Page 88 of A Grecian Getaway

She filled in a few details before her flight boarded. They planned to talk about everything the following night after work. Her phone vibrated with a text message just as she was about to turn it off. It was Caroline sending aFriendsgif of Rachel and Phoebe jumping up and down.

Noelle laughed and shut down her phone. A smile stretched across from her face from ear to ear. She was so happy she could burst.

***

A couple of weeks later, Caroline, Claire, and Noelle’s mom were coming to visit and do wedding planning. There was a knock on Noelle’s door around dinner time.

“We’re here!” Claire and Caroline yelled in unison.

The girls hugged each other and Noelle helped them carry in their bags.

“How was the flight?” Noelle set one bag on her table.

“Loooooong. There was a delay. I am tired of sitting, but I’m too tired to stand,” Caroline slumped onto the couch.

Noelle laughed.

“I wouldn't laugh at her if I were you. She’s hangry. And you know how Caroline gets when she’s hangry,” Claire warned.

“She knows of what she speaks,” Caroline rubbed her belly. “Something smells amazing…”

“You’re in luck. I have some of mom’s Lebanese meat pies warming up in the oven. I know how much you both love her fataya, and I still had a lot left since I was in Greece for so long. She must have stuck them in my freezer when she was here, when I was in the hospital. I had no idea! I just found them one day. We can eat those and some salad and then head back to the airport for mom. Her plane arrives a little later tonight.” Noelle got out a mixing bowl and began dumping in ingredients for a salad.

They caught up on each other’s lives and Noelle filled them in on the wedding plans while they ate.

“So I have news!” Claire smiled at her friends.

“Aww shit, you're pregnant!” Caroline teased.

“Cheese whiz, Caroline. No, I’m not pregnant. I’d have to be actually having sex to get pregnant. I had that interview at the school where I substitute teach. I’ve been long-term subbing for that teacher on maternity leave, and she decided not to return to school next year. So, I interviewed for the job last week. I’m waiting to hear if I got the job, but I’ve got a good feeling.”

“Claire Bear, that is wonderful news!” Noelle hugged her friend.

“I just know you’re going to get it. Third grade, right?” Caroline leaned over and grabbed a French fry.

“Yes, it’s for the third grade class I’m teaching now, and they’re really great. The school is awesome. Mostly. I really hope it works out.”

“I’m sure it will! What do you mean by, mostly?” Noelle eyed her.

“Remember, it’s at the same school where Mr. Jerkston is a teacher.” Claire rolled her eyes.

Caroline slammed her hand onto the table. “It’s the Niko scale guy, Noelle!”

Claire and Noelle startled.

“Ugh, yes.” Claire shivered.

Caroline smirked and tapped her fingers together. “And he’s still not being very nice?”

“Yep,” Claire said with a pop of her p. She got up and started straightening the books on Noelle’s shelf.

Noelle tried to change the subject, since Claire seemed uncomfortable. “Um, do you want to talk about something else?”

Claire nodded.

Noelle looked at Caroline. “So, Caroline, what is going on with you?”

“Grad school. Nothing fun,” Caroline slouched in her chair.

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