FROZEN IN BETWEEN

PRETENDINGS

JUSTINE'S P.O.V

"Mom..."  I walked up to her room this evening after Danny drove me home.

"Oh baby!  Come in."  She turned off her phone.  "Where have you been?"

"Out with Danny."  I sit on the bed.

"Danny...the party planner?"  Mom tried to remember.  "Isn't he gay?"

"Mooom cmon, it doesn't have to be a date when I go out on Valentines."  I chuckled.  Pardon her, she's pretty conventional.  "But yeah he's gay."

"So...  What can I do for you?"  She sit with me.

"I'm just asking.  Just simply asking...that if..."

"What is it?  Ask me."  Mom smiled.

"Mom, can I go out of the state for school?"  I spoke slowly.

"Hmm?  To where?"  She found it weird, just like what I have guessed.

"Probably Pittsburg.  I really want to go to the college in there.  So few years of high school first will be a great advantage."

"Are you sure?"  Mom noticed my pale skin.  "You okay, baby?"

"Of course yeah.  I'm good."  I nodded.  "May I?"

"If your father says so, I will do too."  She stroked my hair.

"Thank you."  I hugged her.  Smooth enough.

"You're welcome."  Mom whispered.  "Oh hey where you going again?"

"My friends actually are holding up a party.  They invited me to come."  I giggled.  "Forgot to tell you.  Oops."

"Party at 10 pm?  I'm not sure..."

"Valentines, Mom.  Just once in a year.  It's only Serena and some other 5th graders.  Please?"

"Alright.  Bring your key.  I'm very tired honey."

"Okay!"  I walked downstairs.

"Oh wait!  This, no buses in the midnight."  She warned.

"Thank youuuu oh this is the best."  I fake a happy dance.  "So...if they asked me to sleepover, may I?"

"No longer than lunch time tomorrow."  She yawned.  "Lock the door sweetheart!"

"Will do Mom!"  I yelled happily, but actually showing no expression since nobody else I should please.

I drove my car to town, turn right, went straight to the beach.  I took off my sandals and walked along the beach side.  Letting the waves said hello to me.  It's calming.  Valentines are always like Christmas in here.  Because tourists are coming along.  But glad I finally found a quiet spot to sit and think.

"I certainly know that shape."  Somebody shocked me with a tap on my shoulder.

"Goodness, Ri!  I almost curse."  I pouted.

"Hahaha...  I'm 19.  How do you take it."  He sit by my side.  "What are you up to?"

"The moonlight is so beautiful."  I murmured.  I'm not that stupid though.  None of this moonlight thing was worth to talk about.  It's called changing topic.

"It is."  Riley looked up.  "Where's the partner?"

"Partner?"  I sipped my Hot Vanilla Latte.

"Tobius Jamius."  He chuckled.  "Wait.  He's with you right?"

"Driving alone, bro."  I showed him my car key.  "He's up there."

"Up there like...in the sky?"  There you go the brother being all dummy.