Changing Fate

Chapter 3

Monday

I leave quietly, hoping to get some sleep. She's OK, so I'll go back and visit her soon.

----

I wake up at 8:30. My mind is in a weird state. It feels like I've forgotten something.

And then it hits me. "Shit!"

I've forgotten about Mom's present. But, seeing as there's school today, and I'm halfway out already, there's nothing I can do about it. Yet.

Running to the front door, something on TV catches my eye and I stop dead in my tracks, turning slowly to look.

The news is on, and they're talking about Mom!

"A local cancer patient wound up in a terrible state last night. Callie Green, 39, from downtown LA, was coughing blood when she was rushed into the ER. Her heart stopped twice, according to doctors."

I didn't get to hear any more. Liv ran to the door, and practically dragged me to the bus.

"Thanks!" I say sarcastically.

----

Tuesday

Day off today. Apparently there's a crap ton of snow coming over the next few days. So I decided to use this time to get stuff done. Partly because I feel like going shopping, and partly because Mom's birthday is less than a week away.

As I get out of the shower, Amber texts me. I doubt her at first.

But then I come round to the conclusion that she is actually trying to help me. So I call her.

She tells me that this guy she knows has a rare vinyl my mom wants. I've arranged to meet him with Amber, so there's people there in case he screws me over.

After breakfast, I run down to the car.

----

It's 10am, and I'm on the road.

Amber plugs in my tired old AUX cable.

"You don't need that. This car has Bluetooth."

"Whatever, girl, you know I'm old school."

All this talk is getting me down

Nothing's making sense in my head

She turns to me. "You need to develop your own tastes in music."

"Why?"

"You can't just live in your parents' shadow forever. All you'll do is think about them, and it'll make you slightly depressed."

I know she's right. And I've been trying. Honestly. But I can't find the will to do it. It feels like I'm losing a part of me, even though it's really a part of my parents.

She passes me the AUX cable. "Don't put 80s music on."

I press play.

Amber smiles. "Nice, indie!"

"How far is this place anyway?"

"I know there are closer places to meet, but he insisted we meet here."

Strange, huh?

"That seems kinda shady, Amber."

She turns to me, and admits something. "I felt the same way at first. But I've dealt with this guy before. He's fine."

Suddenly, Dad calls me:

"Hello?"

"Have you got the stuff?"

I shrug. "Yeah."

"Come and see me."

We go to his office. Everything's ready - music, food, gifts, drinks...this is gonna be a great party.

----

Wednesday

Mom finally came out of hospital today. There's 5 days until her birthday. My grandparents came up from Arizona last night.

"Morning, dear."

I turn and see my grandma standing behind me. "Morning."

"Off to school?"

"Nope, another snow day. More work planning Mom's birthday."

That's true...kinda. See, I didn't feel like going to school, and Ms. Petrano helped me get permission from the principal to stay off.

Still, I loved the attention it got me from Grandma. "Good girl."

----

I meet Liv and Amber at Starbucks later. I'm armed with Beats, and a new playlist on my phone, having taken what she said yesterday seriously.

"Hey girl!"

I jump in to the chair the same way Liv does.

"See?" Amber says. "Always copying other people."

"Not any more." I say, passing her the headphones.

I don't have much to say, I'll be out front

Won't you come spoil my night?

"Post Malone?"

I nod.

"Damn, E!"

Chloe, the barista, walks over. "So, Ella, you finally have your own style?"

Liv turns to her. "Yeah. Shame it's the same style as every. preteen. ever."

I shoot her a look, and keep sipping my iced tea.

----

I'm home a few hours later, when the doorbell rings. My first instinct is to pick up my phone and look at the camera. There's a pretty tall, dark-haired Latina girl standing at the door.

I run over, and unlock it.

"Hey! I'm Cam, your new neighbor."

She is breathtaking. Like, insane levels of cute. And she even brought a basket of cupcakes!

"Hi," I whisper sheepishly. My cheeks have turned a (slightly embarrassing) dark crimson.

And in that moment, my heart flutters.