FAKING SMILES [DANIEL VEDA]

CHAPTER NINE

Nine.

     SABRINA'S POINT OF VIEW

     I have to say, this whole thing with trying to bust Jasmine and her evil bitch ways is kind of tiring. It's also very frustrating. But, I mean, it's worth it. It's basically pay back for trying to ruin my further and Arabella's. Speaking of Arabella, she's an amazing person. Honestly, I don't know why I didn't make her my best friend instead of Jasmine. I've known Arabella since pre-school and I'm just now realizing that we are a lot a like.

     We've always had the same or some what same G.P.A., we've had the same classes since pre-school. But besides that, I know that she has the same problems at home like me. She works as much as I do to help her mom pay bills. She's the oldest out of seven children. All of them are a year apart except her. She was three when her mom had her second child and after that, they kept coming.

     Her dad walked out on them just like my dad did with my mom, my siblings, and I. For years we've suffered with money problems just like Arabella and her family. I knew that Arabella and her family were going to loose their house if they didn't pay off their last payment. So, me being sentimental, I would send Arabella's mom money. And to this day, they still have their house.

     Jasmine says that I'm weird and stupid for doing that but I didn't want them to be homeless. Arabella's mom later found out that I was the one that sent her money every two weeks. She still is trying to pay me back for paying off her house but I refuse to take it. I chose to do that for them and see them smile and live happily is all I needed in return.

     Anyways, me and Kevin decided to take the day off from school. My mom was hesitant but she knew we'd leave school right when she leaves for work. Uriah and Lina are on winter break already which was weird at first 'cause usually high school and college schools get out for vacation at the same time. But they explained to Kevin's and I that students who finish school work early get a head start on vacation.

     Right now, we're at Arabella's house to see if she would tell us her whole story. I quickly rang the door bell. I heard a bunch of footsteps and yelling going on in the house before the door opened and standing there was Arabella in some sweats and a sweater.

     Her eyes widened. "Sabrina, what're you doing here?"

     "I was wondering if I could talk to you." I asked.

     "Private? Or..." She trailed off, looking over my shoulder and at Kevin, Uriah, and Lina who waved at her.

     "Together, if that's okay." I smiled faintly.

     "Look if you're going to beat me up for getting you suspended, then that's fine but just don't– don't do it in front of my family. They all worry about me too much as it is." Arabella sighed.

     "What? I'd never fight you." I rushed out. "I'm here to help you. I was told that you were bribed by someone, so I want to turn that person in so you aren't suspended anymore."

     "You want to help... me?" She asked in astonishment. I nodded.

     She then shook her head, her face falling. "I don't want your help. I still did the crime and there's nothing you could do about it."

     "And we don't care if you did it. We care about who forced you to do it." Kevin rolled his eyes.

     "Yeah, I know that your family has money problems." I announced. Her eyes widened once again.

     "How– how do you know that?" She stammered as her voice became into a whisper.

     "You're little brother told me one day as we walked home." I responded.

     Arabella sighed. "I'll talk to you. They have to go."

     I looked back at Kevin, Uriah, and Lina. They nodded and I tossed them my keys to the car before they walked off. I followed Arabella into her house, which was pretty big. Before I could even make it to the stairs, I was brought into a hug.

     "Oh, Nicole, thank you for helping me and my family." Arabella's mom cooed.

     "It's all good, Miss. Vega." I smiled.

     "When Arabella told me that you were the one to bail me out of jail I felt bad that you had to give up your money." She frowned. I furrowed my eyebrows.

     "What? I didn't bail you out. I didn't even know you were in jail." My eyes widened.

     "Then who did?" Miss Vega asked.