Part 16 (1/2)

After closing my bedroom door to get dressed, I walk over to my closet looking for the perfect outfit. I'm not sure what to wear seeing I have so many clothes to choose from. Ever since I was born both of my parents have seemed to do a good job spoiling me. I'm pretty sure the reason why they continue to spoil me is because it's their way of saying ”Sorry you're an only child.” I remember when I was younger I would ask my parents if they would give me a brother or sister so I wouldn't grow up alone. Unfortunately, the only thing they gave me was a lame excuse by saying ”We're sorry honey, but with both of us working we don't have time to raise another child.”

Don't get me wrong, I enjoy the finer things in life like any teenage girl, but I've never been a popular kid, so I've always been on my own. It's taken me a long time to be comfortable with myself.

Moving my hangers back and forth I finally make a decision. I decide to grab my red and black plaid skirt with my red blouse from the closet and lay them on my bed. Now comes the hardest part, deciding which way to wear my hair. If I put it in a ponytail, I'd look too much like a childish school girl, so I decide leave it down. After brus.h.i.+ng all the knots out of my hair, I change into my outfit. I chose to wear flats rather than a heel knowing I've never been good at walking in them. I don't want to take a chance of falling flat on my face. This will be the day that will define who I am as a person and help define so many others. Everything has to be just perfect.

Turning to look at my alarm clock, I realize I only have half an hour before we have to leave. Quickly sliding my shoes on, I put on my gold earrings that my dad bought me on my thirteenth birthday and my silver charm bracelet that Alex bought me especially for this occasion. I take one quick glance in my vanity mirror to make sure I look okay and then head on downstairs to the kitchen to eat breakfast. While waiting for Mom to finish making pancakes, Dad begins to read an article from the newspaper to me about city pollution. Even though some of the articles Dad reads to me I find a bit boring, I always take the time to listen. I've always admired both of my parents for who they are and for the careers they have. My mom works as a criminal lawyer for a huge law firm and my dad's a state's attorney. Growing up they've taught me to stand up for what I believe in and always be true to myself.

I've been blessed with such loving parents and I've tried to apply everything they've taught me into my life, but as a teenager it's hard. When I was younger, the only thing I had to worry about was eating all my vegetables, getting good grades, and remembering to brush my teeth twice a day. Now that I'm fifteen and in high school it's a lot harder.

”Okay, guys, time to eat,” Mom says while she slides the plate with the stack of pancakes on the table.

Even though my mom works all kinds of crazy hours, she still finds time to do things with me. At least once a week, she takes me out for lunch and then we hit the mall to do a little shopping. If I need help with school work she stops what she's doing just to help me. And when she's not doing stuff with work or me, she's cooking, cleaning, and trying to spend time with my dad. I truly admire her.

”So, Julia, do you have everything you need for today?” Mom asks.

”Yes, it's all here in my folder.”

”Isn't Alex supposed to be here? Or is he going to meet us? ” Dad asks.

”He said he'd be here, but I don't know why he hasn't shown up yet.”

”So why not call him,” Mom suggests.

I didn't want to jump the gun, so I figure I'd give him five more minutes before calling. Alex and I have been best friends for close to a year now. We attend the same school, and both are in the same grade except we have no cla.s.ses together. Alex happened to help me out on my first day and we've been friends ever since. Neither one of us is popular in school, so we try to just stick together. While finis.h.i.+ng the last of my pancakes, I hear the doorbell. It has to be Alex, so I excuse myself from the table and rush to the door.

Opening the door, there Alex stood. He has a huge grin on his face. I ask him why he's grinning from ear to ear. Looking at me he says, ”You clean up pretty nice, Julia.”

”Right back at you,” I say while punching him in his arm. ”Now, come on!”

Alex follows me into the kitchen where Mom's just finis.h.i.+ng cleaning up and Dad's putting on his blue blazer.

”Look who's here!” I say as I throw out my hands like I'm showing Alex off.

”Good morning, Alex. Are you hungry?” Mom asks.

”Honey, we don't have enough time. We need to leave any minute.” Dad reminds her while tapping on his wrist watch with a smile.

”Oh, that's alright, Mrs. Stone. My mother made sure I ate before I left the house, but thank you for offering,” says Alex.

Knowing it was just about time to leave, I could feel my hands start to sweat. My throat becomes dry, so I decide to grab a bottle of water for the road and a couple of napkins for my sweaty hands. Looking over at Alex, I notice he's smiling at me. It kind of makes me feel uncomfortable.

”What's up? Why are you smiling?” I ask Alex.

”I don't want to say.”

”Come on, now you have to tell me.” I insisted.

”Well, I've just never seen you look like a girly girl, that's all.”

I wasn't sure how to respond to the comment Alex had just made, so I politely smile and close the refrigerator door. My mom and dad tell us it's time to head on out, so Alex and I make our way out the door while I lock up behind me. The car ride is a quiet one. I think it's because everyone's nerves are on edge. After a little over five hours in a car and two stops in between, we finally arrive. My dad decides to drop us off in front of the building while he parks the car.

”So this is it, Julia. Don't be nervous. Remember, you've got this. It's a done deal,” Alex says while trying to rea.s.sure me.

”Yes, honey. You've come this far. Just remember to speak from the heart and be thankful for the people who've stood behind you. You're about to do a lot of good for others, giving them a second chance at hope,” my mom says with a rea.s.suring smile.

I can see my dad coming around the corner making his way toward the building. He has a huge smile plastered on his face. My dad and I have always been close, so whenever I've been stressed or nervous he's the one that makes me feel better.

”What's wrong, Julia?” Dad asks with a sense of love and compa.s.sion.

I know he worries about me. I also know that I'm lucky to have him here by my side. Not wanting him to see me a wreck, I put a smile on my face and say, ”I'm a bit nervous and my hands are clammy, that's all.”

”Where are the napkins you brought from the house?” Alex chimes in.