Throughout the rest of the day, I felt scared yet excited at the same time. Scared that Rosa would think I'm weird, but excited that we were going to spend some time together. I invited some of my other friends though so it wasn't weird. By 4 o'clock I was home and getting showered when my phone rang. It was Maia. She was going to take Lucas to my dad's because she was coming with me tonight. Eli and his girlfriend, Chelsea are also coming. Rosa texted me that her cousin and her best friend are coming along. 7 people, that shouldn't be awkward, right?
By 5 o'clock, Maia, Eli, and Chelsea were at my house. We were getting ready to get into my truck to head to the restaurant. Rosa texted me saying, her Kaila and Kimberli will be there around 6. However, I live further from the restaurant than Rosa and it's rush hour.
"Maia! You look fine!!! You look perfect! Let's go." I pulled my best friend's arm, whining like a child.
"But, but-"
"No buts about it. We have to goooooo."
"Fine, but only because I love you." Maia kissed my cheek and for some reason, I blushed. She didn't notice, but Eli raised his eyebrow at me. I mouthed 'Later' to him and he nodded and got into the back of my truck. Chelsea closely followed him, leaving Maia and me in my doorway.
"Lucas is at my dad's right?"
"One, great time to ask babes and two, of course. He's there for the weekend. Your dad said, and I quote 'I miss my baby grandson' end quote. "
"Right! Okay, go go go. I just have to lock up then I'll be there."
"Okay, Lyr." She bounced away to the passenger door and hopped in. I locked up my house and took 3 deep breaths. I am going to hang out with a girl that is pretty attractive. And when I think about her, I get these feelings in my stomach. What the hell does this mean?
..........
Maia, Eli, Chelsea and I arrived a little before 6. Rosa, Kaila, and Kimberli were already sitting at a table. Kaila waved to us, telling us to sit with them. We walk towards them and sit down. Chelsea gives me the 'are you okay' look because I guess I looked uncomfortable. I wasn't actually uncomfortable, in fact, I was so excited, but I was nervous she wouldn't end up wanting to be friends. I know that sounds juvenile, but it's how I'm feeling right now.
"So, Lyric." Kaila started grasping my attention. "How long have you worked for Carter?" We all called our boss, Derek Carter, by his last name, of course not to his face.
"A few years I guess. I've never counted how long. I think I started right after college. I had a general studies degree and had no idea what I was going to do. I had a baby to raise, on my own. And-"
"Wait you have a kid?" Kimberli looked really shocked and I shifted my weight toward Eli.
"I told you she had a son Kimberli!" Rosa raised her voice at her getting everyone's attention.
"I thought you were totally kidding Rosa."
"Why would I joke about her being a mother."
"Oh um-"
"Just be quiet Kimberli."
Kimberli stood up easily since she was on the end of the booth bench, "I think I should go." She walked out of the restaurant not looking back. Rosa didn't look remorseful, and I felt kind of happy that she stood up for me, a near stranger, to her best friend of at least 5 years.
"I'm sorry I caused a scene, guys. I'm usually not that short-tempered" Rosa's cheeks grew red in embarrassment. "Kimberli and I got into a little disagreement earlier and I'm still kinda upset with her."
"Do you wanna talk about what happened?" Maia questioned.
"Are you sure you wanna hear about? I'm warning you I might go on a huge rant."
"Rants are funny as hell." Eli laughed. "Sorry for being insensitive. But they are."
"Well, it started this morning. Kimmi and I are roommates so we usually share most of our things and all that stuff, but today she crossed the line."
"Oh no. What happened?" Chelsea leaned on the table, resting her head in her palms. Eli traced up and down her arm; Chelsea had a birthmark that he said looked like a guitar.
"Well...."
"Kimberli, can you just stop, please? I am TRYING to get ready."
"Why, I love being close to you."
"Well right now, I would like some space right now."
"But Rosa whyyyyyy?"
"You don't need to know why. If I say go away, go the hell away."
"You really need to get laid."
"MY SEX LIFE IS NONE OF DAMN BUSINESS."
"Damn you don't have to be rude."
"GET THE HELL OUT OF MY ROOM! WHY CAN'T I JUST BE ALONE FOR 5 FREAKING MINUTES!?"
"Stop being a bit-"
"Don't you dare finish that sentence."
"Rosa is a bit-"
"I told you not to finish that sentence."
"I didn't finish that sentence. I started a new one. Rosa is a -" Kimberli was cut off by Rosa's fist connecting with her face.
"You freaking hit me."
"And if you don't get the hell out of my room, I'll hit you again, HARDER." Rosa said trying to stay calm.
"FINE!"Kimberli finally left Rosa room, but she slammed the door knocking her pictures off the walls. Only one of the pictures that fell was broken. It was the picture of Rosa and her little brother, Gabriel. Gabriel was killed when he was 3 in a car accident. Rosa was 7 at the time. Since then, her parents have kept her very close.
"Rosa, I'm so sorry that happened to you." Maia and I hugged her. She hugged back and quickly wiped away a tear. Maia stood giving Chelsea and Eli space to leave.
"Sorry guys, we have to go check on Chels's dad."
"Is he okay?" Rosa inquired. Kaila looked a little worried and gave Chelsea a look of remorse.
"He was in a work accident a couple weeks ago. We are going to bring him some food."
"Chels, I'll come with. I love Papa Hill." Maia, Eli, and I all grew up with Chelsea. We've been friends forever and Eli and Chels have liked each other forever. They were just so damn awkward with each other. All of a sudden we heard a buzzing sound. "Bye guys. Rosa it was nice to meet you." Maia hugged her and then Kaila. She took my hand and laughed. That's just something we do. I look at Rosa though and she didn't look happy by Maia and I touching. I quickly let go of Maia's hand, causing her to raise an eyebrow.
"It was nice to meet you too. Maybe we can hang out again." Chelsea, Eli, and Maia headed for the exit.
"Sorry, guys it's my boyfriend. I have to go. I'll talk to you later Rosy." Kaila got up and hugged Rosa then ran to her car.
"Um, Rosa? Why did she have to go if her boyfriend called."
"Long story short, he always asks for sex and she always gives it to him. She's totally blinded by his good looks to actually see what kind of person he is. He is super obnoxious. I keep trying to tell Kaila she doesn't need him. She's a gorgeous, smart, and talented woman. She can find someone better."
"Oh. Well maybe I should go since it's only the two of us." I started to walk away slowly, hoping she'd stop me.
"No!" Rosa stood up and grabbed my arm and smiled. "Let's have some fun. We can do whatever we want!"
"I've always wanted to get a tattoo."
"Why didn't you just say so? I have like 5!" She shows me the two on her shoulders. "The other three are in a more private place" she said with a smirk.
"Damn."
"Damn what?"
"Oh, I said that out loud." Rosa nodded.
"Come on! Let's go get tattoos!" Rosa said pulling my arm.
"Wait. I have to pay the guy."
"I did that already. Let's goooooo!"