If you love me, sing to me

Coffee in Chicago

"Sana!"

I raced down the stairs, panting. "I'm coming! One minute!"

My mom clinked her heels against the floor impatiently as I shoved chapstick into my purse. "Don't you remember what happened the last time we were late? You know the lines are going to be long."

Out of breath, I grabbed my suitcase and wheeled it onto the driveway, hoisting it up into the trunk of my car. "It's okay! We'll make it. If we hurry, we'll make it."

My mom sighed in frustration but hopped into the car. "Did you pack everything?"

"Yes." I sighed.

She glared at me. "You didn't forget your toothbrush like last time, did you?"

"NO!" I yelled in my frustration.

She angrily replied, "I told you not to talk to me like that!"

I sighed. "I'm sorry, I'm just really stressed right now. We better get going or we'll miss our flight!"

Throwing me a look, she grimaced and started the car.

5 hours later

"Thank goodness! Are we finally here?" My mom asked.

I had a huge smile on my face. "Yes, finally! Anyways, what's our plan for the rest of the day? Can we go to the movies? I hear there's a really good one playing this week. And my friends have been ranting about Bajirao Mastani for ages!"

She just shook her head. "As a matter of fact, we do have plans...So no movies."

"Darn it!"

She just laughed. "Are you here to watch movies or to sing?"

"Sing, of course! But...I just thought...in the meantime..." My voice trailed away as she threw me a look. "Okay, okay. Whatever...No movies...But you said we had plans, right?"

My mom replied, "We have to meet the director of the show and all the other contestants for dinner."

"Ma..." I groaned, "Do we have to go?"

She rolled her eyes. "Come on, Sana. If you actually want to have a shot in this competition, we have to make nice with the director, and you should also be on good terms with the other contestants. If they see that you're being unfriendly or distant, they won't want you in the show!"

"You're right. Let's go then."

Once we got out of the building, she called a taxi driver over. "Umm...Can you take us to this address please?" She pulled out her phone and showed it to him.

"Yes, it's very close from here actually. Couldn't be more than five minutes away. Can I take your luggage, ma'am?"

She stuttered, "Of—of course!"

I rolled my eyes. "It's normal for someone to do that, you know."

"I know. I just felt honored, you know?"

I just smiled, hopping into the car.

Beep. Beep. I glanced down at my phone, opening up my messages.

Lucky you. I can't get over the fact that you're off to Chicago. Seriously. The boys there are hot. Maybe you can pick up one or two for me? And of course...get one for yourself too ;)

I just rolled my eyes. My best friend Mohini was totally obsessed with boys.

Me, on the other hand, not so much. I spent a lot of time giving my friends relationship advice, but when it came to myself, I had no experience. I was already nineteen years old and finished with my first year of college, but I hadn't been in a relationship yet.