Moving Forward

Chapter Twenty-Two

"Sounds like you guys had fun," Zach laughed when Sandy told him my embarrassing speech story. "I knew you were smart but I didn't think you'd be able to plan a speech such as that."

"I didn't plan it at all," I protested. "It was all improvised."

"Even more impressive." The clatter of trays made us turn in their direction. Instead of the usual group that follows Sandy around, Tyler, Kassidy, and Kup sat down. I understand Tyler and kind of got Kup, but Kassidy? The ultra bitch of the squad after Kaleb's dick?

"Hope there's space for three more," Kassidy said shyly. I blinked in confusion. This is supposedly the bitch who wouldn't care about anything other than herself. Seeing our knowing looks, Tyler decided to speak for her.

"Her bitchy facade? Just a front. This person is a popular vlogger on an app called Amino in the LGBT community. Meet Kassidy Holden; non-binary." I was still confused so Zach cleared it up for me.

"Meaning she-- I mean they-- doesn't conform to any gender. I nodded along. My eyes looked over her at the male who held his head down. For some reason of all the seats he could've chosen, he chose to sit next to Zach. You know that grin your friends give you when your crush is sitting next to you? That's the face I'm giving Zach right now. However, instead of a flustered Zach, he was the same. Absolutely no reaction. Zach noticed me and set his fork down. "While you guys were having fun, I came across this guy lamenting in the swings at X Park."

"I wasn't lamenting," Kade surprisingly protested. Feeling everyone's gazes on him, he looked back at his tray. "I was just thinking."

"So are you guys like friends or..?" Sandy asked for me, looking between the two males.

"I guess you could say that," Kade said once again. Zach's cheeks turned a little red and all of a sudden became embarrassed.

"After talking to him for a while, I let my emotions get the best of me and confessed to him..."

Silence.

"About freaking time!" I praised the ceiling. Sandy also seemed relieved until Zach's eyes widened and began frantically shaking his hands.

"We're nothing more than friends, okay? There is nothing between us!" My smile turned to a frown and I pouted. Directed to Kade, I said in a whiny tone,

"So he's not going to become my brother-in-law?" I was not expecting an answer directed towards me. In fact, I was expecting a remark about how we weren't family. Neither of the two occurred. After what felt like years, my brother looks into my eyes directly, joined by a warm smile.

"I never said that. Zach and I decided to take it slowly and get to know each other before dating. If my little sister can date who she chooses, I want to be able to make this decision myself."

I swear tears wanted to spill. "You called me sister...!" Kade hesitated and nodded.

"I was afraid mom and dad would have some sort of surveillance on me after you were kicked out. I didn't want to be punished in ways I wouldn't be able to see you..." I stood up, walked around the table, and tackled Kade into a massive bear hug. I hid my face in his shoulder and sobbed.

"Thank you for not giving up on me, Kup." Returning the hug, I felt him smile.

"Thank you for saving me when I needed saving."

Ever since I met Sandy, my life has turned upside down. No, ever since I was left to fend for myself my life was turned upside down. Sandy inverted the colors, allowing me to see the world in a completely new perspective.

I used to be a rich little-spoiled girl who only cared about herself with the exception of my brother. I was raised to be nothing less than perfect. Unfortunately for my parents, after the rumor spread, they don't know they helped change my life for the better instead of changing it for worst.

"Kandy," I heard Sandy say softly as to not attract the attention of our chatting tablemates. "You know how last night I was on the phone with someone?" I nodded. I was curious who Sandy was talking to. She didn't at all seem happy though I did leave towards the beginning to not listen in to something personal. Sandy visibly hesitated. "That was my mother. When I was a child, she neglected me enough to see the world in negative colors."

I raised my hands to my mouth to hide my gasp."That's horrible!"

"She was jailed for two years though she never was allowed to see me again," Sandy explained. "And, well, after everything you've done, I was inspired to... uh, well, forgive her..." My Sandy is actually struggling for words? Cute. Shaking my head, I refocused on the matter.

"How did it go?"

"It became too emotional for her. She never believed I would forgive her for actions she knows were not suitable for a girl my age at the time. So what I want to say is thanks for going above and beyond to make amends with your family."

"Even though you were the one who urged me forward," I said with a shake of my head. "What's her name?"

"Susana." Like my dear Aunt Susana... "We are not related if that's what you're thinking."

"I know," I laughed then sighed. "I'm glad I was of some help."

"What are you chatting about?" Tyler asked.

"None of your business."

Compared to before, I don't have very many friends, but my friends are real friends. They stick with me through tough and thin. I smiled at all the silly memories we've had together. I smiled, even more when I thought about the future. Sandy said she wants to attend Harvard. If we were really not meant to be, then we wouldn't wait on each other. However, because we are meant to be together, we will wait for each other as long as it takes to get our life sorted before coming back together. Zach will also be there along with Kupkake. Somehow I also see Kaleb standing alongside Tyler and next to Tyler is Kassidy. We may have just started talking five minutes ago, but she doesn't seem so bad. Maybe within time I'll grow to like her.

"Anybody wanna eat out at my dad's new restuarant later?" Sandy asked. I stared at her while the other excitedly confirmed. Sandy mirrored the look. "I only found out today. Appareantly this whole time I thought he was cooking elsewhere he was getting his restuarant built nearby. He managed to complete the requirements and is now head cheff at the place. It's called Giles' Exquisites."

"I'm down," I finally answered.

"Good. Right after school we can walk there and critcize my dad."

"Sandy!"

I love how my life has turned out. I met my love, made good friends, and made amends with my family. Or rather with the casted family members. Kade's right about us not being welcome in the main branch, but we can create our own branches. It's what most of them did. It's what I plan on doing.

There are many things in life that will try to tear you down. You just have to rise back up and continue moving forward. Nothing will wait for you if you fall behind. Nothing is ever going to be easy and the easy things are sometimes the hardest to solve. Although I learned that the hard way, I'm glad I learned it nonetheless. Better late than never.

With my head held high, I push through the prejudice crowd, my friends at my sides. I will be okay as long as they got my back. And just like I act like the main character in my own perspective, I will have my friends back in their own story.