Second Chance (#1 Chance series)

Chapter 8

I awake, the next morning feeling groggy, stretching my aching limbs, I climb out of bed, hearing the commotion downstairs, everyone must be awake already. 

I trudge to the bathroom, brush my teeth and get a quick shower and throw on a random ensemble. I brush my long wet strands not feeling bothered to grab a blow dryer, so I leave it to dry. 

As I descend the stairs, I catch an amazing whiff of pancakes, smiling I head into the kitchen, where everyone is seated at the island.

 "Morning," Gran grins as I take a seat across from her. "Morning," I distractedly greet back as I take my first bite of the pancakes almost moaning in ecstasy. Gran laughs, "Good?" I bob my head up and down as I continue shoveling food into my mouth. "I'm glad to see your appetite has gotten better," Mom smiles, stirring her coffee. 

"Oh it's better. She's eating like a pig." "Chloe Anne Price!" Mom tries to keep a stern face, but I can see her genuinely struggling, Gran and Sofia on the other hand are falling over themselves in a giggle fest. I clear my throat amused as I begin bringing smaller forkfuls to my mouth, I suppose I was eating like a pig.

 "So how was it last night?" Mom asks inconspicuously, obviously fishing for information. "Fun." "That's all you have? fun!?" Gran shuffles the girls out of the kitchen throwing byes over their shoulders, heading to school. I grin, "It was different." 

Her face falls, "different? That's it?" "It was so fun mom, and crazy but I had a really great time and before you ask, no, I didn't drink." She smiles in relief, "That's good to hear sweetie." When she stands she's all decked out in lounging attire. "So what are you up to today?" She shrugs nonchalantly, "Probably run a few errands with Gran, chill. All I know is I'm not dealing with work or divorce stuff today." 

I nod in understanding before downing my apple juice and heading to school. I hope she found peace soon, like the girls had and like I was beginning to. 

 * * * 

When I arrive at school, I'm astounded by the amount of unrecognizable faces that greet me. I of course wave back in confusion, my did mother teach me manners, but I still get a icky feeling that I'm being recognized for all the wrong reasons. 

Though I don't dwell on it. My morning classes fly by smoothly and I meet a few more new people but I don't see Phoebe, Brooke, Ryder, Gabe and Colton all morning. That afternoon, I'm arranging my books in my locker, when Phoebe sidles up to me. "Hi sunshine!" she smiles, as she leans against my neighbors locker. 

"Hey, sunshine?" I'm genuinely pleased to see her. "Oh you know you're like a bright ball of sunshine, especially with all that hair." I laugh, "Why, thank you." "Ugh! I woke up with a killer headache this morning, not as bad as my other hangovers but it still hurt like hell." I grin, "Well you did have quite a lot to drink, I'm surprised your system could retain that much alcohol." 

She laughs before frowning, "Hey, I noticed you didn't even have a sip of beer..." I wince internally, sure these people were becoming fast friends, but I don't think I could divulge that much information about myself so soon. 

My heart condition was a massive part of my life, it was an integral part of who I am and I couldn't bear to make myself that vulnerable in front of these people who were basically still strangers. I shrug nonchalantly, "I have this small condition where it's better if I avoid alcohol." It was basically the truth with a little bit of a lie wrapped in there, my condition was sure as hell not small, I had sixteen and a half years in and out of hospital to show for that. 

She looked like she was about to question me further but thankfully Brooke intervened just in time. "I feel like I was hit over the head with a trailer," she has bags under her eyes and not an ounce of makeup on her face, but yet she stills manages to pull it off and look beautiful. 

"You're so dramatic Brooke, I've seen you drink a helluva lot more than that," Phoebe says smirking. Brooke shrugs, rolling her eyes, "Anyways, do you wanna head to Pete's after school today?"

 "It's like you can read my mind! I was just thinking that. I'm so in the mood for greasy shit right now." "You're always in the mood for greasy shit Phoebs, You in?" Brooke asks glancing at me.

 I finish unloading my books and lock my locker, "What's Pete's?" Phoebe squeals, "You've never been!? Pete's is only like the best fast food restaurant ever in Santa Monica!" "She speaks the truth, you have to come," Brooke is grinning. I laugh, "Fine, I can't wait to try this delicious greasy stuff you all speak good of." I suppose I could indulge a little, I hadn't had greasy food in a long long time. And a side of fries wouldn't automatically make my chest combust. I was being awfully careful and doing everything I should've been doing after the transplant. You could call it a cheat day. Brooke grins, "We promise, it won't disappoint."