BRIANNA

I woke up from a three-hour nap feeling surprisingly great. I stretched, releasing a loud yawn, but immediately caught a bad smell. I glanced around to figure out where it was coming from, only to realize it was my breath—yikes! I hadn’t brushed my teeth since this morning, and I ate without brushing. I hadn’t even taken a bath yet. Damn, I felt so dirty today. I should probably get cleaned up right away.

I got up and headed to the bathroom, brushing my teeth and taking a much-needed bath. I also washed my hair since it had been quite a while. After freshening up, I blow-dried my hair with my old hair dryer and threw on a top and jean shorts before heading downstairs. Mom was sitting on the couch, absorbed in an outdated magazine.

“Hey, Mom, finding anything interesting in that magazine?” I teased as I sat next to her. She glanced up.

“Oh please, Brianna. You know I’ve gone through this magazine a thousand times. There’s nothing new in it,” she murmured, and I chuckled softly.

“Okay, since you’re doing nothing but reading your ‘very interesting’ magazine, how about I braid your hair?” I suggested, and her eyes lit up with excitement.

“Ooh, I’d love that! It’s been so long since you braided my hair,” she gushed, and I smiled.

“Yeah, I’ve been busy, that’s why. Now, let’s get started.” I grinned as she eagerly stood and sat on the floor between my legs.

“So, what kind of braid are you doing?” she asked, clearly excited.

“It’s a surprise. You’ll see when I’m done,” I said, beginning to work on her hair.

“Have you seen Mariana? Isn’t she back from school yet?” I asked while braiding her hair.

“She’s not back yet, but she should be here soon,” she replied, glancing at the clock.

“Brianna, do you know about the exams at their school?” she asked suddenly.

“Uh, I think so. I remember Mariana mentioning something about exams a few days ago,” I said.

“Well, Mariana’s school is holding a scholarship exam, and the first twenty students who pass will receive a scholarship to a top school. What’s the name of that school again?” Mom thought for a moment, snapping her fingers when she remembered.

“Ah, yes, it’s ROYAL GATE HIGH SCHOOL. That’s where the students who pass will go,” she said. I was impressed.

“Really? That’s awesome! I’m sure Mariana will be one of them!” I said confidently, and Mom nodded.

“Yeah, I’m pretty sure she will,” she said with the same certainty, and then there was silence. I finished braiding her hair after a few minutes.

“Tada! I’m done. Go check it out in the mirror!” I said, and she stood up, rushing to her room. A few moments later, she returned, grinning widely.

“Wow! I love this braid! What’s it called?” she asked, running her hands through her long hair.

“It’s called a French Braid,” I replied.

“Cool! Your braiding skills have improved so much since the last time you did my hair!” she complimented, and I blushed slightly.

“Thanks, Mom,” I replied, and we both giggled like kids. She sat back down on the couch, picked up her outdated magazine, and began reading it all over again, while I just sat quietly, looking for something to do.

Just as I was about to head to the kitchen to fix lunch for Mom and myself, the door opened, and Mariana walked in. She looked around before her eyes landed on me. Dropping her bag on the floor, she ran over and immediately began checking me out from head to toe, turning me sideways as if inspecting me for injuries.

“I’m fine, Mariana! Why are you acting like I got hurt?” I laughed.

“I had to make sure! Why didn’t you come home yesterday? Mom and I were really worried. I almost thought you’d been kidnapped, but then I remembered you’re too tough to be kidnapped,” she said with a wink.

“I got caught up with something and couldn’t make it home last night,” I replied.

“What was so important that you couldn’t come home?” she asked, so I explained everything I had already told Mom earlier.

“That’s better than what I was imagining. Your boss seems really nice,” Mariana said with a teasing smile, and I shot her a playful glare.

“Exactly what I said,” Mom chimed in, and I turned my glare on her, too. They both burst out laughing.

“Stop it, guys! It’s not funny!” I muttered, though I couldn’t help smiling.

“Okay, fine. We’ll stop laughing now,” they both said in unison, and immediately stopped giggling.

“So, Mariana, Mom told me about the exam at your school,” I said, trying to change the subject. She immediately grew serious.

“Yeah, she must’ve told you about the scholarship for the top twenty students?” she asked.

“Yes, she did. I just want to tell you to study hard, like there’s no tomorrow, so you can be one of those students. I’m sure you’ll make it, and I want you to make both Mom and me proud,” I said calmly. Mariana nodded determinedly.

“Don’t worry, Brianna, I won’t let your efforts go to waste. I’ll make you and Mom proud,” she said firmly, and I smiled.

“That’s my sis! Now go change your clothes. I want the three of us to take a walk to the park, get some fresh air, and have some fun,” I said, and she jumped up, excited.

“Yay! It’s been forever since I went to the park!” she shouted, grabbing her bag and running to her room. I smiled, watching her act like a kid.

“Brianna, do you think I’m strong enough to walk there?” Mom asked once Mariana was gone.

“Don’t worry, Mom, you’re strong enough! You’ll make it. And I’ll even buy cotton candy for both of you,” I suggested. She immediately agreed.

“I’m in! I’ve missed cotton candy!” she squealed, and I burst out laughing.

“Alright, Mom, we’ll head out as soon as Mariana’s ready,” I said. Mom shouted for Mariana to hurry up, and Mariana shouted back that she was almost ready. I watched, amused, as Mom acted like a giddy teenager. It was nice to see her happy again after everything with Marcus. I knew she still had feelings for him, buried deep in her heart, but I hoped she’d get over him completely one day.