A Thing Called Love

Coming Home

POV JULIETTE

Now it's 21:00, the dance is over and Ricky is giving Gina, Big Red and me a ride home. And being sincere, I think my knees are hurting.

- So, this is where I live. - Gina says, pointing at her house. - Ta-da.

All three of us just stay silent, and I really don't get why.

- Let me guess. You guys pictured a wrought iron gate and a bunch of gargoyles?

- Kind of. - Ricky says.

- No, you're not that scary. - I say.

- I think the part of iron gate yes. - Big Red says.

She laughs. I guess she's actually happy.

I get out of the passenger front seat for Gina to walk away. She surprisingly hugs me.

- Thank you again, Juliette.

- It was nothing. If you want to text me anytime, I'm always here.

She smiles at me and I do the same.

- Thanks for the ride home, Ricky.

- You're welcome. And I guess we're good now, right?

- You betcha. Bye, guys.

- Bye! - we say together.

As Gina walks to her front door, I go back to the passenger seat, next to Ricky.

- Okay, who's next? - Ricky asks.

- Can it be me?

- For me, it's okay. - Big Red says right behind.

So, he drives me home, and for distraction, I hum along "Born to be Brave" on the way. When I see, we have already arrived at my house and we notice that Big Red fell asleep on the backseat.

- It's a shame that he can't see my home right now.

- It's okay. Maybe you can show us one day. - he says, smiling.

We stay quiet for one whole minute.

- I kind of owe you a thank you, actually.

- For what?

- You're the reason I stayed with the show.

Then I stare back at him, surprised.

- Really?

He nods with his head, confirming that.

- That night at the park? You set me straight and... It's been a big deal for me. The T...Troy thing.

- Well, I think it suits you.

- I still don't know all the theater terms just like you.

- Believe it, I still can't understand some things of it too. I've just got some of it because of Lin-Manuel Miranda.

We giggle silently, to not wake Red up.

- I mean, it's just nice to have somewhere to go after school every day, you know? - he says.

- I know. - I assure him, nodding my head. - Believe me, I really do.

- Hey, before you head inside... What happened between you and Gina? For you two to make amends?

- Well, I learned today that the most unpredictable friendships start in the most unexpected ways. And... That's just between us.

- You really won't tell, right?

- Nope. - I giggle. - Thanks again for tonight. It's been hard enough for me to make friends all my life, but now...

- How's that working out for you?

- It's working out perfectly. I think my life just got much better when I entered this theater class. It's something that I've always wanted to do, and now I'm realizing my dream. What else would I want?

He smiles at me, and my heart skips a few beats.

- I should probably... - I stutter.

- Yes... Yes. - he stutters too.

- You know, I... I meant what I said. At the park. About you having your own style and making a difference at the play. I don't even think I knew how much I meant it when I said it.

We stare at each other, and suddenly we get closer and I hug him happily. And I don't know what happened to me, but I kissed him on the cheek. Maybe it's just the moment.

- Um... Good night, Ricky. - I whisper.

- Good night, July. - he whispers back.

As I enter my house, I suddenly hesitate and look back at his Fusca, and he's leaving now, but not after he waves goodbye at me, and I wave back, smiling like crazy.

I'm tired, but happier than ever. So, I arrive at my house and find Callie sleeping on the couch, on Johanna's lap.

- Hey, sis! - she greets me. - How was the dance?

- It was amazing! - I say, pecking her at the cheek. - Where are the others?

- Aunt Jenna and Grandma went to bed, and Mom is upstairs, preparing to sleep but still worried about you.

- Good. - I yawn. - Well, I'm going to bed too, after saying good night to her.

- She made me stay here and wait for you, but now I can't go anywhere with this little prick laying down on me. - she whispers, pointing to Callie.

- Don't worry, she won't be awake by now. - I say, still yawning. - I'm taking her to sleep on my bed.

- Okay. Good night, sis. I'm happy for you.

- Good night, sis. And thanks.

Then I take little Callie on my arms and lay her down on the other side of my bed. After that, I take a good bath, wear my comfort pajamas and go to my Mom's room.

- Mãe? - I whisper.

- Hey, darling. - she says as I sit down on her bed. - How was your night? Did that boy treat you well?

- It was the best night of my life. And don't worry, Mom, Ricky is amazing. He treated me well.

- I'm so happy, vida.

Then I yawn again.

- Sorry, I forgot that you're very tired.

- Yup, it's okay, Mom. I promise I'll talk everything tomorrow, okay?

- Okay, darling. - she kisses the top of my head lovingly. - Good night.

- Good night.

So I get out of her room and go to mine, laying down on my bed, Callie still sleeping.

My mind travels to my Ricky memories till I fall asleep. And I think that I've dreamed of him.

POV RICKY

I've driven Big Red to his house and I finally go to mine. I'm pretty tired, but feeling good.

When I arrive, Dad didn't come home yet, and I feel that here's so much lonely when no one else's here.

I'm still getting used to not having Mom's presence here anymore, but it's still so hard.

So, my phone chimes and it's his message.

💬 Son, I'm coming home, don't worry. Did you get home safe?

💬 I just came back. If you don't see me on the living room, I'm sleeping, OK? Good night.

💬 Good night, Ricky.

Then I get upstairs to my room, take a bath and lay on my bed. Suddenly, my thoughts fill with Juliette. How she's beautiful. How she was so happy today. How she's amazing.

All I can think is about her, until I fall asleep.