DIET MOUNTAIN DEW. Johnny Lawrence

⁰⁰¹

VALERIA TAPPED HER FOOT AS she patiently waited for her best friend to arrive at his new apartment. The South Seas Apartments in Reseda.

It's been a year since she's seen Daniel. Him and his mom were finally moving down to California from New Jersey. Valeria had been waiting for this moment forever since she's moved here to Cali.

A familiar green car pulled up and Valeria immediately knew that was Mrs. Larusso's car. The passenger door opened, revealing Daniel. He looked up and saw Valeria, a smile appearing on his face and so did hers.

"Daniel!" She yelled as she ran over to him, giving him a hug. "Hey Val!". Valeria let go of Daniel, still with a big smile on her face. "I'm so glad you guys finally moved down here!". Daniel let out an awkward laugh.

"Valeria! So nice to see you sweetheart!" Mrs. Larusso said as she gave Valeria a tight hug. "It's so nice to see you too!!".

"How's your mom and sister?"

"They're good. They're at the house. My mom said I can help you guys with the boxes and stuff"

"Well I am so glad you're here cause there are a lot of boxes that are in the trunk and the U-Haul truck" She said as she opened up her trunk. Daniel and Valeria grabbed a box and made their way through the gate.

Valeria followed Daniel to their new apartment, apartment 20. Daniel unlocked the door with their key and they walked inside. Not a lot of space and not in the greatest shape but it works for two people.

The two teens went back and forth to the car and back to the apartment to put the boxes inside. "You guys can go ahead and do something fun. Explore the town. I'll be able to handle these last few boxes". Mrs. Larusso said.

"You sure you got the rest mom?" Daniel asked. "Yes. Now go, have some fun! Maybe I'll stop by your house later to say hi to your mom Val"

"Ok Mrs.Larusso. I guess we'll see you later then!" They walked out the door, Daniel observed the outside of his new apartment complex. And the empty pool. "Oh hey Freddy!" Valeria called out. "Hey!" A guy walked over. He was tall with brown hair, kinda like Daniel's.

"Freddy. This is my best friend Daniel"

"Hey Daniel. Nice to meet you!" Daniel nodded and smiled as they shook hands. "So where are you guys headed to?".

"Don't know yet. We'll probably just drive around town and get Daniel familiarized with the town and stuff" Freddy nodded. "Cool. Are you still going to be at the beach party later?"

"Yeah of course!"

"Alright I'll see you then" Freddy said as he walked off. Valeria and Daniel got into her car as they drove off.

"So how was the drive over here?" Daniel shrugged. "Tiring. But we made it" he said in a kind of sad tone. "It doesn't sound like you're so happy that you guys did. Is something wrong?" Daniel sighed. "I still don't really know how I feel about this big move yet. I'm already missing everyone back at home. All of our friends, and Judy..."

"Well that's normal. Thats exactly how I felt two years ago. But trust me, things will get better. You'll be able to make new friends down here and plus, I'm here. Your best friend"

"Yeah. You're probably the only reason I actually wanted to move to Cali" Valeria laughed. "Hey want to get some ice cream? I know that always used to make you feel better"

"Yeah why not" Valeria parked her car on the side of the street. They ordered ice cream and ate it outside while they sat at a little table.

"So, do you wanna go with me later to that beach party? I know Freddy will be there and you can meet my friends"

"Yeah I'll go. I got nothing better to do anyways"

"Trust me Daniel. I have a feeling you might like this place!"

"Well I hope you're feelings are right"