priorities-2

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Carrie and I meet up for coffee, she's pumped because it's her final finals and thenshe's done. I'm psyched for her too. We're looking forward to spending some timetogether during the summer. I arrive at our regular coffee shop prior to her and order ourdrinks. 

Carrie and I meet up for coffee, she's pumped because it's her final finals and thenshe's done. I'm psyched for her too. We're looking forward to spending some timetogether during the summer. I arrive at our regular coffee shop prior to her and order ourdrinks.

My latte is hot so I blow and stir it for a few seconds before giving up, staring outat the parked cars. I imagine being back at the Patisserie and meeting Slasher, it seemslike ages ago. My life has changed so much, but I wouldn't trade my days in with Johnfor anything, it feels like he's watching over me.Carrie arrives a few minutes into my daydream, appearing war torn, "Are youokay?" I ask concerned."I just had an argument with Hunter and then time got away from me, I was goingto have a shower after the gym but you would have been waiting too long!"I sniff the air, "Some things are worth waiting for! She peaked my curiosity, I don'twant to ask, but I can't imagine what the infamous Hunter and Carrie fight about. "Whatwere you fighting about?" I ask cautiously, "If you want to talk about it that is.""Mine?" she points at her coffee, "thanks, believe it or not, it was about you.""About me? What could you possibly fighting about over me?" I ask skeptically."Your date to our wedding, I'm assuming you're coming with Leonardo .""Only as friends!" I tell her crossing my heart and holding up my right hand. "Iswear." 

"I believe you, just Hunter hates Leonardo for obvious reasons.""He doesn't strike me as insecure," I cast doubt even though I totally believe herand little does she know, he has good reason not to want Leonardo her wedding."Hunter's noticed I've been spending more time with him and Holly, to be withHolly of course." It's the first time, I start doubting her true reasons for their visits.Maybe it's not all about seeing Holly, maybe she likes spending more time with Brandonthan she's willing to admit, possibly even regretting her decision?"Of course!" I agree. So he DID take my advice, I smile inwardly. Hunter's a greatguy, but I think she belongs with Leonardo , her nastiness, is all water under the bridge, Iattribute some of it just from the pressure of school. "I entered the singing competition!

"Oh! That's great!" she gushes, "What song are you going to sing?""Should Have Been There, I'm going to pretend John's in the audience," I tell her."Oh my, there won't be a dry eye in the entire place," she predicts."Tell me you'll come and support me?" I plead, I'd love to have her there."You don't have to ask," she agrees. "I wouldn't miss it for the world.""Leonardo 's going to be there," I warn her, giving her an out if she thinks she's goingto be uncomfortable."That's okay," she shrugs sipping her coffee, "Hunter better get used to him, Leonardo 's Holly's father." 

"Right!" I slurp my latte. "Do you have to be anywhere for the next couple ofhours? I was hoping you'd help me pick out a dress for the contest.""I'd love to," she agrees. We hit the mall and it's like old times, only we're shoppingat the most expensive stores instead of the cheapest. I pick a conservative costume,nothing too glitzy or sharp, it won't jive with my true life story. I want to step on stagewith the judges having little to no expectations that I can sing, and then I will give it all Ihave.