When In Paris

Chapter 36

CRYSTAL

I can't believe it.

I can't believe I'm finally finished with classes for good and I'm one more step closer to achieving my dream - getting my cosmetology certification.

I'm still wrapping my head around it all because it still doesn't feel real - but I'm in fact finished with classes for good. It's a very surreal feeling and it's been on my mind ever since I walked out of campus yesterday. But that's not all, another thing that has been on my mind ever since yesterday is memories of me and my nanna  - specifically ones where I would visit her at her beauty salon and shop every afternoon after school. I have no idea why these memories started appearing. None at all.

Justin instantly sensed something was up when he picked me up so I opened up to him like I've been doing and told him everything - like how everything is feeling very surreal now that I'm officially finished with classes. And then having the memories of me and my beloved nanna when he asked.

We talked about it the whole ride home and once we got home and I opened up to him much to my surprise I didn't necessarily fall apart like I thought. But then again I didn't really feel like doing much except enjoy a quiet night in with Justin which is just what we did.

Just thinking about it makes me smile just with how perfect the night really was.

Justin had Serena cook us a nice dinner that was ready by the time we got home which we enjoyed while we watched a movie and then after that he ran me a bath that we also both enjoyed. Which was all before we both hopped into bed and I fell asleep with Justin's arms around me which was just what I needed to end a busy last week of classes off with everything that we have been dealing with.

"Earth to Crystal! Are you there?" I can hear Rachel suddenly say distributing my thoughts.

I immediately turn to look at her. "What did you say?"

She has this worried look on her face that's probably been there for however long I've been distracted. She looks at me and then smiles. "Just that I think you've cut those strawberries small enough."

I suddenly look down at the strawberries I've been cutting for our signature margarita we are making for my little pre celebratory lunch which is today and notice her point. So I immediately stop before I completely destroy them and place them in the pitcher.

Afterwhile I can feel Rachel studying me as I'm muddling the strawberries together. I'm about to speak when she interrupts and asks. "Are you ok babe?"

I stop what I'm doing and turn and smile at her. "Yeah I'm more than ok we finished classes and are one step closer to graduating and getting our cosmetology certification," I say excitedly and then frown. "Why does it seem like I'm not?"

She looks at me before shrugging. "You just seem a bit distracted that's all."

I offer her a smile because if there ever was someone I couldn't hide anything from it would be Rachel for sure and I've learnt that the hard way. So as much as I know I don't have to tell Rachel I know better than to lie to my best friend so I turn and look at her before I tell her about everything.

"Do you know why all of a sudden these memories of you and your beloved nanna have reappeared after so long?" She asks after awhile. 

I shrug at her as I pour the vodka and triple sec into the pitcher with the muddled strawberries. "No absolutely no clue."

"And Justin knows all this right?"

"Yes he knows Rach," I say sighing. "I promised I would be more open with him so yes he knows."