Boston had left shortly after. Jennifer came down the stairs almost exactly thirty minutes later. She looked pretty with her blond hair naturally and flawlessly wavy. We could maybe pass for sisters if I didn't look so rugged. People would never believe that I was with her. She walked over to the door as I got up. "You excited?" She asked me. I nodded and walked over to her. We walked out the door and got in the car. She drove me to the Square.
The Square was the place that everyone went to hang out ever since they got rid of the mall, so I've heard. I've drove by it once with Uncle Will on the way to the grocery store because the road we usually took was closed. It seemed like a mini fair was going on but then I remember it was the first day of summer celebration. There were people all over, just walking and having their separate lives. Jennifer found a parking space next to a burger place. "I hope you like burgers because these are the best in town!" She said and flipped down her mirror. She fixed her hair then flipped it shut. We both got out and walked toward the restaurant. It had somewhat of an old sign that said Burger Beach -est 1997-. There was a chalkboard sign that had a drawing of a burger smiling. It said, Today's Special: Our original island burger! We walked right in. It was kinda small but it had everything a restaurant needed like tables and a cash register on the bar. There were two girls behind the bar, just talking away and laughing. Both wearing white t-shirts, Burger Beach hats, and green aprons. We walked over to them. One of them was Claire from the night of the party and the other one was older. Probably a senior. "Hello, ma'am, welcome to Burger Beach. Would you like the special?" The older one asked. Her nametag said Destiny. "Ooh, the island burger combo sounds great for me. How about you, Alice?" Jen said and turned to me for an answer. "That sounds great." I said and looked at Claire, who hadn't taken her eyes off me. She's been monitoring my every move. Destiny handed us our ticket and we went to a nearby table and sat down. "So, Boston told me you just finished sophomore year.. how was that?" She asked. "It was alright but I can't wait until school is over with so I can get out." I said, instantly regretting it. I bit my lip, prepared for the questions of why I wanted to get out and already making up lies in my head. "I was also so prepared for college at your age. I couldn't wait to go out and be my own person. So, what do you want to be?" She asked. I was a little shocked but I went along. "I want to be a music producer." I said and looked down. I knew it would never happen but that's what I'd always wanted. I couldn't sing beautifully or even rap but I knew what to do when it came to music. She looked at me. "That sounds wonderful. Watch, one day, you'll have your own label and you'll be famous. You'd be the best at what you do." She told me in all seriousness. "Number 34!" Claire called out and placed the food on the counter. Jen and I got it and sat back down. We separated food from the tray. "Can you excuse me real quick? I have to run to the bathroom." She said suddenly. I nodded and remembered that I read somewhere that pregnant women always use the bathroom. Claire walked over to where Jen was sitting and sat down. "Don't I know you from somewhere?" She asked. I nodded. "I went to Jack's last night and you were there." I told her. "Oh yeah, but werent you also in my Geometry class?" She asked. I thought for a while and remembered. She was. I had never really talked to her because she was always with her own friends. She was quiet in class and only sometimes answered questions. "Oh yeah.. you sat in the back with Jasmine Stewart?" I asked. She nodded and smiled. "So, how do you know Jack?" She asked. "Met him last night at Chris's party. Brandon kinda knocked me into the pool." I said and laughed, loosening up a bit. She laughed too. "He's such a clutz." She said and we laughed like we'd known each other for ages. Jennifer walked back over. Claire got up. "Sorry ma'am, I was just talking to Alice." She said. "Oh, you two know each other?" Jen asked and sat down. "You can pull up a chair if you'd like." "I don't know if I can, I'd have to ask Destiny. My shift is almost over and Wendy's on her way do I guess it would be okay.." She said. "I'll be right back." She decided and got up. "You guys go to school together?" Jen asked and took a bite of her burger. I nodded and took a fry. "She was in my Geometry class." I said. Jen nodded. Claire came back a few minutes later without an apron and a hat on. She pulled up a chair and sat down. "Am I intruding? Because I'd hate to be a bother..." Claire said. "No, it's totally fine! Would you like some fries or something?" Jen asked. Claire shook her head. "I'm good for now, I just ate." She said and smiled. "Okay, well, do you have anything planned for today?" Jen asked. "I actually have to meet with some people in a while." Claire told her. Jen nodded.
We ate and talked through the rest of the meal. It was delicious. Claire went to the kitchen and grabbed her bag. "It was nice talking to you, maybe we can hang more this summer." She said, adjusting her bag. I instantly nodded then remembered Uncle Will. This was temporary. I'd have to go home tomorrow. "Bye, Claire. It was nice meeting you." Jen told her and smiled. "You too. See you around." She said and left. "So, where are we off to now? We could take a walk or get clothes, but if we walk, then we have to do it before it gets dark.. do you want to?" She finally asked. I nodded. "Alright, there is so much to see! I'm so excited!" She told me with the same peppy-ness that Ms. Cantrell had only yesterday.
