Away From You | Jiara

Chapter 10

I'm already waiting outside by the time my parents pull into the parking lot. As soon as my dad gets out the car I run up and give him a big hug. He kisses my head in response and holds me a little tighter. Once we break away, I hug my mom. We'll never see eye to eye about this school situation, but she's still my mom and I love her. I put my bag in the backseat and get in the truck. I ask my dad to make a pit stop at the mall so I can grab something really fast. He lets me out right at the entrance and I yell, "I promise I'll be quick!" before shutting the door.

Once the surf shop comes into view, I can't help but smile. As I'm walking in, I see the board that JJ had his eyes on the last time I was here. I let one of the workers know that I want to purchase the board. While they are getting it ready for me, I go up to the register and pay. I only have my credit card for emergencies, but once I explain to my dad the situation, I know he will understand. My mom on the other hand... she definitely won't be happy with me. She already thinks everything I do is for the boys and she's right. They are my best friends, and I will always help them whenever I can.

One of the workers helps me carry it outside to my dad's truck. When I hop back in the truck my mom looks at me through the rearview mirror and says, "What was that Kiara?"

"Just a gift for my best friend."

"Something you bought using my credit card, right?"

"Mom, this is the only time I've used it for a big purchase like this. Don't make a big deal about it. He's my best friend."

"Kiara, I swear your whole life revolves around those boys! I don't like it."

"Yes, because they are my best friends! They get me, unlike you."

"And you wonder why I sent you away in the first place."

"Why do you have an issue with the pogues anyway?!? Dad was a pogue and you still married him."

"I love your father, but I don't want you to make the same mistakes I did at your age."

"You're so afraid I'm going to sleep with a pogue so bad like you did, well guess what, I already did. Happy now?!

"Enough Kiara. We will talk about this whenever we get home." my dad says while looking at me in the rearview mirror.

I don't say anything the rest of the way home. I just put my earphones in and listen to my "Pogue 4 Life" playlist. I text John B to meet me a little bit after I get home because I have a surprise. He says okay and I just lay my head back and close my eyes the rest of the way home.

When we pull up to the house, I grab my suitcase and head upstairs to my room. I lock the door so my parents won't come barging in my room. I place my phone on the charger and just sit down on my bed. It feels nice being in my own room again where everything feels so familiar. It's going to feel so good sleeping in my own bed tonight. I go to the bathroom to change into a bikini and put some shorts and a tank top over it. I text John B and let him know he can head over. I get my beach bag ready and wait outside on the porch.

About 5 minutes later I hear the twinkie pulling up. I grab my bag and walk towards John B. I give him a hug as soon as he closes the door. "I missed you John B and thank you for coming over."

"I missed you too Kie. What's up?"

"Well," I say with a smile, "I have a gift for JJ and I need your help hiding it."

"I thought you weren't talking to each other?" he asks confused.

"It's a long story, but we made up. You want to see what it is?"