Coming Home: Mandy Gonzalez

2

April 17, 1996
Wednesday

I got up at 6:15am as my alarm went off. I turned it off and went to the bathroom with my towel and a change of clothes. I was going for a comfortable outfit, an oversized sweater, some stretchy sweatpants and my black UGG boots. But for now, I just focused on showering.

I washed my hair first, then conditioned it, leaving the conditioner in while I washed my body. I then rinsed my body, then hair. As I sighed and looked down at my belly, I realized I was starting to show a little bit. Damn it. Slowly, I looked up and blinked back tears. This wasn't supposed to be how this happened.

Soon, there were too many tears to just blink them back and I started to cry. I wanted to scream and shout. But Mama and Daddy were still asleep and I didn't want to wake them up.

I turned off the water and grabbed my towel, drying off, stepping out of the shower. I got dressed and threw my hair into a ponytail and headed into the kitchen for breakfast. I made some toast with butter and ate a banana as well. Then, I went to my room and threw on a pair of socks, then my UGGs. I grabbed my chapstick and used it before putting it into my backpack. It was now only 7:00am and I didn't have to leave until 7:30 so I called Monica who I knew would be up.

"Hello?" I heard Monica's voice.

"Hey Monica. It's Mandy. How are you?"

"I'm good. Are you feeling better today?" She asked.

"A little. But uh, I just needed to hear your voice. You always cheer me up."

"Aww. Mandy. I love you little sis."

"I love you too Monica. You're not just my older sister. You're also my best friend." I said. It was true. Monica Gonzalez was my best friend. And I loved her so much.

"Aww, Mandy. Don't make me cry sis. You're my best friend too. I can't wait to see you on Friday and hug you. Just today and tomorrow and then Friday will be here so we can hug."

"Yeah. Hey, uh, I have a question."

"Okay. What's up?"

"Do you ever think about the future? Like, what you want family wise?"

"Sometimes. You?"

"Yeah. I do on occasion."

"Okay. Well, it's 7:10. I have work until 2:00. I will talk to you when you get out of school. I love you Mandy."

"Love you too. Bye Monica."

"Bye Mandy."

We hung up as Mama came over to me and hugged me. "I can tell you're anxious to tell them. Just a few more days baby girl." She said.

"I know Mama." I looked at my mom, then at Molly who waited patiently by her food bowl, hoping she'd get food before Daddy fed her. But that never happened. It was routine. Daddy fed her at 8:00am while he got ready for work. "We have 15 minutes still. Can I cuddle with Molly on the couch until we have to leave?"

"Of course. Go." Mama let go of me and I walked to the couch.

"Molly, come here girl. Come." I patted the seat beside me on the couch and the collie came running over, jumping onto the couch and resting her head on my leg. I smiled. If I had to describe her fur color, I wouldn't say red and white, but blonde and white. She was a gorgeous dog. And I was so glad she was mine. I loved coming home to her every day. Every time I walked through the door, seeing her wagging her tail, her ears up and looking excited and happy to see me, a smile would form on my face. "Good girl, Molly." I whispered and pet her gently.