What a week! Jonchelle thought as she headed home on Friday afternoon. It was cold outside, and the small patches of snow dotted here and there were starting to melt, although more was forecast for over the weekend. Being careful not to slip on any ice patches, Jonchelle made her way home carefully, picking a path in her knee-high winter boots. Wrapped up in a thick faux fur coat, she reflected on the past week.
It was certainly an eventful start to the new year, moreso than any other that Jonchelle could remember. First, there were the cheerleading tryouts—something that Jonchelle had never thought that she would do—and now, Jonchelle and Vanessa were eagerly awaiting the results for the new squad to be posted sometime next week. Of course, thanks to a previous wish, they knew that they would make it, but it was still something to look forward to.
And speaking of Vanessa, Jonchelle was beyond excited. Tonight was a big night. Their first night out together as girlfriends. Vanessa had arranged to pick her up later. They were going to get something to eat and then go to the movies, nothing special. But for Jonchelle, it was special. The girl of her dreams had asked her out!
The girl of her dreams. That statement lingered in Jonchelle’s head as she turned the corner onto her street. Vanessa was certainly something. She was Jonchelle’s everything. She had helped her out when she needed it and was supportive of her decision regarding the resolution—more so than her friend Karyn, who had completely abandoned Jonchelle in her time of need. Vanessa, a complete stranger, had stepped in to help fill the void.
Jonchelle smiled as she pictured her girlfriend-to-be as she dug out the keys to her house. She just couldn’t wait for tonight! She already had the perfect outfit planned.
“I’m home!” she called out as she stepped inside. In contrast to the bitter cold, she was greeted by a warm and toasty house. She breathed in deeply as she took in the heat, quickly taking off her snow-covered boots and her socks so that she could enjoy the warmth of the carpet on her toes.
Mom was in the kitchen, getting the dinner ready, her cooking skills were already improving and even though it was only the first week, Jonchelle could tell that she enjoyed taking control of the kitchen.
“Hi sweetie! How was your day?” she asked smiling, as Jonchelle entered.
“It was fine, thanks.”
“Are you ready for tonight?”
Jonchelle nodded. “Uh-huh, I have the outfit all planned out. Vanessa is picking me up at 7.”
“Well, your father is at work, and Zachary’s hanging out with his friends, so it’s going to be just us girls this afternoon,” Mom explained. “I’m not an expert yet, but if you need any help getting ready, just let me know.”
“Thanks, Mom. I’m going to take a shower and get started.” It was still weird to think that Zachary was just hanging out like a boy. Knowing Zach, he was probably shooting some hoops at the gym, getting some practice in case he made the basketball team. Jonchelle giggled as she headed up the stairs—to think, her brother playing basketball.
