The news of Elena's mom shocked Amanda and Bridget.  Digesting this new information was quite unsettling for both girls.

“Sharon? What does she want this time, doesn’t she like, have a new family now?” Amanda asked infuriated.

“Yes she does. Do you remember what happen the last time she came?” she asked, checking if they could still recall the event that transpired when Sharon last visited.

“Huh, yeah that should be three years ago.” Bridget replied, vaguely remembering what actually happened. Scratching her forehead gently,  she said “She came by to return all the photos she had of you which was wired because every mother should want to keep something of their child as a memento."

“Not my mom. She said I look so much like my dad and looking at me reminds her of him. This annoys her more than life itself, so she told me. She wants nothing to do with me.”

“That part I remember” Amanda said nodding her head.“She wanted you out of her life and now what does she want? You back in?"

“Yes.” she replied fixing her gaze on her friends.

“What!!” Amanda and Bridget exclaimed at the same time, struck by the incongruous situation.

“Explain.” Amanda urged.

“I woke up one morning and there she was, my mom in the living room arguing with my dad. The next thing I knew, she came to me saying that I would be going to live with her. I don’t want to leave with her new family.” Elena said bitterly.

“What was their argument about?” Amanda asked.

“I don’t know, I’ve been trying to get my dad to talk but he’s saying nothing. My guess is it probably something irrelevant.”

“You think so?” Bridget asked.

“I know so. When I was five, I heard my parent arguing. My mom complained my dad doesn’t spend enough time with his family, that was when my father was still working in a construction company as an engineer. Then he resigned. When I was seven, my dad was still job hunting. Not that he never got a good offer after he resigned but, he was hoping to get one that will be close to home. Then again. they argued. My mom complained he wasn’t serious in his Job hunt. So eventually my dad got a job, moving from one place to another rendering his services. Of course, my parent argued again. My mom complained he wasn’t putting much on the table as before. My dad still continued rendering his services and when I was ten, my mom got fed up and she filed for a divorce. Time went by, then we realized that my mom new husband was the man my mom was cheating on my dad with. So you see, none of her complaints were relevant . It was just a selfish woman with selfish desires talking. The good news is, every disappointments is a blessing, my dad hustle paid off and now, he owns one of the biggest construction company in the country.”

"So messed up." Amanda puffed.

“Wow, we are going to hate you leaving like that. How about we come over to your house this weekend and try to plead with your dad, maybe it might help.” Bridget suggested, looking at Amanda.

“I agree. Even though after graduation we may separate for a while to college,  you do not want to spend your life living with a woman that hates you.  A lot could go wrong.” Amanda added “But why didn’t you tell us sooner?” Amanda asked concerned.

“I tried to but you were always busy with one thing or the other, especially with the play. And when you are not, you are either talking about Jake Bush or your secret admirer’s letters” immediately Bridget eyes met Elena's. “And this made me upset. I’m sorry Amanda.”

“No, I’m sorry. I should have paid more attentions. And about the play,”

“What about it?" Bridget asked curiously.

“I won’t be available to perform.”

“What? Why? Is it because of what I said?” Elena asked “I hope it’s not because of what I said.” she fixed a worried stare on Bridget then Amanda.

“It’s not because of what you said, Elena. I got a letter yesterday from Yale; the interview is on the same day as the performance.”

“Oh no, and you’ve worked very hard as Miranda” Bridget said.

“I know but other Miranda chance will come.”

“I’m so happy for you Amanda and I know for a fact you are going to nail that interview.”

“Thanks Brid.”

“I’m proud of you too. Sometimes I forget about college, can’t believe this is our final year.” Elena said with her head down.

Amanda came close to give group hugs. “I love you guys.” Amanda said still hugging her friends but she didn’t notice the paper Bridget slip into Elena’s purse.

Breaking the hug, Bridget excused herself to use the ladies leaving Amanda and Elena as they got up from the bench and strolled to their lockers.

When they got to front of Amanda's locker,  they stopped and immediately Elena’s phone rang; it was Bridget name on her phone screen. She received the call while Amanda opened her locker.

Just as she reached for the dresses and shoes, a piece of paper fell out from her locker. Recognizing it was a letter,  she quickly picked it up and read through.

It was from her secret admirer and this time he wants to meet with her. She couldn’t hide her excitement; Elena ended her call and came closer to her friend.

“Who was that?” Amanda paused her reading to ask Elena.

Elena took her phone to her face and gave a snort. “It’s no one dear.”

Amanda assumed the call was from her dad about Sharon but she decides not to press on it to avoid upsetting her friend.

“But you, I couldn’t help but notice the expression on your face since you started reading that note. So tell me, who is it from, Jake?" She asked.

Amanda laughed coyly “I’m about to find out. He wants me to meet him in front of the burger truck outside.”

“And what are you waiting for?” Elena asked elatedly.

Giggling again, Amanda handed the dresses and shoes to Elena “I’ll be right back.” she said hurrying out.

Amanda stopped when she got close to the burger truck, she tried to prepare her mind to accept the person she will find sitting on the bench in front of the truck should incase her admirer wasn’t Jake, which was almost impossible.

She walked slowly towards the truck, her heart leaped for joy when her eyes caught her delight. It was Jake. She quickened her step then stopped some distance away from him, not because of anxiousness but of shock. She took a step forward to be sure of what was in front of her eyes.

Sitting in front Jake on the bench was Bridget.

*******

Saying goodbye is really not an easy thing to do.

Can you remember your last days in high school,  when you were with your friends talking about graduation.

Well,  Amanda, Bridget and Elena are in that moment and maybe not as yours but theirs is wrapped in complications.

To find out more, look out for the next chapter.

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