Page 59 of Something in Between

“I really wish you didn’t have to go through this. I wish there was some way I could help.”

Before I lose my nerve, I get to the point of why I called. “Actually that’s why I’m calling,” I say. I explain that my mom still hasn’t found another job, and that I recall that when we were kicked out of the hospital, Millie had offered to help her.

“Yes, of course! I’m so glad you asked. She can come to work for me. Or my son, I mean. I don’t have a personal office anymore, but I think we can find her a place in the company.”

“Are you sure? You’ll be breaking the law.” I’m so happy I could cry.

“Oh, I don’t care about her status. There are ways of getting around the papers. I want good workers, people who care about other people. That’s your mother. That’s you. I knew as soon as I met you in the hospital.”

“What kind of job is it? Are you sure she can do it?”

“Of course she can,” Millie says. “You underestimate your mother. It’ll be mostly administrative office work. She’ll be fine.”

“I’ll tell her to call you,” I say. “But I’m not sure she will.”

Millie sighs. “Can you give her a message for me, then?”

I promise I will.

“Tell her I’m not offering her a job because I feel bad for her, or because I want to feel good about myself. She’s a smart woman, and her job at the hospital didn’t let her use her skills. Believe it or not, I’ve been there before. I want to help her out.”

I thank her, and hope I can convince my mom to take this opportunity.

* * *

It’s our last day of cheer practice before winter break. Kayla and I are stretching outside next to each other. Practicing for Regionals has made us so in tune with one another that we do our stretches in unison without even thinking about it.

“I can’t believe you still haven’t told him,” Kayla says.

“I don’t know what to say,” I say. “What’s the use anyway?” It’s been almost an entire week now and I haven’t answered Royce’s texts or calls. I can’t even listen to his voice mail messages, even though I miss his voice so badly.

“Oh man, don’t ghost him. That’s so not your style.”

“I know,” I say. I don’t know what to do, I want to see him, but I’m angry too.It was an important victory for my dad. It turns my stomach. “His family hates families like mine. I can’t be with someone like that.”

Kayla bends her arm over her head. “You’re being unfair. What if someone judged you on what your family believes? You don’t agree with them on everything. You need to tell him. Give him a chance.”

“How can I? What if he accidentally tells his dad? My whole family could be deported.” I don’t believe it would come to that, but the thought that it could scares me too much. I’d like to think Royce would protect us, but do I really know him?

I lunge with my right leg, feeling the soreness of my muscles. Even though I practice every day—and on the weekends too—the pain never fully goes away. I think I’m going to take a yearlong nap after Nationals.

Kayla lunges with her left leg, mirroring me. “Is he still texting you?”

“Only about ten times a day.” I want to delete his messages, but I don’t have the heart. I can’t read them either though. It’s too painful.

“What did you say he looks like again? Dark hair? Tan? Tall?” Kayla starts humming. She sits spread-legged on the grass and reaches for her toes. “He’s cute, right?”

“You wouldn’t think so. He wears suits all the time.”

Suddenly, I hear Royce’s voice from over my shoulder. “Not always.”

I whip around with a gasp. I’m shocked to see him, but I also want to laugh a little. He’s wearing a navy blue blazer and jeans. No tie. His “casual” look. I’m elated to see him but scared to death too. I’m not ready to face him. My heart hammers in my throat even as my stomach drops.

Apparently I have no choice but to be ready as Kayla gets to her feet while I stand there gaping. “I’ll tell Coach you’ll be a couple minutes late,” she says.

“You don’t have to,” I say. “I’ll be there.”

Kayla starts walking to the front of the gym as I turn to Royce. “What are you doing here?” I ask, in a rush, already feeling a little high from just the sight of him.

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