Just Breathe

Chapter Thirty Six

"You should totally ask if you can come out this weekend," Hunter said excitedly the next day.  The semester was winding down and her school was throwing an end-of-semester party.  Hunter had been campaigning heavily for her cousin to join her out on the west coast.

"I don't think my parents would ever let me fly out there alone, especially after our last California escapade" Lia said, knowing her mother would worry the whole time.

"Well, you're starting college in a few months," she pointed out.  "If you decide to come out here, they'll have to get used to the idea eventually.  Come on, you should at least ask."

"I'm grounded right now, so it's a lot to ask," she told her cousin, though she desperately wanted to go.

"You're still grounded?" Hunter asked, surprised.  She knew Vanessa could be a bit strict, but Lia was practically an adult.  They couldn't keep her locked up in the four walls of their Washington Heights apartment forever.  They had to let go and let Lia spread her wings.

"You know how my mom is," Lia said.  "She says she's the CEO of our family. I'll ask, but I'm not sure if it will work," Lia explained, hearing the twins screeching down the hallway.  Now would not be a good time to ask, when the twins were going wild and her mother was surely stressed.

Lia was on her best, most helpful behavior that evening.  Lin was at the theater for the evening, so it was just Vanessa and the kids.  She helped out with the twins and did the dishes without being asked.  After Sebastian and Stella had been put to bed, she put the kettle on and delivered a decaf tea to her mother.

"Thank you," Vanessa told her, already suspicious.  Usually, Lia was caught up enough in her own life that she rarely did something so thoughtful.

"You're welcome," she replied.  "Mind if I put on a movie?"

"Go ahead," Vanessa said, seeing pretzel style on the couch with her laptop open.  The evening was the only time she had a moment to think.  Knowing her daughter all too well, she let the silence sit between them, knowing she wanted to ask something.

"I was talking to Hunter earlier," she finally said after settling on the original Grinch movie, one of Vanessa's favorites.

"Yeah?" She asked.  "Is she getting ready for finals?"

"Mmmhmm," Lia said.  "Her school throws a big party at the end of the semester.  She was hoping that maybe I could go too. Since I'm interested in going to school there?"

Vanessa glanced over at her, looking hopeful.  "You wanna fly across the country all by yourself?"

"Mom, I'm practically an adult and my last day before break is Friday anyways," she pointed out.  Lia wasn't sure why her parents seemed to keep making a few months such a big deal.  It's like they wanted control over her life as long as possible.

"Lia, I know the prospect of living a thousand miles from your family seems enticing," Vanessa began, "But California is a long way.  Are you sure you're interested in UCLA?"

"Yes!" she said.  "Hunter would be there, and California's such a cool place."

Vanessa knew her niece was a great kid but she also liked to party.  "Do I have to remind you about the last time you were in California with Hunter?"

"Mom, I promise it will not be like that this time. I will not even look at alcohol!" Lia pleaded earnestly, "I will be so sober that everyone will think I'm in AA!"

Vanessa sighed. Her daughter was probably a bit inexperienced as far as college life went.  As a mom, it was hard to think of her kid all the way on the other side of the country without her. She'd still talk to her husband, but there wasn't a valid reason why she couldn't go. Lia was overall a responsible person and it would be a good opportunity for her to explore her potential next city.  "Look at ticket prices."