Loving Adam

Chapter 2

My family lives modestly. My dad works the machines at a factory outside town, and my mom is a shop assistant at the local mall. I have an older sister who lives with her farmer husband and two boys in Iowa. Since I was a kid, I was made to do my own chores: pack my own lunch, wash my own gym shorts, and clean my own room. I can say that I grow up in a happy home. Modest, but happy. 

Therefore, the idea of flying first class and staying in an expensive hotel in New York is completely foreign to us.

My parents have never been to New York so the idea of me going without them is not something that'll go down easy. Mrs. Chen has personally called my mom to explain the significance of the event, but still, she is worried.

"Why can't one of the teachers fly with you?" she asks.

"Because it's expensive, mom. The organizer will provide their own chaperones for us and they will be with us from the moment we land in JFK until the moment we leave. There is really nothing to worry about," I say.

"Yes but..."

"Oh please, mom! This is one in a lifetime experience! Not all girls my age get to have dinner with the President, do they?"

"Mrs. Chen mentioned you will be going with another boy from your school," she says, "Who is he? Do I know his parents?"

I feel my cheeks blushing.

"Paris?" she looks suspicious, "Who is she?"

"Um, no, I don't think you know his parents..." I look down at my plate, "His name is Adam Marx."

"Marx?" my dad says, "The Marxs who own half of the retail stores in this city?"

I nod.

My mom drops the fork on her plate. 

"Mom please," I say, "I really want to do this. It will help with my college applications too. Please!"

My mom sighs. 

"It's only 2 days! I leave Sunday night and I will be back here by Wednesday. You won't even notice I'm gone."

My mom sighs again. My dad reaches out to squeeze her hand. "We should let her go, Edith. She has studied real hard. We should all be proud and support her, not stop her."

My mom takes a long, deep breath before she finally says, "Alright, fine."

"Yes!" I shriek in excitement and give my parents a big hug. "Oh thank you, thank you, thank you. I love you both!"

"Just be careful, ok?" my mom says, "Be extra careful."

"Mom, it's only two days," I say, "What can possibly happen in two days?"

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The next day, I was having lunch with my best friend Laura at the cafeteria, telling her about the New York trip when a blonde girl approaches our table.

"Mrs. Chen wants to see you in her office," she says.

"What for?" I ask.

She shrugs. 

"I'll see you later, okay?" I say to Laura.

I walk toward Mrs. Chen's office and on my way there, I see Adam. He is walking toward me from the opposite direction, but his eyes are fixated on the girl next to him. 

Lara, the pretty girl with long legs, is walking with half her body leaning on Adam's. They're smiling to each other, as if the world is filled with sweet red cherries and they're the only ones who can taste them.

And they walk right pass me, just like that. 

My heart clenches, like someone stabs it so hard and leaving a big hole in there.

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"Ah Miss Hart, please come in," Mrs. Chen says when I knock on her door. "I see your parents have given their consent for the trip. That is excellent. They really have nothing to worry about. You'll be well taken care of, all the time you're there."

I nod. "Thanks for calling my mom, Mrs. Chen."

"I just have to tell you two things. It came into my knowledge that they won't disclose the topic of your speech until the opening event on Monday morning. I can only suggest you start reading newspaper to keep up with current events in case you get one of those current events topics, and maybe you can borrow some books from the library too. Read them on the plane."

"Ah yes, okay."

"You're a smart girl and I have nothing but confidence in you," she smiles.

I smile, "Thank you, Mrs. Chen."

"There is however this one other thing..." she says, "But I want you to understand I'm only saying this as a suggestion. I do not have any intention to offend you in any way, okay?"

I nod. 

"I spoke to a friend of mine who sent their students to the Summit last year. She said that other than the actual speech itself, there is one thing that is also important," she looks at me, "Now Miss Hart, please be reminded that this is only a suggestion and you should not be offended. I think you're a bright girl and your appearance has zero impact in any way."

Uh, oh. I think I know where she's going with this.

"But this is a national event and it is televised. You are representing our school so it is important for you to look presentable. I am not saying there is anything wrong with the way you look now, but for the event, you may need to put extra... efforts."

She pauses, waiting to see my reactions.

"Miss Hart?"

"Y-yes," I reply, "Ok."

"I have arranged for some guidance. A good friend of mine owns a beauty salon in town and she will give you a little makeover. Please see this as my gift to you," Mrs. Chen smiles, "I have also notified your mom about this and she says you can do it if you want to do it. Whatever is comfortable with you."

I look down to see a pair of old tennis shoes I'm wearing today. There's a ketchup stain which wouldn't go away, no matter how hard I have rubbed them with baking soda. I also remember this morning, in geography class, some girl thought I was the teacher, probably because I am wearing my mom's floral silk dress that's too big for me.

Mrs. Chen is probably right. I need help.

"So what do you think, Miss Hart?" Mrs. Chen says. 

I nod, "Yes, ok, I'll do it."

"Wonderful," she smiles, "My friend will come pick you up on Friday after school. You'll be all ready before you leave for New York on Sunday. Good luck, Miss Hart."

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