It's My Life - Melody Carlson [20]
After that, Andrea invited us to cool off in her pool. Now, I didn't even know she had a pool, and she acts like it's no big deal. But let me tell you, Beanie and I both thought it was a big deal, and I think she liked that. So we laid out in the late afternoon sun, taking dips, and praising each other for what we'd accomplished today.
And all that friction of the girlfriend triangle just seemed to disappear. But you know what the best part was? I think Beanie was having the absolute time of her life. I mean it! She just sparkled like a diamond. And I think Andrea was impressed with her. I mean, before today, I think she always thought Beanie was kind of a loser chick. And I admit, Beanie did look quite a bit like a loser. But today I think Andrea could finally see what it is I so love about Beanie. And I think that made Beanie feel pretty good too. And when you've had things as hard as she has, feeling good's not such a bad thing! Not at all!
SEVEN
Monday, August 6 (whazzup?)
Today I'm at work, about to take my lunch break (which is only thirty minutes since I'm just part-time) and suddenly Aunt Steph shows up with this funny look on her face, and I'm thinking, oh no, something must be wrong! But she tells me nothing's wrong; she just wants to talk to me. And so, like a couple of regular working women, we go and have lunch (and Rita, the main receptionist, says I can take extra time since I hardly ever take my breaks anyway).
So, we sit down to lunch at this cool little deli down the street and I ask her what's going on. And then she tells me something I really don't want to hear. “Now, you can't tell anyone this,” she begins. “But Beanie has given her Mexico scholarship to Zach–”
”What?” I demand. “She can't do that. That was for her–”
“I know, honey. Tony told me all about it. He was hoping we might come up with a way to work this out. But I wanted to let you know before you heard it from someone else.”
Well, now I'm feeling just like someone reached over and popped my pretty balloon. (Yes, another overly used metaphor, but I'm in no mood for creativity at the moment.) “But I really, really want Beanie to go,” I complain, knowing I sound just like a spoiled brat. “I mean, I worked so hard to get her to go and everything.” Whine, whine, whine.
Steph pats my hand and smiles. “I know you did, honey, and it was so good of you. But don't you think it's awfully kind of Beanie to give up her trip for Zach? I mean, she's told me all about his recent changes and everything, but considering what he did to her before–the way he treated her–well, I just think it's really gracious and generous on her part. And I'm really proud of her.”
Yeah, sure, I'm thinking, still not convinced this is such a good idea, but hating to sound all negative. “It's not that I don't want Zach to go,” I try I to explain. “I just really, really want Beanie to come.”
“Well, there may be a way for them to both go.” She pauses as if deciding whether or not to tell me. “Tony asked me not to say anything just yet, but I can see how upsetting this is for you. So, if you promise not to tell…”
I hold up my hand like a good girl scout (which I never was). “I promise.”
“Okay. There's a slim chance they might both get to go. Tony's checking on something right now. He should know before you guys have your first meeting tonight.”
Now I'm slightly relieved. “Oh, I sure hope so. And you know I could probably contribute some more money too. Heck, I really don't need any school clothes–”
Now Steph is laughing. “No, I think you've given enough. Let someone