The Girl of The Sun

seventeen

It's Thursday morning now, i've been getting my things packed the last few days for my new home in Paris. My mom hasn't stopped crying since the graduation party, I'm the first child to leave the house. I know she's happy for me, but I know she doesn't want me to leave her there. I promised her that once my degree was finished, I could become part of a successful business and move her and my brother with me. I'm also so happy they allow pets and can take Chai with me. I've looked online and they have a little dog park and a little play area for cats, I've already packed his toys and bed. It's weird to see my room slowly start to become empty other than just the furniture. I'm shopping at Target with my mom to buy last minute toiletries and such, which I know I'm gonna miss adventure shopping with my mom for a while.

This is such an unreal and exciting time for me, but there's always Rafael who happens to constantly cross my mind. I've left him voicemails and messages, but no answer. He may not have service since he's at the ranch, but I keep overthinking it, I imagine if he's changed his mind about me, maybe he just wants to move on.

In the evening, I stay the night at Estrellas house, for old times sake. My checklist is filled and my suitcases are ready to go. Estrella and I go to Loaf N Jug and buy a bunch of snacks. I go for the mango Arizona tea which is the usual, we buy hot fries, gummy bears, and honey roasted almonds. We make a big fort in her living room and make it cozy with blankets and pillows. We watch our favorite romantic comedies that include Pretty Woman and 13 going on 30. We save the Selena movie for last because of how emotional it makes us. At the very end of the night, we're giggling about embarrassing things we did as kids, and going over how we're becoming women now.

"Alex kissed me, the night of my graduation party after you left."

"He WHAT?!"

"He kisses me, but it wasn't a make out sesh, it was just nice and easy I guess."

"Well what happened? Do you, you know, like him?"

"I don't know, I mean I liked him when I was 15, but he's also my best friend. Apart of me will always have that connection with him, but I think it's better that me and him are friends. He told me he wanted me to happy, I guess that was his way of letting me
go."

"Dammnnnn. That was so wild, that came out of nowhere."

" I know, I never expected him to say he felt that way for me. This whole year has been wild. I mean I was in a serious relationship, I got a cat, I was in a car accident, I was pregnant, and I got into one of the best fashion schools in the world. What's next?"

"I'm so happy for you though, you're gonna be big someday, I call it."

"You really think so?"

"Duh. That's all everyone has been talking about. You're so worried about Meadow and those other unseasoned b*tches that you don't seem to see your potential. I don't see them getting accepted to schools in Paris."

I cover my mouth to stop my loud rupture of laughter. She really knows how to life my spirits up.

"You're gonna meet a handsome rich guy who owns a vineyard or something out there I bet."

"What are you like a psychic?" I say in a dumb sarcastic tone.

"Sometimes I think I am, but this is just facts. You're gonna meet someone like that, men are so romantic out there."

"I don't know, I love Rafael, I always will. I've left him messages, I've called him."

"Maybe he'll come home and see your texts tomorrow, there's still a chance."

"Yeah, I hope so." I pause, and I just think of this whole night and how I'm so grateful to have a friend like Estrella, I'm glad my last night in Poblano is with her.

"You're my best friend, I'm so thankful for you."

"Me too. Goodnight Fabiana."

"Night"

I stare at the ceiling, it's dark but I can see the little white bump design. I can't believe it, and I can't wait for the next years of my life.