After Lulu left, a conversation broke out about teachers, food, The Sex Pistols and then the quince again.
Dantaya had just finished what she said. "So after the father-daughter dance, she's officially a woman."
"But since your dad won't be able to do it, won't you get someone else?" asked Shelby.
"Obviously, but Red said she had a plan. I don't even know what it is." replied Dantaya through a mouthful of chips. "I don't even want him there, he's a shit father and an even shittier husband to both our moms. And he uses being rich as an excuse to be a dick."
"Mine fell off a roof." blurted out Shelby.
"Oh- wow." said Dantaya. "I'm sorry. When did that happen?"
"Around New Years Eve and New Years Day."
Ruby felt a shiver go through her but didn't know what it was.
"Anyway Ruby, I have to ask you. Is Del okay? When my mom took all of us out, she ordered a lot of stuff." said Dantaya.
"I mean maybe its her appetite. She could be hungry." said Ruby.
"Well, she didn't look it. And when Mami asked if she wanted more she said she wasn't hungry anymore." Dantaya said with a concerned look on her face.
"Maybe it's that basketball match. Maybe she wants some energy. Also Peter Chen's watching."
"Are you kidding, Montero says she hates Peter."
"The smile she gives really begs to differ. Like really."
"Could that really be it?"
"I guess so."
After watching Breakfast at Tiffany's, Dantaya went home and Ruby and Shelby decided it was time to go to bed. Ruby went to sleep instantly but Shelby needed to make a call.
"Hey mom." she whispered. "I just got in the house… i'm still trying… Ok on Monday… Night, mom."
Two days later, Shelby woke up to Hitch screaming for them to get ready for school. After brushing her teeth, and putting on her clothes she was greeted by Ruby's parents, Brant and Sabina.
"Good morning, sir, ma'am." she responded back.
"Are you excited to start school today?" asked Brant.
"Kind of. I just need to learn to get used to this place first."
"Ruby, have you finished your breakfast so I can drive you kids to school?"
"Yeah, I'm coming Hitch!" shouted Ruby from the dining room.
As the two arrived at school, Shelby caught Lulu and Jem waving at her with Dantaya and some other kids.
"Hey, good luck, kid!" Hitch shouted from his small car.
Shelby smiled and shouted back "Thanks!"
Lulu pulled her over to the group of kids, and a dark skinned boy with an Afro wearing a leather jacket said, "So you're the new girl. I'm Nathan, and that's Rachel." he said pointing at a girl with curly hair and hairclips clipping her bangs. She had baby hoop earrings and beautiful brown eyes.
"So you know everyone else here? I'm telling you now, don't let their act fool you. They're super annoying, especially Nathan here." said Rachel.
"Hey, I'm not annoying!"
"I think we should get to class quickly." said Jem, standing up.
And everyone else did too and walked off to their homeroom.