The Beach. CB. Under Review

chapter nine

"How did band practice go?" I asked Janet as she played on her phone.

"Great. I'm first chair in clarinet now," she half-smiles at me.

"That's so good! I'm proud of you," I tell her, hugging her.

"Thanks," she smiles.

I feel my phone buzz in my pocket and pull it out to check it. It's Colby.

Colby: i finally escaped

Andy: what do you mean?

Colby: me and sam are driving back to LA

Andy: oh shit so you're gonna be on the road for a while

Colby: yeah, usually we fly here and we should've this time but my dad wanted to check something on my car

Andy: oh okay

Colby: yeah. who was that baby on your snapchat

Andy: my baby sister

Colby: you have a baby sister????

Andy: yeah. i have two

Colby: awwww how old are they?

Andy: the baby is 2 and the other one is 13

Colby: oh wow so you're like OLD

Andy: excuse me

Colby: older than them

Andy: that's what i thought

Colby: wyd

Andy: about to eat with my family gtg ttyl

Colby: oh okay.. ttyl

I click my phone off and enjoy dinner with my family. I talk to my dad again about the trip to LA, to which he says I have to bring Hayden or else I can't go. Well, I could go. However, I don't have the funds to go by myself so in order for him to help me, I'll have to bring Hayden. Like I said before, I don't mind it. I just dread talking to Sam and Colby about it.

"Goodnight, Andy," my step-mom hugged me goodbye, "I love you."

"Night, Tasha," I kissed Lily who was in her arms, "I love you too."

I had already told my dad and sister bye before I came to the foyer and Tasha offered to walk me out. After walking outside, I look around at the night sky. I've never been a true believer in God or religion at all, but I know my mom can see me. It's not a scary feeling, or even an uneasy feeling, it's just there. Almost like she never left. I just know she knows about Tasha and sees how great of a job Tasha did being my step-mom. She never tried to be my mom because she knew I already had one of those, but she was still there for me when I needed her the most.

I feel tears prick my eyes at the sinking feeling of missing my mom. Missing her hugs. Her warm hand on my cheek, wiping away tears. I'll never get that back. I know I'm not as gutted as I was but the pain never goes away. It just weakens. Before I know what I'm doing, I'm dialing Colby's number. My breath hitches in my throat when I hear it ringing.

"Hello?" he answers, half-laughing.

"Hey, um, are you busy?" I ask and then immediately face-palm myself.

"No, I'm just talking to Sam," he laughs.

"Oh okay, nevermind," I say and then hang up. I don't want to bother him.

Within two seconds, he calls back.

"Hello?" I answer this time, my voice shaking.

"Andy? What's wrong?" Colby's voice has changed from funny and playful to full-on concerned.