What It's Like
By LandminesLandslides
(Tess's POV)
The pizza here smells delicious. I live nearby, but I've never been in here before. Mom would never let me. You're going to be a star, and a star always has to look perfect. You'll have to go on a diet from here on out. Mom's words still echo in my head, even after all this time. Well, those were the old days. Time to show Mom what I think of her diet. "All right guys," I say, "Let's order up."
"Well, we have to get at least one pepperoni and sausage," Caitlyn says, nodding like it's the most obvious thing in the world.
"Uh, hello, major calories," Ella comments.
"Pizza isn't good unless it has calories," Mitchie counters, laughing. Is that true? I don't know. There's so much about this "having friends" business that I don't know. I think this is the first time I can truly say that I have friends. Even when Ella and Peggy would hang out with me before, I treated them more like servants than friends. I'm feeling another pang of regret, but I push it aside for the moment, remembering that I'm supposed to be enjoying myself.
"No worries," I say out loud, "We'll just get something vegetarian for Ella. How about this one?" I point to a selection on the menu.
"Mmm, that sounds good," Ella says, looking at my selection.
"Don't order that one," Caitlyn says, "The green peppers here are disgusting. Trust me, I ordered that the first time I ate here. I was sick for a whole day. Although on the upside, I did get to skip school." She grins a little. "If you want vegetarian, order this one," she says, pointing to another one.
"Oooh, that sounds tasty," Ella says, "That one it is."
"All right, let's decide on drinks," Mitchie says, "I'm definitely having a Cherry Sprite,"
"Just Coke for me," Peggy says.
"Pepsi," Ella says, smiling, "I've always had a weakness for it."
"Umm…I think I'll just have water," I say timidly. I hate how my voice sounds. I'm not used to unfamiliar experiences like this.
"Are you sure?" Mitchie asks me.
"Yeah," I say, "Mom never bought soda, so I really wouldn't know what to get."
"Your mom seriously never bought soda?" Mitchie says, "That's just wrong. I'll order a root beer for you. You'll love it."
"All right," I say, smiling, "Thanks Mitchie."
"No big deal," she says, laughing. I'm just about to say something back when my cell phone starts vibrating. "I'll be right back," I say, indicating the phone. I step outside and look at the screen on my phone. It's Mom. I groan, but answer it anyway. "Hey Mom," I answer, "What is it."
"Tess, where are you?" my mom asks, "You were supposed to come home as soon as you got off the bus."
"I'm just out having some pizza with some friends," I tell her.
"What about your diet, Tess?" she asks me, "You're going to end up overweight if you eat that junk."
"Forget my diet," I tell her angrily, "I'm tired of always living the way you tell me to. This is my life, not yours. I'm done living it your way. I'll see you at home, after I'm done here."
"Tess, don't you dare talk to me that…" she starts to say, but I hang up and turn off the phone before she can call back. I head back into the restaurant, where our drinks starting to arrive.
"Welcome back Tess," Caitlyn says, "Are you all right?" Her face is filled with more concern for me than I've ever seen. Guess I never really deserved it before.
"Yeah," I tell her with a grin, "I've never been better. My mom was just being grouchy." She still looks really worried. "Hey, don't worry. I'll be able to smooth it over," I tell her, "Let's just enjoy ourselves."
"All right," she says nodding. She smiles at me and I smile back. Today really is a great day.