Motive

Preparation

~Mary Jay~

I know I'm probably one of the last people you wanna be talking to right now, but I miss my sister. I'm sorry I didn't tell you about Josh. I know you hate apologies but you deserve one. I just knew it would cause problems and you seemed so happy and busy with your new friends at St. Rogan, I didn't want to worry you. I understand if you're not ready to reply yet, but please, just let me know you read this. I love you, seriously. - Lilly.

She had sent a letter. Not a text, not a voicemail, a handwritten letter.

This girl was exactly like me; determined. Pft.

I hadn't been replying to any of their messages or calls still. Was I overreacting? Maybe, but it was the only way my mom and Aunt would take me seriously. I was sick of this routine, and this time was too far.

But it wasn't her fault, I couldn't blame her. Even though I would've preferred to find out from her, I know how it feels to be a scared kid living in a house with Josh.

After giving it some thought, and by 'some thought' I mean a good 10 seconds, I knew she deserved a reply.

The letter was sweet, there was no way in hell I'm writing a one back. I'm no Stephen King, jeez . I have a B in english.

I picked up my phone and scrolled to her contact before sending the following:

"📝✅, Love you too. - MJ"

She read it almost immediately before sending a smiley face back. I couldn't help but miss the dweeb. After all, before anyone else could be my best friend, Lilly was. And I couldn't forget that.

"OKAYY, I've got three outfit choices," Beck stormed into Ms. Lara's dance room where we were currently gossiping as she began to take down my overdue braids. I was still sweaty as we had just finished class.

"I don't even know where the date is located." I shook my head.

"That's why I brought options, duh."

Of course she did. She's like a walking designer closet, just in jail.

"Number one, this dress. This is if you guys are going somewhere like a fancy dinner or museum. Which, might I add, sounds extremely boring, but to each their own." She shrugged, setting down the red, flowing dress.

"There's nothing wrong with a little
classy dinner date," Ms. Lara defended.

"Sure, when you're like 25! No offense, free food is great, but not for a first date."

"You kids know nothing about good romance."

I looked at her in the mirror, "Aren't you only like 26 or something?"

Ms. Lara rolled her eyes, "No matter. Whenever I was back home, the boys bowed at my feet. I mean putting jackets over puddles type worship. Payed for my groceries, carried my bags, all of it."

Beck shook her head, "As much faith as I'm putting into Mateo, I don't think he'll mess up his clothes for you. Do you see some of the stuff he wears? Shits expensive. Carry your bags though, maybe!"

"He's a normal guy, relax."

Beck scoffed, "Says his girlfriend, of course YOU would say that."

"Not his girlfriend, won't be for a while." I defended.

"I doubt that, but whatever you say, sugar plum!"

Ms. Lara shook her head, "I'm praying for him, most boys here aren't worth even a glance to girls like you guys."

I scoffed, "I wouldn't underestimate him. He's actually kinda sweet. Sometimes. But if either of you tell him I said that I'll sew your lips shut."

"Girl, you're going on a date with him. I think y'all are past the little enemy stage now." Ms. Lara nodded in agreement with Beck.