Part 33 (1/2)

At Friendly's Donna orders one of every sundae and some fries too. We all sword fight with the long dessert spoons, getting whipped cream and cherries and caramel and chocolate sauce and nuts all over the place. We laugh our heads off. Donna takes it all in with a wise smile. And in my head I say a little prayer to JC.

I don't get it, JC. I don't understand the plan. I miss my mom. To take her like that when I'm not yet even a woman-it's not really fair, is it? But I'm glad there are times like this. I'm glad there are friends like this. I am glad there are Friendly's sundaes. That's all for right now.

Donna is smiling. All my boys are eating ice cream. I have a whole booth full of good friends. And I think to myself, you cannot give up, Amber. No matter what happens.

I won't. I will.

Suddenly, as I think about my mom, I feel like I might start crying.

Before I burst into tears, in my mind, I start pumping myself up with accolades to stop the waterworks, and I'm using a super-mega sports announcer voice: The indomitably hopeful one!

The girl of unyielding optimism!

The teen of merriment!

The fan favorite!

Your undisputed champion!

”Amber-Rock Star of Hope-Apple-TOOOOOOOOOON!” I yell across the Friendly's, and everyone in the joint turns and looks at me like my head is on fire.