Even Through the Storm

2. The Diary

Dri and I finish our shopping, then head to the food court. "What about that one?" I ask Dri, taking a bite of my fries."She's kinda cute."

"Yeah, but she's into guys," Dri says.

"How do you know?" I ask. Dri's ex, Hallie, broke up with her last month after her parents forbade her to date girls. Since then, Dri and I have been trying to find her someone else so she can stop third-wheeling when I'm hanging out with Ash.

"I know, 'cause that's Daina. She's dated every boy in our school. Well, except Ash, but that's only 'cause of you."

"Okay, how about that one?" I point to the cashier in Roxie's.

"Lillian. She already has a g-f. Closer, though."

"Okay, I give. You can come tomorrow, but you have to stay in the row behind us. And, get your own popcorn."

"Deal."

***

Dri and I finish our lunch and head to her house. Her dad and Jonah are sitting on the couch. "Hey, Mr. Hudson," I say. After the divorce, for the sake of her kids, Ms. Hudson kept her former husband's last name. I don't see why, but I guess it at least helped me so that I didn't have to learn a new name.

"Hey, Dad," Dri says. "Jonah."

"Ready to go?" Asks Mr. Hudson.

"Yeah. Just let me get my bag." Dri runs upstairs, and I follow. "Hey, can you get that book with the flowers?"

"Yeah." A blue book with three-dimensional green paper flowers lays on her desk. I pick it up, before tripping on one of the chair legs dropping it. "Sorry." I pick it up, but not before looking to see what it is.

"Dear Diary, I broke up with Hallie today. I convinced myself it was because of her parents, but we both know the truth. I like..." Dri takes the diary out of my hands before I can finish the sentence.

"It's fine," she says putting it in her bag. I don't think she saw me read it, if so, she would've said something. She takes her tote bag and turns into her mom's room. "Bye, Ma, see you in two weeks."

"Bye, hun. Love you."

"Love you too." Dri heads downstairs. I follow her.

"Ready?" Asks her dad.

"Yeah."

"Bye, Dri," I say.

"Bye."