Page 80 of Something in Between

What happened to “be careful” and trusting that I can take care of myself? It’s so dumb, because Iknowthat she actuallylikesRoyce. And too bad, weareserious about each other.

When Mom leaves my room, I text Kayla to see if she and Dylan are on the way to pick me up. We haven’t seen each other much, since she spends most of her time with Dylan and I’ve gotten back together with Royce. Coming in second at Regionals, we don’t have as much cheer practice anymore—mostly we just perform for basketball games—so it’ll be nice to hang out.

Kayla texts back and says they’ll be there soon. Royce is going to meet me at the party, since he’s coming from some thing he had to do for his dad. I’m excited for him to meet my friends, to see what I’m like around people who aren’t my family.

“Hey, guys,” I say, when they arrive. Dylan gives me the thumbs-up and Kayla has a huge smile on her face.

“What up, girl,” she says. “Wait till you hear their new song, it’s amazing.”

“Can’t wait,” I say. I’m a senior in high school, it’s Saturday night, and I’m going to have fun with my guy and my friends.

This kick back is much smaller than the first one we went to. Just the guys in the band and their girlfriends hanging out in the backyard, sitting in a circle around a fire pit and drinking a few beers.

I take a seat on a patio chair and drink a little beer, which makes me feel light-headed. I wish Royce would get here already, but I know that he’s going to be a while. It’s at least an hour drive for him. Maybe less, if traffic isn’t too bad and he’s driving fast like he usually does. I listen to the conversation, mostly about where the band should tour next.

I don’t say much. I’m thinking of the deportation hearing that’s coming up. If we win, we get to stay, but if we lose, we lose everything. I’ve also been thinking how frustrating it is that a law can somehow define who you are or how you see yourself. It’s like I’m somehow less of a person because I’m not in America legally.

Maybe my frustration is showing because Kayla knocks me with her foot and mouthsYou okay?

Dylan notices and says, “Yeah, you look bummed. What’s up with you?”

I shrug, but suddenly I find myself strangely close to tears. “It’s nothing,” I say.

“Doesn’t look like it,” says Dylan with a kind smile. He really is nice. I’m glad he’s with Kayla. “You might feel better if you talk about it.”

“Jasmine recently found out she’s an illegal immigrant,” Kayla says after taking a long pull of her beer.

I want to feel betrayed that she’s telling people my big secret like it’s no big deal, but I know better. She’s just trying to do what she thinks is good for me, and I already know she thinks I should be more open about what’s wrong. I’m actually surprised she hasn’t told Dylan yet, especially since I didn’t tell her she couldn’t.

“Undocumented,” I correct.

“Oh man,” Julian says, overhearing. “How could you just find something like that out?”

“Her parents didn’t tell her. They were too scared to,” Kayla explains.

“Man, that blows,” says Dylan. “I can’t imagine waking up one day and finding out I’m not American. That’s crazy. Are you okay? I mean, that’s a stupid question.”

Lo reaches across the circle and puts a hand on my knee. “Jas, we’re here for you. Is there anything we can do to help?”

I shake my head.

“So what are you going to do?” Julian asks, concerned.

“I don’t know,” I say. I smile weakly, but I do feel better having told them.

The back door of Lo’s house opens. Her younger brother, Eric, and Kayla’s brother, Brian, come into the backyard. Both of the boys are around Danny’s age. They’re a little bit older but go to the same middle school. Danny mentions them every once in a while, but I don’t think they hang out.

“You’ve got more guests, Lo,” Eric says.

I turn and see Royce and Mason walking up behind them.

Mason? What’shedoing here? Why would Royce bring him?

Brian walks up to Kayla and puts his arm around her. “Hey, sis. Can we hang out here with you guys for a few minutes? You and Loaresupposed to bewatching usafter all.”

“Yeah,” Lo answers before Kayla can. “Whatever. You guys are going to get bored soon enough. And absolutely no beer.”

I get up and give Royce a hug and introduce him all around. “Guys, this is Royce, I’ve told you all about him. And this is his brother, Mason. Royce, Mason, these are my friends,” I say, and name each of them in turn.

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