Her New Moon

16

"Mom!" Driana whined, face-palming.

"What?" Ms. Berold asked innocently. She pointed at the television screen. "I still think he's a good character on the show. Heck, he's better for her!"

Driana disagreed in horror. "Gino's better!"

Ms. Berold made a face before stuffing her mouth with chips. Driana constantly checked her phone, waiting for a reply. After not receiving messages, she busied herself with watching the show. The woman threw a curious glance at her daughter.

"I've been meaning to ask," Ms. Berold spoke. "Who was that blond boy?" She raised a brow at Driana's lack of response. "The charming young man who waited for you in the kitchen. Does that not ring a bell?"

Driana bit the inside of her cheek. "It does." A memory surfaced, tugging the strings in her heart. She cringed, turning her head. "Not like it matters to me. But why?"

"I was curious where he had gone. He seemed nice. That boy spoke of you as if he had this massive crush on you." Ms. Berold smiled. "What was his name, again?"

Driana took a sharp breath. "Jasper Hale. His family left Forks to try out a new life. I don't know anything besides that."

Ms. Berold tsked at the information. "I liked that boy. He told me how lively you were when you met. I was surprised. I figured my daughter was shy. Jasper went on about everything you both did together."

The strings were plucked as each thought of Jasper entered Driana's mind. The familiar searing in her chest returned, making it harder to breathe. The girl forced a smile, ignoring the hole in her chest.

"Still, what a shame," Ms. Berold sighed, ending the conversation by continuing the show.

Driana squeezed her eyes shut, exhaling. "Mom?"

"Yes?" Ms. Berold replied, eyes still focused on the screen.

"I dated him for months." Driana winced at her mother's reaction. Ms. Berold stopped eating, setting the bowl aside. The girl raised a hand in defense. "I didn't want to tell you because I wasn't sure what you'd think of me."

"Were you worried about how I would respond?" Ms. Berold inquired, earning a nod from her daughter. "Driana, I'll make this clear for you. Sure, you dated Jasper after Paul. But people come and go. Love should not be the end of everything. Don't let it define you as a whole. I only care about how well you take care of yourself. I may not have been around as much as we liked, but I never left. If you thought of priorities first, I have no right to judge you. You are human, after all."

"Thanks, Mom."

"Come here," Ms. Berold called, hugging her daughter. "The heart and mind play an important role in your life. Choose the right decision. I can't guarantee happiness, though."

"I'm sorry I didn't tell you," Driana murmured.

"It's okay," Ms. Berold comforted. "I know it's hard to tell parents about issues. But, family is meant to be here for you."

"You don't think I moved too fast?"

Ms. Berold shook her head. "If you thought carefully about it, then no."

"I hope you find someone one day," Driana said. "You've buried yourself in work at this age."

"I'm a working machine," Ms. Berold chuckled. "Besides, I can handle living without a partner for a few years. Perhaps I'll settle down in the future. Right now, you are my priority."

"Thank you for being patient with me."

Ms. Berold pressed a kiss to Driana's temple. "Of course. Mommy will be here for you. Always."

They continued binge-watching the rerun of their show. Driana felt herself fall asleep on the couch, and Ms. Berold left the living room to give her daughter some peace. A while later, Driana woke up, receiving a message less than an hour ago. Her eyes widened, and she jumped off the couch.

The girl knocked on the open room door. "Hey, Mom?"

"What is it?" Ms. Berold asked, pausing her reading on A Lost Love. 

"Can I head to the movies? I got invited with a couple of kids I knew from high school. One of them is Chief Swan's daughter."

Ms. Berold quirked a brow. "Promise to be safe?"

"Of course. Unless there's something I don't know about."

"Don't go into the woods. There's bears on the loose."

Driana hid a smile. "I'll be safe."

The girl waited outside her house, checking her phone. A small red car drove slowly up to her. Driana squinted, focusing her eyes before gasping. At first, the girl believed she and Bella Swan's friends were heading to the movies. Instead, the driver, Jacob Black, and only one of Bella's friends, Mike Newton, were in the car. Driana waved politely, sitting in the back with Mike Newton.

"Hi," The boy greeted. He stuck out his hand for Driana to shake. "I'm Mike Newton."

"How could I forget the heir to Newton's Olympic Outfitters?" Driana joked.

Mike blushed out of embarrassment. "Right."

The ride had been excruciating for Driana. The girl was no stranger to being surrounded by tension. As they bought their tickets and sat down, the movie started rolling. One could pity Bella Swan, as who else would enjoy sitting between the boys? They had feelings for Bella. Driana sat beside Jacob, biting the inside of her cheek. She was about to scold Jacob until Mike ran out of the theater room. Chasing after Mike, who ran to the restroom, Jacob followed him inside.

"Bella," Driana spoke. "Not to sound nosy, but you aren't oblivious to their feelings, right?"

Bella sighed. "Sometimes, people don't understand boundaries."

"Why can't you tell them?"

The younger girl plopped onto a bench. "It's easier said than done."