Xavier

14

Luna's POV

I woke up bright and early on Saturday morning with the intention of treating today like a spa day. I neglected to check my phone for the better part of the morning and went straight into the bathroom.

Luckily I got up early enough that I didn't have to stand outside of the bathroom waiting for my brother to come out. After handling the basic hygiene routine I stood in the mirror brushing my hair. It had been straightened for over a week, so it was definitely time to get the curls back.

I liked to straighten my hair to see how long it grew but I never really cared to have it straight for a long time. I was in the bathroom for like two and a half hours just doing my hair.

Once I was done with that I got myself together to go to the nail salon. "Dad?!" I called out as I exited my room. "What is it?" He replied.

"Where you at?"

"Kitchen."

I made my way down with a slight bounce in my walk. "Good morning!"

"It's one in the afternoon." My dad replied from his place in front of the stove. My main was sat at the kitchen table with her chin resting in the palm of her hand as she admired my dad. "Good afternoon, baby." My mom replied without even looking my way.

"Where are you going?" Dad asked when he turned to look at me. "To the nail salon."

"Oh! Get some money out my wallet. It should be a one hundred dollar bill in there."

"You don't have to do that dad." I insisted. "But I would like to. So grab my wallet off the table and take whatever cash is in there."

I just nodded and did what he said. It was better not to argue. Arguing was futile when it came to my dad. "There's $150 in here." I told him. "Go ahead and take it."

"But dad it's almost the first of the month don't you need this for something else?"

"It's fine, I promise. I get paid in a couple days so I'll just use that for bills and rent." He assured. "Are you sure?" I asked.

"I don't want you to give it to me and then need it for some unexpected expense—"

"Luna take the money. I know you can't help worrying but I promise it's okay."

After noticing my clear Jesus ration he sighed and abandoned the stove. He took the money out of his wallet and lifted my hand before placing the money in my palm. "Shouldn't this go in the trip fund?" I questioned.

"Luna..." he said with a slight edge to his tone. "Okay fine."

My family wasn't the richest and I always tried to keep that in mind especially when it came down to asking my parents for money. My dad pretty much worked overtime everyday to make sure we had a roof over our heads and enough in his savings every year so that we all could go back to the Cape every year. Sometimes we'd miss a year but because of how hard he worked that was rare. My mom was a hard worker too but it always came down to the fact that their wages just weren't really high. My dad works in construction and my mom is a social worker.

They wore themselves thin to make sure my brother and I had all we needed and then some. I just never felt good about using their money. Thankfully now that I live on my own they have less expenses.

"Thank you."

"You're welcome. Have fun." He smiled.

I made my way to my car and drove off once my car warmed.

As I made it to the main road I was reminded of the many times Nadia and I would ride around here at night during the Christmas season to see the decorations. I drove past the little alleyway that I used to sneak to when I was in high school to smoke or hang out with boys. Driving around my home town was always nostalgic. I could never stand it for too long though, because it would start to remind me of things I wish I could forget.

As I drove past the Hibachi place I was reminded of my first date with Quincy. A few blocks up was the skating rink where we kissed for the first time. A little further up was the skating rink where Nadia and I had to run from three guys that she scammed.

I know that growing and losing people is a part of life, but god I wish that did just a day I could go back to the days in high school with the two of them. I wanted so badly to be as happy now as i was then. I have no doubt that it'll happen for me eventually though.

When I pulled up to the nail salon i got an alert from my email. I turned the car off and decided to take a quick peak at it. It was surprisingly from Xavier. Just like he said he would, he sent over the information for The job he was talking about. He included another job opportunity in there too and a followed it up with well wishes and a 'let me know if you need anything'.

This is why it's always great to connect with your professors.