Castle On The Hill

Chapter Twenty-Four

It's the end of July and I am not homeless. I am still living with Mama Tina and out every day looking for a job. Shane is still saving too and once I'm employed somewhere, we're going to start putting in applications for apartments. Mama Tina is only requiring that I pay rent once I get a job, but she did stress to get one sooner rather than later. It sort of makes me see why Francesca said I was nothing but a check. I try not to think that way, just have been pushing myself harder to put out applications.

I stepped out of Jungle Cafe and sighed. I've put in my five applications for the day and am ready to go home and relax! I got on my bike and started riding in the direction of home. Shane and I worked nonstop for three days to teach me how to ride a bike, so now I ride it everywhere.

After a few blocks, I heard a familiar cry in the distance. I haven't spoken to Francesca in two months, should I go in her direction to try to comfort her? I got past the Parker incident, but we still haven't made up from our fight. This is the first time a fight with a friend has lasted this long. The crying got louder, so I ignored my ego and went in the direction her house. When I got there I set my bike in her yard, walked up to her and stood a foot away from her, unsure of what to do. She lifted her head to wipe her eyes, spotted me, and gave me a nasty look.

"What do you want?" She snapped.

"I wanted to make sure you were okay. I could hear you crying from downtown."

"Why do you care? We haven't spoken in months."

"I never wanted that to happen. I'm sorry for overreacting. Parker upset me and I took it out on you instead of cussing him out. Did he tell you he was at the parade with me?"

"No."

"He even asked if I had plans and he told me he was going to a ball game. We even talked about going to one sometime when they have another free game. When I saw your post, I got pissed because why would he take you after discussing it with me? When he said he took you to help babysit, I flipped."

"Why? I've known him since Kindergarten."

"I felt like he rubbed it in my face. I had more of a relationship with his siblings. Why would you take someone who is more of a stranger to watch them versus someone who knows them and has never been to a game."

She nodded. "I guess I could see. He did try to ask me on a date, but I told him I love Nick too much. We went as friends. I needed a distraction from crying."

I nodded. "Why are you crying now?"

She sighed. "Do you want to come upstairs? I don't want to discuss it out here."

"Sure. Does this mean we've made up?"

She cracked a small smile. "Yes. Let's not let a stupid boy get between us again. Unless it's Nick. I'll cut your throat."

I laughed. "You and him have too much drama for me and I'm happy with Shane."

I picked up my bike, pushed it up to the porch, parked it, then followed her in the house. We went straight up to her room on the third floor and she locked us in there. She went to her bathroom then came back out, holding a white stick shaped thing with a blue cap.

"What is that thing?" I asked.

"I just found out. I ran away to cry when I saw it." She explained cautiously.

"Okay. So, it's a test of some kind." I responded nervously, not sure what to say.

"Yes. A test I'm not ready for to come true."

"That's why it upset you, didn't like the result.."

"Yeah, the test result sucks. Nick and I have been together since sophomore year and I guess we're having a baby."