"Bahaha! No way!" Beth laughed, throwing herself backward on the couch, and landing on a pillow. "He couldn't wait until you were done teaching to meet with you?"
"I know," I tell her. "Also, one thousand dollars? Really Beth?"
"It was an investment." She replies slyly, sliding a one hundred dollar bill into my palm as compensation.
"Really an investment?" I raise an eyebrow.
"Yes. Blazers like these are not cheap," she replies, removing her blazer. She tells me to touch the soft material and the small pockets it had for her to stow her keys in. I do have to admit, the blazer was pretty neat, especially because of how spacious the pockets were. It fit her curvaceous figure perfectly, grasping her waist and outlining her figure like a telenovela model.
When she is done showcasing her blazer, she lifts herself off the couch and walks into her room, closing the door. "So when is the event?"
I lean on the wall talking through the door. "Sunday. Want to be my plus one?"
Her silhouette perks at the invitation, mostly out of excitement that I sounded like I was finally going out.
"As tempting as that is, I have plans with Thomas." Beth squeals. She opens the door to her room and holds up two dresses. "Speaking of which, Red or Blue?"
"Blue," I say. She shuts the door and changes into it. As she does, I check my phone and groan.
She opens the door again, wearing the blue satin dress. I nod my head in approval, and her smile widens as she runs her hands over the material.
My phone beeps again, and I ignore it.
Beth switches in and out of shoes and accessories, asking me for my opinion. I offered her my suggestion, and together, we narrowed down her options. Between us, Beth was much more fashionable. She always owned her colorful wardrobe and stood out among the crowd, making a sort of statement. It was the businesswoman in her, as she fiercely caught clients and fitted them accordingly potential homes.
Between us, she was the extrovert who adopted me, the introvert.
Despite our differences, we did share common bases. We both had strict Hispanic parents. Mine were Mexican, and hers were Puerto Rican. Whenever we were out together, people would assume we were sisters or cousins of some sort because of the coloration of our skin and long hair, despite hers being curly and mine being extremely straight.
My phone beeps, and I silence it.
"Who are you ignoring now?" She picks matching heels she found in her closet. I tuck my phone in the pocket of my pants and slouch.
"My mother," I whine.
"Answer her."
"I don't want to."
"Well, she'll keep calling you if you don't."
"I know."
I open my phone and gaze at her contact, seeing the red block button. I was tempted to click it.
"Ugh, I would block her, but I'm afraid if I do, she'll drive over here herself." I shove my phone away until minutes later it vibrates, this time I answer it.
"Hola ma," I reply, leaving Beth's room. She gives me a supportive thumbs up and closes the door behind me.
"Por qué no me contestas?" she scolds me right through the phone, though it felt like she was right in front of me.
"I was sleeping."
"Huevona."
"Really? Mom. What is it? Are you calling because of Sunday?" I ask her.
She replies with a yes and makes various suggestions on how to look presentable. I, of course, take the high road and pretend to take her advice. She asks me several common questions such as if I have been eating right and taking care of myself. I gave her simple responses, eating as we were talking. After a few hours of the call and several goodbyes, she hangs up, and I take a deep breath.
"Are you okay?" Beth asks, peeping from the corner of the hallway in her casual leggings and t-shirt. Her long brown thick hair is tied up in a bun. "Do you need a sour candy?"
"I'm okay," I shake my head, pressing my hand on my chest. I continue to take a few deep breaths, focusing my attention on simple things around me until I am ready to recenter myself.
I was thankful she didn't ask any questions pertaining to the relationship. Granted, she never brought it up these past few phone calls because Leo told her not to. If she had, I would've known what Leo was plotting behind me. At least, it won't be forever, and when it is all over, I can live my life, and he can live his. That's all that matters now.
I reassure Beth and she gives me the space I desire. Alone in my room, I grab a book from the corner of my bookshelf and slide my headphones into my ears. Listening to the soothing sounds of my favorite artist, I allow myself to be somewhere other than here.