Arizona Dreaming

Road Trip

"Life is a book and there are a thousand pages I have not yet read." -Cassandra Clare, Clockwork Princess

***

5:30 in the morning was the meeting time for our basketball camp.

Lola helped me pack the things I need like clothes and snacks.

"Are you sure they have sleeping amenities when you get there?" she folded my white pajama with the black sheep design.

"Yes Lola," I answered.

"We're not sleeping in tents or under the stars." I paused.

"If you think about it, that's not a bad idea either." I grinned.

Lola shook her head.

When I gave her the waiver, I told her about St. Agnes.

What it is, where it's located.

I even wrote down the address and the phone number in a notepad

She was worried because this will be the first time I'll be away.

I even called my dad to tell him about the basketball camp and he was excited.

Before he hung up, he asked about Julia and I.

"Are you guys getting along?" he was munching on something so he sounded muffled.

"We're fine, Dad." I replied.

Before he hung up, he let me speak to Regina.

It was the first time I talked to her without resentment.

She asked me about school and of course, Julia.

"I heard good things about her."

The comment made me smile.

I'm proud that my dad and stepmother are totally okay with me dating a girl.

Before she hung up, she told me that they're both excited that I'm spending Christmas with them.

I told her I am too.

It wasn't because I was lying but because I'm actually looking forward to it.

I'll miss Julia but I'll be back in January so that's another thing to be excited about.

***

I packed the blue bathing suit in my black duffel bag as well as the bottle of sunscreen.

I have my backpack since Julia told me it would come in handy when we go hiking.

"Did you bring a hat?" Lola sat on the edge of the bed and watched me zip the bag.

I nodded.

"Do you have enough money in case you guys go out to eat?"

"Yes Lola." I smiled then set the bulging bag on the side of the bed.

I joined Lola and told her not to worry.

"I'll be back on Sunday afternoon. I'll call you when we're at school, okay?"

She smiled.

***

Julia was sitting inside their jeepney when the car pulled up at the parking lot.

The driver parked in front of them.

I reminded Manong Larry to pick me up at one in the afternoon.

He got out of the car and took my bag out of the trunk.