friends do too. It makes no sense pinning over her when she clearly didn't care about me. Eyeing Mari closely, a slow smirk graced my face.

"I think I'm ready to cash in my end-of-a-semester gift card."

I released a loud laugh when she hopped from the sofa and began to excitedly call for the girls, running out of the office in the process. Laying back on the sofa and staring at the ceiling, I had a feeling that just like my sister, my senior year will be one hell of a year.

Erica
One Month Later

Nerves.

That's all I can tell you how I feel. It's been a month since I've been in the states and it's a culture shock. It all began when I finally met daddy for the first time, his reaction was something I didn't expect. Presently smiling, I can still see him waiting at the arrivals gate with my name on a piece of cardboard with two balloons and a black unicorn stuff toy in his arm, a huge smile on his face looking around excitedly. I didn't hesitate to run into his outstretched arms and be enveloped in my first parental hug. When I felt his large arms around me, it all felt right, that is where I'm supposed to be. I've never gotten a hug or given one to my mother and to have daddy hug me freely, I felt at peace.

"Hi, daddy."

He didn't answer right away but I saw how his eyes glittered over with tears along with that huge grin of his which was identical to mine.

"My little bright girl," he boasted. Unexpectedly, I began to cry. I wasn't really aware of just how much parental love I've been stripped of. One prideful boast from my father and I was a blubbering mess.

"I'm so happy to finally have you," he muttered against my hair causing me to look up at him. "Wha ya mean by that?" I asked. He chuckled loudly and tweaked my nose playfully.

"I miss that island dialect," he said squeezing me tighter in his arms.  He didn't answer my question but I didn't forget.

That day I have experienced what I've read about in books about father and daughter relationships. He excitedly got my suitcases, loaded them up in his 4x4 four doors Chevy, telling me the fun we are going to have and places we will go, all in one go.
I was amazed at everything I saw as we made it into his... I mean our town,  Spencer.
He explained to me the cultural differences and things I should know. All of this was locked into memory as I took in the scenery that we drove by. It was all surreal, I couldn't help but love it all, as each moment went by.
Whereas I was used to always see the ocean on either my left or right, coconut trees or houses, my new scenery was of lush green fields, one or two buildings, and signs at the beginning of roads leading you to other parts of the area. Driving into Spencer, I was shocked and excited all in one. The way daddy described it,  I was expecting one of those quaint little towns I've seen in movies.

Spencer was basically my entire island, bustling business, and shopping areas then the different neighborhoods which always have a different feel when you step in.
I spotted a few stores that caught my eye but I also took note of the way they dressed.

Summer clothes, daddy said without me, asking about the seasons America has. Back home, we had only two, dry and rainy seasons. The dry season is simply us being fried like an egg for half of the year by the blazing with our constant begging for rain and arguing with the water company to get their shit together in providing us with water.
The rainy season is just as it says but sometimes we can go weeks without rain and simply enjoy the cool days on the beach. Rain can come and mess up the beach day but we still enjoy our day enjoying the weather.
The downfalls of that season are flooding, storms, and hurricanes. Aside from that, it's shorts and tank tops every day.

"We'll go shopping in a few days. I can't wait for you to see yuh room. I did it all by myself, well the majority of it."

I chuckled at the memory of daddy pulling me into his home, excited to show me everything. I loved it immediately. His house was the only one painted in colors I knew you will find on an islander's house. A rich sunset yellow, cocoa brown borders, and white painted stairs and garage door. His lawn was kept neatly and planted flowers on either side of the front stairs. It felt so welcoming.
Inside was filled with so much color, each room had a dedicated color, furniture was dark to break down some of the brightness. When I entered my new home, the living room called to me for some reason. My eyes rested on a cluster of pictures on what he called the mantle. All were pictures of me but only from five years ago. I asked him why he didn't have photos of when I was a baby, he didn't answer. He simply shook his head and called me away from the photos.

That's when I admitted to myself that my mother is a horrible woman.

My room became my favorite place from that day.
He painted my room in my favorite colors, purple and red. I had a queen-sized bed with colorful bedsheets and pillows. A large bookshelf, a writing desk along a sitting area beside a large window which had sheer white curtains. It looked like a cataloged room for advertising.
He placed so much effort into it all, and it made me much more confident in being here.

"What are you doing out here?"

Hearing his voice so suddenly startled me out of musings.

"About to straighten my hair. Yuh don't mind ah using dis right?" I asked pointing at the circular stone fire pit he had in the backyard.

"It came with the house, haven't used it that much. You know how long I ain't see this!"
A laugh escaped me when his island accent became more pronounced.
I watched on as he picked up the iron comb with the wooden handle which I use to straighten my hair naturally. Using original hot iron combs dated back to slavery days. The prongs of the comb are iron which is placed into open flames to heat up. It doesn't take long and when it does, you slowly comb through your hair with it. It's a long procedure for me but it's relaxing to do so.

"Mih friend granny gives me it to help control mih hair, " I explained while sectioning off my hair into six. He watched on as I combed through my hair with a normal comb then placed the iron comb onto the grill over the fire.

" Your granny used to do the same thing to her hair and to my sister's hair. They can't wait to meet you, " he said still watching on as I did my hair.

"Really?"

" You have lots of cousins and two uncles, your grandfather is still alive. Scared us a few months ago."

I nodded my head in acknowledgment He told me about grandpa's heart attack during one of our calls, I was worried about the man I've never met and was relieved when I got the text of him being alright.

"When can I meet them?"

"Christmas vacation too soon? By then you will be acclimated to the states, school, and culture wise so traveling will be easier for you, " he replied smiling my way.

That part of my new life, I was excited about. What I was nervous about actually was tomorrow.

First day of school.

Daddy drove by the school a few times for me to know the route and also walked with me to and fro if I ever miss the bus. There was so much to know and learn. As it turns out, it may take a while for me to convert my secondary school transcript to be acknowledged by a college, attending high school will help me with the change and prepare me for college, maybe make new friends.

"I'm nervous, " I said softly.

"So am I, " he returned releasing a heavy sigh.

"Why?"

Feeling his eyes on me, I stopped my actions and turned to him. "I missed out on a lot of first, baby girl. This will be my last chance to see you off on your first day of school. Shopping and making dinner together, I cherished those moments a lot. I'm so happy that I've finally got you but I've missed out on so many years, " he answered with A small smile.

I was confused. Things I've been told by my mother and the month I've spent with daddy, everything were contradicting each other.

"You wanted me?"

His brows now furrowed in confusion by my question.

"Baby girl, I've been fighting to have you since the day you were born. My entire family even asked your mother, lawyers were involved but....." He stopped and released a tired sigh.
"Let me help you with your hair. We have a big day tomorrow, " he continued taking a seat behind me.

I said nothing but my mind was going over his words. While I was lost in thought, his gentle actions in my hair were soothing. I've missed so much. Mammy never sat down and did my hair, my friends either braided it or a hairdresser.
'Ah have no time to comb through dat nasty soil of yours.'

Her words will forever be resonating in my brain. It wasn't the first mean thing she said about my looks and father and it wasn't the last. I still question why she had so much animosity against my daddy and I. Maybe he will tell me about it because I realized he goes into another zone when simple things trigger it.

It's morning.

My first day of American high school. It's just another year of school with a different atmosphere. Daddy made a hearty breakfast for the two of us, double-checked my bag, and stood back to look at me, with pride in his eyes.

"Ready, pumpkin? The phone is fully charged. Call me if you are in trouble. You know I  will come running, " he said with raised eyebrows.

"I'll be alright. Doh worry daddy, " I returned with a smile. I was trying to calm his nerves and also mine. Letting out a deep breath, he grabbed his messenger bag, keys and led me out of the house.
The drive was quiet, minus the radio DJ giving his two cents of a new song he's about to play for the town of Spencer. My eyes were fixed on the now-familiar route and the few kids I've seen so far. Daddy was able to acquire a sit-down meeting with the principal of Spencer High, Professor William Costas. The school was a prestigious one in the town because of the students and its grandeur. The town had its very own rich side where the people who lived there probably has a hand to play in making America the country to come. Their kids go to the school, hence the pristine look and design of it.

When we arrived, it was still early, daddy informed me of the times and the reason why I was an hour early. Stepping out of his pickup truck, he grabbed my backpack and his messenger bag and escorted me up to the wide front stairs of the school.
Two large pairs of double doors faced me before we chose one to walk through. The hallway was somewhat empty, a janitor was putting his last touches and a few teachers were milling about. We walked past colorful lockers before stopping at a door with the sign overhead stating, administration office. Daddy stepped in first while I followed allowing myself to look around the large office. Posters of past school events were on the walls above a row of chairs, the place was so bright and cheerful, soft music played somewhere, along with the ringing of a phone.

Two ante-offices were behind the counter where daddy stood talking to a skinny redhead who was trying to flirt with him.
I rolled my eyes and took a seat, waiting for him to tell me what to do. My father was in his late 30's and still had women fawning over him. I got a first-hand look at it when we went shopping, the stares and flirtatious waves coming his way and the old sales girls who slipped them their number. The same girls who mistaken me for his woman until he mentions the word daughter to them.

"The principal will be here just now. You good?" He asked returning to my side. He brushed back a stray hair on my head and dusted off imaginary lint all with a worried look on his face.

" Wha' happen?" I asked.

" Nuddin'. I good, " he lied before sitting back in the chair. Scoffing at his lie, I pulled out my phone and began a new game I downloaded the night before.
It didn't take long for the principal to arrive. He walked into the office, holding hands with a woman, busily talking animatedly together. For an older gentleman, he was in impeccable shape and had handsome features. I didn't miss the gold band on and his finger also the woman's.

"Good morning, Professor Costas and Mrs. Costas. Welcome back, " the redhead said bouncing to her feet with her boobs doing the same. From my vantage point, I can see how her eyes raked over the man's body as he spoke to his wife. Disrespectful.

"Yes, Miss Kemp. Thank you. I have a meeting with Mr. Hollis. Please escort him to my office," he said making to go through the knee-high gate.

"He's already here, professor. Along with his daughter," Miss Kemp said pointing over to us.

The couple turned to us with matching smiles. I knew right away that these two were dedicated to their jobs. The woman approached us while her husband watched on with a smile on his face. Daddy stood up and I followed right after.

"Hello. I'm Mrs. Thomas -Costas, I'm the Modern Literature teacher here at Spencer High," she said offering her hand.

"Hi," I awkwardly answered taking her hand with my father doing the same after. The principal introduced himself then led us both to his office. His wife joined us, explaining to us that she was in charge of transfer students at the school.
After a moment of looking through my secondary school transcripts and finding the equivalent to the American school scores, he looked at my father and me with a bittersweet smile.

"Your scores surpass most honor roll students here at Spencer. As you already know, waiting for a college to accept your Caribbean academics may take as long as a school year or maybe even less. Plus I haven't seen what you wish to make a career of," he said leaning on his forearm as he spoke.

"I haven't settled on one because all of them seem interesting. I don't know what to do," I returned honestly. 

He looked at his wife who simply gave him a nod and a smile.

"Two years ago the school board introduced a post-college course for seniors. Only those with college-ready GPAs are accepted.  I think this will be ideal for you. It gives you an advantage to whatever college and career you decide on and helps you in your new environment. Textbooks are available in the school library and a few are on sale here at the office. It will be an honor to have you here at Spencer."

For some reason, I was happy about this solution and wasn't apprehensive about restarting high school.

"Thank you, sir," I said beaming.

"Let's go get you settled," Mrs. Costas said beckoning me towards her. Before I left the office, I have my father a tight hug for both of our benefits. He still had to settle some documents for my enrollment.

Back in the outer office, Mrs. Costas and I went through my schedule and the entire school and its clubs. As it turns out, she was one of my teachers and my first class. I loved how things were going smoothly but I can't say just yet. Bad somehow comes to destroy one's happiness. During our interaction,  I couldn't help but notice how snarky Miss Kemp was towards my new teacher. I rolled my eyes when I caught her sneering at the principal's wife.

Lusting over a married man is terribly cliched and so low of a women's standards. 

"I love your accent. Where did you say you're from again?"

We were walking to my locker, dodging hyperactive teens greeting their friends and those who simply stood in a cluster talking amongst themselves.  I didn't miss the curious stares from them, it's warranted because I'm the new kid.

"Tobago."

"Oh! The actor from Us and Black Panther hails from there. Winston Duke. That's his name, right?" She asked animatedly.

"Yeah. He left since he was a child and found his place here. I hope I can do the same. I was practically dragged up here," I said with a sigh.

"Don't put much thought into it just yet. Enjoy your new home then decide. College isn't running away and it isn't for everyone. Go with the flow, your decision will come to you," she said. I hope she was right. I was still a teen and there was no rush in growing up.

After conquering the whole unlocking of my locker, I followed Mrs. Costas to her classroom. Taking a seat near the window, I silently watched as she prepped the class and eyed the students who were filtering in.
The bell rang alerting the last few students to get to class. Stares met me but I held my head up and mt their stares. Inside I was freaking out but I couldn't let them see my fear of this unknown.

"Alright. Settle down. Welcome to Pre-College Modern Literature. The first class of your last year as a high schooler may vary but the faculty and I wish to have you prepared for the adult world. Each teacher for each class will be open to any of you have any questions about college, personal stuff, or simply anything that you need a grown-up's help with. It can easily be a question on whether you should live at a dorm or at your folks? Simple stuff. As you all know, I'm Mrs. Thomas-Costas, I know a few of you from my junior classes so it won't hurt to have a get-to-know segment."

Everyone groaned but not in true exasperation, a few had a grin on their faces while others were eyeing Mrs. Costas expectantly. I was part of the latter. She folded her arms across her chest and began tapping her foot to a beat. The beat was catchy then it went into a tempo from the moderate tap-tap. Students began to clap in time with the beat, as she easily began to walk around the class. "When I tap your shoulder, I want you to stand, say your name and the name of any book at the top of your head. Ready?"

"YEAH!"

I giggled at how enthusiastic they all were. My last Literature class consisted of simple reading aloud and lectures on the authors of the selected reading material. Mrs. Costas circled the class once more, teasingly reaching out to a student before starting her little icebreaker. The beat she started was getting louder and more catchy. I found myself moving to the beat, listening to the students shot up from their seats, saying their names and the book they have been thinking of. Some were funny, some were gasp-worthy and others prompted small but amusing arguments. 

When she reached my seat and touched my shoulder, my heart thundered in my chest. All eyes were on me. I stood up with a nervous smile and spoke aloud. "Erica Hollis. Fantastic Beasts and Where to find them."

"Soulmate!!" 

My head turned to a boy on the other side of the class who ironically mentioned Quidditch Through the years. He stood with his arms spread wide with a silly grin on his face. I laughed along with the class at his antics, he was cute, in a skater boy type of way with his floppy brown hair. As I recalled, his name was Shaun Roberts. I gave him a little wave in which he blew me an exaggerated kiss and plopped down in his seat. Is it wrong for me to say he's adorably weird?
A few more students were after me then we all settled down. "Remember the book you just mentioned. For 25% of your last school grade, you will write a report on that book stating why you chose it, the impact it had on your reading, the author's writing, and the characters they created. It will be due before Thanksgiving.  Now. It's the first day so there will be no pressing work. When the bell rings, please take one of the syllabi before you leave," Mrs. Costas said with a smile. Immediately, everyone succumbed to their own devices. 

"Hufflepuff or Ravenclaw?" 

The sudden sound of his voice startled me a bit and with a laugh, I looked down to the floor to see a grinning Shaun sitting Indian-style waiting for me to answer. 

"Sorry. I'm a Gryffindor," I said haughtily. He gasped dramatically and placed his hand on his chest,  "No. You uppity little wizards, claim your house is the best all because of Harry Potter. This Ravenclaw is now friends with a Gryffindor. Unusual but cool. What do you have next? Where are you from? Is that your real hair? Can I touch it? Do you wanna have lunch together?"

I blinked at his barrage of questions then laughed aloud, gaining some attention our way. 
"Math. Tobago. Yes. Don't overdo it. Yes," I answered. Shaun did a happy dance then reverently touched my hair before asking me about my country. We talked till the end of class and to our lockers. He was animated in talking and made me feel at ease. He was escorting me to my next class when a familiar voice called out to him. He sighed and turned to the person. I did also only to be met with someone who I didn't expect to see again.

"Who's that?" I asked lowly. 

"My twin sister, Natalie," he grumbled. Natalie's eyes narrowed when she saw me then widen with recognition. Her face turned red and it took everything in me not to laugh. She wore heels with a close-fitted white jumpsuit with her hair in large curls, make-up heavy, and overly shiny lips.

"Shauny. Can I borrow your locker? They have me next to some geek," she whined. Lord, father we got a prima donna.

"Suck it up. I got soccer again this semester, it will be full with my gear. Ask one of your friends," Shaun grouched, making his way away from her. I moved to follow but she stepped in my way, standing between her brother and me.

"What are you doing here? You owe me an apology," she sneered. Shaun looked between us in confusion. 

"Here meaning school? Wha' yuh does do at school? Not study. You askin' me dat mek me wonder about dis place." I swear this girl brings out my bad English and the devil out of me. Again, she looked at me confused, seriously, what is with this girl? She can understand the words that are coming out of my mouth right? Once again, I moved to get to my class only for her to stop me. Again.

"Nat. Chill. What's with you?" A new voice interrupted me before I can voice out a few choice words. Peeking over the plastic barbie doll, Raquel, a dark-skinned girl approached us with a smile on her face. Her dark eyes, tall stature, and flawless skin made me feel frumpy. Her jeans fitted her like a glove and the blouse she wore looked like it cost more than the simple tank top I dubbed my favorite this morning.

"That's the girl I was telling you about," Natalie sneered.

The girl sighed and looked at me apologetically. "Hi. I'm sorry for what happened on that flight. Nat is just really protective of me. I guess my breakup affected all of us. What's your name?" The girl seemed so sincere how can I doubt her. Though I haven't had the chance to be all gaga over boys, I feel for her and her break up from Elijah Johnson. Did he really cheat on her? She looked like the perfect girlfriend.

"Erica."

"I'm Bree."