Only, Always, and Forever You

7 - :)

Amara's POV:

As I walk into my building, I can't stop thinking about the last hour or so I spent with Cole. I don't know why but talking with him felt so easy, which is something I'm definitely not used to.

I become more excited about the upcoming AP Lit. project the more I think about this afternoon. It could have just ended at the library, but then he offered to drive me home. I thought it was a sweet gesture, but I was also grateful that I didn't have to take the subway.

I unlock my apartment door and walk in before taking my shoes off. I assume that I'm home alone, as per usual, so I don't bother to announce my arrival.

I go to my room, and I drop my backpack on the floor before leaving again to make myself some food.

Why am I always starving when I get home from school?

I open the fridge, and I grab the fresh strawberries I bought for myself at the store yesterday. I do the grocery shopping for my family since I'm usually the only one around to do so.

I take the strawberries with me as I head back to my bedroom to do homework. I know, I know. Homework on a Friday night is pathetic. I don't need to be reminded of how much of a loser I am.

I open my Calculus textbook and get started on the assigned problems, which should keep me busy for a bit.

* * *

About an hour later, I've moved onto my Biology work when my phone pings. I'm confused because people never text me, except for my mom, but that's very rare. I assume it's just my mom, and I take my phone out of my back pocket to read the text.

I'm even more confused when I see that the notification is from a random number, not a contact.

Unknown: Hey, this is Cole.

Oh, right! I forgot I gave him my number. I add him as a contact before I reply.

Me: hey :)

I always use smiley faces when I type, but after I hit the send button I start to overthink a little. Was that weird? Does he think it's odd?

My thoughts are silenced by another ping.

Cole: Are you free tomorrow?

My heart stops for a moment... Play it cool, Amara.

Me: yes, why?

Cole: Luke and I thought the project group should meet up to get started on the assignment. Would you be cool with coming over to my place tomorrow? It would be Luke, Ella, me, and you.

Oh, right, the project! I completely forgot that we have actual work to do; I got so distracted by who's in the group...

Me: of course, just let me know when and where

Cole: I could pick you up, if you want, since you don't have a car.

Another time I get to skip the subway? Another time I get to drive with Cole? Sign me up.

Me: that's really sweet of you, and i'd really appreciate it

Cole: Of course. I'll see you tomorrow at noon :)

My heart is melting. I never thought I would find myself smiling at a text message, but here I am: in my room, looking down at my phone with the goofiest smile. Just that one little emoji has me blushing at my screen, and he probably didn't even think about it.

I need to get it together.

Me: see you then :)

I hit send and then throw my phone across the room. Knowing my clumsy self, I'm afraid I'll do something stupid like accidentally call him or say something that would freak him out... Could you imagine?!

I cringe at the thought.

Suddenly, I hear the apartment door open and close. I jump to my feet and run out to greet her.

"Mamá!! I didn't know you would be home this early!!" I exclaim, running to her for a hug.

I haven't seen my mom in a couple days, so I'm happy she's home. She works as a traveling RN during the week and at a senior center on the weekends. Balancing two jobs, especially two laborious jobs, takes a toll on her. So, I try my hardest to cheer her up and let her relax when I see her.

"¡Mi querida! Ven aquí!" (Translation: My dear! Come here!) my mom sighs as she wraps me in her arms.

After a long, much needed hug, we let go of each other.

"I thought you didn't get back from Chicago until tomorrow morning?" I say, excited that she's here regardless.

"Another nurse was kind enough to cover my last shift, so I was able to catch an earlier flight!" she answers. I'm incredibly grateful for that nurse.

My mother and I spend the night together watching movies, talking, and just relaxing. I decide to give her a few massages to soothe her muscles since RNs do so much physical work; if I were one, I'm sure that my body would give out on hour 1.

My mother, a devout catholic Christian, grew up in the Dominican Republic and emmigrated to the States when she was 20 years old. She also met my dad here. As an immigrant, English is her second language, but she speaks it well nonetheless. Her first language, however, is Spanish, so I picked it up too from hearing her speak it all the time.

I love my mother, and I look up to how strong she is. She's gone through so much in her life, and I admire her for it.

Honestly, at times I wonder if I'm even her daughter at all since I'm no where near as strong as her... But then, I look at her appearance and there is no doubt that I'm her child. We both have rich amber eyes and plump pink lips. We also have similar figures: slim waist, curvy hips, and short height. However, she shows off her shape a lot more than I do. I'm too insecure.

Even though our bodies are practically the same, I always felt like something was bad about my own, but that's probably just because it's mine. My mother and I also share long black hair, although mine is more silky and hers is more coarse. She has always said that I get that from my father, which is why I've always cherished it...

I stop thinking about everything and relax my mind. I focus on enjoying the little time I have with my mom, and I try to wind down. It's getting late and my social battery is in dire need of a recharge before tomorrow at Cole's house...