Times

Chapter 7

Maria's POV

I can't believe that I didn't win the VIP Tickets. This was probably my only chance to even go to a One Direction concert. Gosh, I wish I had a back-up plan. The concert's in less than two weeks, there's no way I'm going to be able to buy tickets. They just got sold out, I checked. I was so stupid, thinking I was actually going to win. A silly, 15 year old girl like me? No way. Not ever.

But a 19-year old like Rachel may have won. I wish I read the name of the person who did win. The only thing I realized was that it wasn't me. Well, I better make a trip next door, I miss talking to Rachel.

"Hey little dummy, what goes on?" Rachel thinks she's so funny, the way she always greets me. Anyway, I go inside her apartment, almost identical as ours, but only slightly different. I sit on the couch and start talking right away.

"I didn't win the VIP Contest. I got a prize pack though. Did you get anything?"

"I got the prize pack too, but no tickets. But it's ok, no biggy. They'll always come back to Seattle." Rachel comes and sits next me.

"Of course they're going to come back, Rach. But there's not always going to be a contest! How else are we supposed to get tickets?" This is what bothers me the most. The fact that all of the kids at school can just buy their way through life, whereas I'm stuck in a position where I can barely afford a pair of Uggs.

"Well, what if I bought us tickets the next time they come?" The look in Rachel's eyes and her kind smile proves that she's serious.

"Nooooo, I can't do that. Its ok. I'll live."

"Oh Maria. I get surprised at how mature you are for your age." She makes this little wink at me, the one that I hate so much. But I'm "mature" enough to just ignore it.

We talk for about a half an hour more, until I decide to go back home. I say good night to Rachel, and plan to go apologize to Grace for storming out on her like that.

"Hey Grace, I'm sorry for leaving like that. I was just so upset. It had nothing to do with you. I'm sorry."

Grace gives me her award-winning smile. I swear, she's so beautiful, but barely even notices it. It just makes her look even better. "Don't worry about it babe. I know you were sad. I would be pissed too, if we were trying to see The Script."

I start laughing. "Yeah, yeah whatever. Well, I'm going to sleep early tonight."

"Alright, goodnight." As much as I would want to watch movies and eat popcorn with her on the couch, I'm actually really tired.

I'm about to go to sleep when my phone starts ringing, and I have to answer it.

"Hey Carmen!"

"Maria! Did you win the tickets?"

"Noo."

Carmen calms down slightly. "Whoo, good!"

I'm getting very confused. "Why? What's going on?"

"Well, my friends cousins daughter bought 2 VIP tickets to the concert, but just realized today that they wouldn't make it on that day. No one else in their family likes One Direction, and she was selling them super cheap, so I bought the tickets from her! Now we can go together!"

Oh, the phone call that just saved my life. I'm so excited now. My hand is shaking. "Really? O-oh my goodness, thats great! Just hold on, let me tell my sister!"

I put Carmen on mute as I race down the hall to the living room. Grace is still watching that movie, so I race to the remote, pause it, and turn around to face her.

"Hey! What was that for? They were just about to kiss!" Grace says with her mouth full of popcorn, her face looking sad, yet confused at the same time.

"I'm on the phone with Carmen right now, and she just told me that she got 2 tickets to the concert and wants to bring me with her!"

Grace looks surprised, but she answers right away. "It's only going to be the two of you?"

"Well, she only has 2 tickets. And they're VIP Tickets too!! Come on Grace, please."

"Maria, you both are only 15. I can't let you go by yourselves, something could happen. I'm sorry."

"W-Wha-HOW COULD YOU DO THIS TO ME!?" I was on the brink of tears now. I thought she understood! We're mature enough to take care of ourselves. She knows that. I've wanted to see One Direction for years and years and years, and an opportunity to actually see AND meet them has finally come upon me, and she won't let me go?! She knows we can take care of ourselves. She's met Carmen before.

There's something else.

"Are you going to tell me why you REALLY won't let me go?" I scared myself, I wasn't planning on asking that.

"Listen to me, Maria. We are not a charity case. I don't want your little friends doing everything for you and helping you with everything. Just because I can't afford it doesn't mean we won't be able to another time. Carmen is nice, but she is NOT bringing you to a One Direction concert for free. I'm not going to allow it." She got up from her seat, putting the popcorn down at the table and pointing at it. "You can have the rest of that. I'm going to sleep now. This discussion is over."

And she left the room, leaving my mouth open in awe. I can't believe that just happened. Of all people, I thought Grace would be the one to understand. Tears were threatening to leave my eyes, and they were close to falling until I heard a faint sound calling my name. That's when I look at the phone in my hand and remember that Carmen was still on the other line, me putting her on mute as I had the harsh argument with Grace.

"H-Hello? Maria? You still there?"

"Yeah yeah, I'm here sorry." I somehow managed to laugh a little.

"So? What did she say?"

"O-uh-what did she say? Ha.. uh... she said thats great! I can go with you." I slapped my mouth shut before I could go further.

"That's amazing! Oh gosh, my parents had another fight over the phone and I have to calm my mom down, I'll text you later ok?"

"Uh-o-okay."

"Bye!"

I hung up the phone, ran to my room, and jumped on my bed, face-down.

What did I just do?

~

A/N

I know it's taking a long time for them to meet One Direction, but its finally gonna happen in the next chapter (hint hint) so keep reading! and voting! and commenting! Thanks!

-Jay <3