In The Stars

CHAPTER THREE

In one day, my junior year of volleyball was taken from me and my senior season was not promised. All because of one person.

In one summer, I almost lost my grandmama, moved across the country and was no longer an only child. In one summer, my family experienced heartbreak and new beginnings. In one summer, I learned just how strong my grandmama is and just how much my family needs one another.

꙳ ✩ ꙳

Being new to Carmel means I don't know the best places to shop nor essential eateries. As I've made it my mission to help Ipo, she's made it her mission to help me explore the city.

We meet up on friday afternoon. After a week of having to carry my bio project on my back because of my missing partner, and starting training again with the help of Amari, who hooked me up with her trainer Eliz, a girls day out was welcomed.

I kept on my flowery sundress from school knowing the California heat won't ease up, and pulled on a pair of black Mary Janes.

Once my hair is secured under my green headwrap, my number eleven necklace clasped around my neck and tote bag packed, I'm ready to go.

I grab a green juice and decide to stop by my grandmama's room before leaving. She's crocheting with Sabeh sitting on her lap fighting off his sleep. She pauses her work when she sees me.

"I'm heading out," I lean over to hug her, and squeeze my brother's chubby cheeks.

"Okay, your parents are on a date, so I guess that means I'll set your curfew," she gives me a sneaky smile. "

Midnight, Sunny. No later," she shoots me a stern look. "Okay, thank you!" I squeal, and give her one last hug before I'm out the door, locking it behind me.

Within a month of being in Cali, I learned two things: one, most of everything is walking distance, and two, a bike will come in handy. I've been looking into ordering a yellow old fashioned bike with a cute basket. Might save me some time.

Slipping through small passageways and passing curlicue roofed shops, I try to learn a bit of the cozy town. It's honestly like I've stepped into a fairytale village. All the stores and shops share the same cottage-core look.

My feet are aching by the time I've made it to the metropolitan outdoor mall.

I sip on my juice as I wait for Ipo. My phone buzzes in my bag as I take a seat on a little brown bench at the mall entrance.

Ipo: I see you :)

I lift my head up, searching for the short girl. A flash of bright red hair catches my attention.

Me: where r u?

Ipo: look up

The bright red hair belongs to the one and only Ipo. She laughs when I finally see her. Her eyes sparkle with her colored contacts. This girl. She did not look like this earlier. Gone is the black bob, now replaced by a red wolf cut and a matching red two piece to complete

Ipo hugs me, her head barely reaching my shoulders. "You ready?" Her excitement is infectious. "Yeah," I responded with a dimpled smile.

"Let's go!" Ipo grabs my hand and drags me behind her. "Shopping is how I destress," she tells me. Interesting. Shopping is how I end up spending all my money.

"I thought we could start basic." She gestures at the boho stores to our left as we walk down the wooden walkway. "The mall is one of many in the area but by far the closest, and the bougiest."

I get what she means when we stop in a clothing store I've never heard of. A bowl of rings were perched atop a small table. I picked up a chunky jade one and immediately put it back when I saw the price: $32. For a small ring? I laughed to myself.