Chapter 25
How much had shoppers spent in just one day at the mall? It was a one-stop destination for everything: retail therapy, dining, movies, bowling, and arcade games. You could easily fill an entire day here and still not experience it all.
I had already blown my monthly budget, and I was left without cash for food. I wondered if I should ask my dad for an increase in my allowance. Luckily, Jessica generously lent me some money.
Maybe I should consider getting a part-time job for my own income. I wasn't quite sure what I would excel at—perhaps waitressing? I could just imagine myself tripping and shattering all the dishes. A café job might be easier; brewing coffee sounded simple enough, and I adored the aroma.
I knew I could save up for whatever came after graduation. I was still undecided, but I was certain that university wasn't in my plans. I wanted to work and explore the world, maybe even move to a bigger city—Milan had always seemed like a perfect place.
I couldn't picture myself spending my life doing the same things: Sundays at the mall when it was chilly or by the lake when it was warm. It was always the same routine, the same faces, and the same predictable activities. It felt like a broken record stuck on repeat.
As I sat at the same table with Jessica and Emily, devouring yet another slice of pizza that I had countless times before, I couldn't help but wonder what else was out there.
Nothing seemed thrilling anymore. The only highlight was Zane, but he was nowhere in sight.
There was a gaping emptiness that I didn't know how to fill.
He left me speechless at that place. I had to call my dad for a ride home.
He avoided me at school for the entire week.
How had I ended up in that situation? All I wanted was someone to love, someone to hold hands with, go to the movies, share meals with—just to be happy. Just enjoy our teenage years.
Instead, I found myself with two people who I once considered my closest friends, but who felt more like strangers at that time. I felt so isolated. Maybe it was all my fault. Maybe I was the one ruining everything.
I didn't even want to engage in conversation. I just tagged along because Emily had planned that day out to lift Jessica’s spirits after her grandmother passed away. I wasn't even trying.
I felt like I was changing, but not in a way that felt good. Emily kept giving me looks that made me uneasy, and Jessica was struggling too; her loss weighed heavily on her. She was usually the most upbeat person I knew.
Suddenly, I felt like I couldn't breathe, as if the air had been sucked out of the room, and I was suffocating. Nausea washed over me.
“Hey, what's wrong?” Jessica leaped from her seat to help me. Emily stood up too but kept her distance.
“I need some fresh air,” I managed to choke out, feeling as if my insides were twisted into knots.
I rushed outside to the nearest exit, crouching down to catch my breath.
Jessica and Emily lingered by the door, waiting for an explanation that I couldn't provide.
I couldn't admit that I had seen V walking in alone, and my twisted mind had hoped she might be there with Zane, but I didn't say it out loud.
“I'm on my period and just feeling unwell,” I said, trying to steady my breathing.
“Of course, I've been there,” Emily replied, waving dismissively.
“Let's head home. We've been here all afternoon. It's getting late. I've already texted my mom; she's on her way,” Jessica said, as she helped me to my feet.
“Marco is picking me up soon too,” Emily added, glancing between me and Jessica with a smile.
“Sure, say hi to him for me. We should hang out again. This was fun. Thank you both,” Jessica said with a smile.
Honestly, I felt like a ghost, just following along in my own isolated world.
I bought a bunch of clothes I didn't need just because they did, went bowling only to lose, and sat through a movie I couldn't even recall the title of.
After a while, Emily left, and Jessica said something that caught my full attention.
“You know, we've been close for years. We've shared secrets, spent summers together, and had countless sleepovers like good friends do.” She paused, and I felt a surge of curiosity about where this was heading.
“I feel like I've always been an intermediary between you and Em.
You have no idea how many times she's gossiped about you or said something unflattering.
I'm sure she's talked about me to you too. That's just the way it is.”
She was right; Emily had mentioned some things, but they seemed trivial—like Jessica stealing money from her mom or a book at the store, or kissing a random guy at school.
“But from you, Luna, I never heard anything bad. You were always open and honest, sharing your thoughts and feelings, until recently.” My heart raced as shame washed over me.
I knew exactly what she was referring to.
“You're so naive if you think you can keep a secret in this small town.
I know about Zane; people saw him climbing into your window, and I know about the kiss by the gym.
My mom saw it. What a coincidence, right?
But that's not why I'm upset. I'm hurt because you didn't tell me. I thought I was your best friend.” Jessica’s voice rose, and I felt trapped, like I was in a box with walls closing in.
“I didn't want to hurt you. You two had a history, and I felt like I was betraying you,” I tried to explain.
“But can't you see? That's exactly what you did.” How was I supposed to know the right thing to do as a teenager?
There was no way to know; you just do what you felt and learn from your own mistakes.
The only thing I could say was, “I'm sorry. I truly am.” I lowered my gaze, my stomach twisting with anxiety.
But on the flip side, I felt a strange sense of relief. It was out in the open now.
I had damaged our friendship. Therefore, I was isolating myself not just from Emily but from Jess as well. Surprisingly, when her mom arrived, Jessica invited me to dinner at her place. I was confused but accepted.
We talked more in her room and realized that our most powerful tool was communication. A simple conversation could clear up misunderstandings and resolve issues.
Jessica believed in second chances, and honesty mattered more than anything to her—and to me as well, from that moment. Being honest, even when it hurts you or people you care about, was far better than living with a lie. Eventually, the truth would come to light.
Maybe I should give Zane some time, and perhaps the truth would emerge. He claimed he wanted to be honest, and possibly time would help with that. After all, his tattoo about time must have meant something significant, even if I didn't quite grasp it yet.
Another week went by, and Zane continued to keep his distance from me. I decided to focus on my studies and set a goal to find a part-time job, aiming for 2 to 3 days a week to earn some extra cash. My parents were supportive and proud of my initiative.
I checked out a few local coffee shops, but unfortunately, none of them were hiring. Options were limited, but I left my phone number just in case something came up. While I was in town, I couldn't resist stopping by Elias’s store.
“Are you hiring?” I asked with a smile as I entered.
“Hello, hello! Wait, are you really looking for a job?” he laughed.
“Why not? Do I not look like a responsible adult?” I teased.
“Honestly, it's hard to picture,” he said, squinting as if trying to imagine me as a grown-up. I rolled my eyes.
“Come on! I'd be remarkable at it,” I said, flashing my best angelic smile.
“I know a guy who owns a bakery; I can ask him if he's hiring,” Elias offered, still grinning.
“A bakery? But I don't know how to bake!” I exclaimed, panic creeping into my voice.
“Don't worry; they also need help with cleaning and serving or simply washing the dishes. I doubt anyone would let you near the baking area!” We both chuckled at the thought.
After soaking up some positive vibes, we said our goodbyes, and I decided to stop by the studio to check in on my mom. When I approached, I noticed a shiny new white Alfa Romeo Giulia parked outside—sharing the same name as my mom, of course.
I wished I had captured her reaction when Dad surprised her with the car. He had walked in and found her in the kitchen while I was there too, washing dishes.
“Guess what? There's a surprise for you outside!” he announced.
She dashed to the door, her excitement palpable, and was thrilled to see the brand-new car.
She had been planning on getting a used one, but thanks to some insurance money from a recent accident, they could afford the new one.
I admired her courage as she took it for a test drive, not letting the past scare her.
Inside the studio, it was chaotic. A family of five was there, with three small kids running around and screaming. I spotted my mom at her desk, her head in her hands.
“Hey! Are you alright?” I asked as I entered.
“Oh! Hi! Please close the door. Andrea has been photographing that family for nearly two hours, and it's been a nightmare from the start. I think my head might explode,” she replied, rubbing her temples.
“I can only imagine. Why don't we grab a coffee?” I suggested, and her eyes lit up.
“Yes, please!” she exclaimed, quickly grabbing her bag.
Within a minute, we were outside. “This way!
There's a little coffee shop just around the corner,” she said, leading me.
The shop was tiny and narrow but long, with only four tables at the back.
Somehow I had never noticed it. My mom ordered a double espresso, while I opted for a fruit tea.
We sat at one of the tables, but our drinks took a while to arrive.
Finally, an older man brought them over.
“I'm so sorry for the wait,” he said, his hands trembling as he set our drinks down.
“Don't worry, Enzo. What's going on? How's your wife?” my mom asked, familiar with the man through the small-town connections.
“She's recovering, but she needs to stay in bed, and I can't be with her because I have to work. I had to fire a kid this morning for stealing,” he said, his voice shaking.
“Oh, really? Was it the boy with the long dreads?” my mom inquired, ready for some gossip.
“Yeah, that's him. He worked here for almost a year; who knows how much he stole?” the man replied, shaking his head.
“If you need help, my daughter Luna is looking for some part-time work; maybe you could consider her,” my mom exclaimed, pointing at me. I felt my stomach drop. The idea of a job was thrilling, but the idea of actually getting one was intimidating.
“Oh? That sounds interesting. How old are you, child?” he asked, leaning toward me.
“I'm eighteen but turning nineteen in a few months.” My heart raced at the thought of him agreeing.
“When can you do a trial day? It would be paid, of course.”
“She can start as soon as tomorrow!” my mom said before I could respond, looking at me with eager eyes, waiting for my confirmation.
“Sure,” I blurted out.
“Great! Come in tomorrow, around 3 PM or 3:30 PM,” the man asked excitedly.
“3 PM works for me; I can come right after school,” I replied, feeling a mix of excitement and nerves. Just like that, in under five minutes, I had landed my first real job.