Last Summer 🔪Scream 1996

Ch. 21: Mama Izzy

After we all gather up our things, making our way towards the register as we all laugh and joke around. Billy and Stu walk behind me as Sophia and Tiffany lock arms with me. Joseph is in front of us, paying for his and Tiff's meals at the counter with Milly.

"I Hope your mom lets me come with you to the beach house...I need a break from this town...."

"Who's going to a beach house?"

I smile up at Milly as I raise my hand. She gives Joseph his change before turning and grabbing a bag of food and a cake box. She turns back around with a smile on her face, setting both in front of me as I reach for my bag. Tiff and Sophia have already moved on, talking about five feet away as they wait for me to finish.

"Let me get it, birthday girl..."

I giggle a little as I look at Stu, finding him smiling as he pulls out money. I shake my head as I continue to pull out my own. Milly watches with a knowing look as she waits patiently for one of us to pay.

"Sorry...but with the small army over there and my mom's cheesecake and food, there's no way..."

I hand over a fifty before he can say anything else, smiling as Milly counts out my change. Billy and Stu both look at each other as I put away my money before slipping on my bucket hat. I grab the bag of food and cake box before turning to leave.

Before I can make it to the two girls waiting for me, an arm wraps around my shoulders as they take the bag of food from me. I look up, seeing a smirking Billy looking down at me as we move. I give him a confused look as he looks forward, guiding me towards the door.

Sophia and Tiff both follow, talking about anything and everything under the sun. Stu rushes to catch up with us as we hit the sunlight, moving towards where he parked. Joseph, who left the restaurant right after paying, pulls up in front of us with the passenger window down.

"That's me! It was great seeing you guys! Call me when you can, okay?" Tiffany pulls Sophia and I into hugs before turning and hopping in the passenger seat. "Love you both!"

She blows a kiss as I do a small wave with my slightly free hand, smiling at her as she is driven away by her new boo. Sophia looks at me with a smile before grabbing the bag of food out of Billy's hand and rushing towards the car.

"Shotgun!"

Stu unlocks his car as I laugh, enjoying the mood change. It started out as a day of being gloomy and worried, now we're having fun and back to being our fun-loving selves. Sophia hops in the front as Billy opens the back door. He lets me in as I scoot over, letting him sit in the seat I was supposed to sit in.

Stu hops in and starts the vehicle, pulling out of the parking spot as Sophia takes over the radio. I start to laugh as she smiles at me, singing along to the song as she looks back at me. I shake my head before looking out the window, taking in the sights of the passing buildings as I nod my head along to the tune coming through the speakers.

——

"Thanks for the ride!"

I call back as I wave goodbye, a smile on my face as Sophia does the same. We walk side by side towards the front door, matching smiles on our faces as we both carry food for my mom. As we get to the door, I hand the cheesecake container over to Sophia as I dig in my bag. She's busy humming and dancing as she recalls the song from the car ride.

I start to mumble the words as I find my keys, turning towards the lock as Sophia takes over with the vocals. Soon, we're both singing and dancing as we walk into the house. I laugh as we walk into the kitchen, setting the food down as we get louder. We both laugh as she grabs my hand, spinning me around before hooking her arms around me as we start to dance.

This is nothing new. Ever since we first met, we've been this way. Maybe it's her playful, fun-loving personality...Or maybe it's because she always has a smile on her face when she's here...Or maybe it's just how we are. No matter the reason, I'm happy to have her in my life.

As we spin around, singing and laughing with big smiles on our faces, a figure moves into the kitchen doorway. We don't notice it at first, to busy laughing at each other as we goof around. A throat is cleared as we stop, facing the doorway where my mother is standing with her arms crossed and a small, faint smile on her lips.

"What are you two doing?"

"Nothing..."

We both step back as we clear our throats as well, smiles still on our faces. I move forward and grab the cake container, smiling up at Mom as she looks at it with a raised eyebrow. I hear Sophia grabbing plates and utensils for my mom behind me as I open up the box and get out the cheesecake.

"Milly gave us a deal on this...said something about my birthday coming up and something needing a vacation...."

I smile at her as she eyes the cheesecake, looking down at the chocolate goodness before me. Sophia sets down a small plate for a slice of the cheesecake and a knife to cut it with before grabbing my mom's food and dishing it out with a smile.

"We also got you your usual as well...still hot and ready to be eaten..."

We both look at her with smiles as she looks at us, watching our every move. I grab the knife and slice into the cake, dishing it out onto the plate in front of me before holding it out to my mom as well, the smile staying on my face. She crosses her arms again, looking down at the food before making eye contact again.

"What do you want?"

I look at Sophia before looking back at my mom as she reaches for the cake, taking a bite before pointing the fork at us. I gulp as I wait for the worse.

"I know the signs...you want something and you plan on getting it...so what is it?"

"We...uh..."

I look at Sophia as she stumbles over her words before looking back at me, gulping before both of us face forward again. I clear my throat as I look up at my mom, throwing on a smile again as I look her in the eyes.

"Uhm...nothing really...we were just wondering if Tiffany is still going with us?"

"In other words 'even though I'm grounded, I want my friend to come with us on vacation' right?"

I gulp as I look at Soph, a worried look on my face as she clears her throat. She smiles up at my mom as she tries her charm out.

"Yes...but it's also Christina's birthday next week and..."

"You want to spend it with friends I know. That's why I called Tiffany's mom and made sure that it would be okay for her daughter to come along. We'll pick both her and Bonnie tomorrow morning before heading out of town, okay?"

A large smile makes its way to my face as I rush forward, throwing my arms around her neck.

"Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!" I grip her tight before kissing her cheek and hugging her again. "You're the best!"

"Of course, Mi hiji....I love you."

"I love you too, Mami!"

                              🔪🗡

A/N

Okay....

I made an announcement about this but...

My mom had a stroke this last week and is barely able to move her right side. Due to this, I'm not sure that I'll be able to write on this book or my others for awhile...

I am sorry and I will try to update when I can, but it will be hard.

Please take care of yourselves.

Love
-The Author