For her portion of the case study paper, Bella had chosen to focus on the necessity of ensuring resident voices were part of the decision-making process. She then laid out a plan to conduct both town hall discussions and one-on-one interviews to complete it. When that was done, she also made quick work of wrapping up her other assignments, excited to then be able to just veg out with Alice.

It was the first weekend in months that neither of them had work or school, and she was ready for girl time. Finding her cousins in their shared bathroom vigorously scrubbing her face, Bella couldn't help but laugh

"What are you doing?! That's way too rough, Al."

"Shut up; it's not! I'm opening my pores for this face mask."

"Scoot, I want to do it too," Bella responded, examining the plastic jar of powder that promised a deep cleansing and skin-pulsing experience

Washing her face, albeit much more gently, and taking turns with Alice to apply it evenly on each other's face, they made their way to their blue velvet couch- another second-hand find at an otherwise gaudy estate sale.

They were proud of how cozy they had made their home on such a limited budget. Even the many plants that decorated window sills, corners, and unoccupied table spaces were technically second-hand. Alice proved herself to be some mini, green goddess that could make even the saddest plant clipping thrive.

After ordering Chinese takeout for delivery from their favorite hole in the wall and deciding to re-watch Flea Bag, they settled in.

"How is the priest so hot? Like so hot, dude. Do you think it's because we were raised catholic but never bought into it that it's some rebellious fetish?" Said Alice, making strange faces at the TV, flexing her face as the mask began drying.

"Stop. You're going to make it crack too soon! Mom and Charlie never raised me catholic. We just faked it to appease Abuela. But I think homeboy is just attractive. Ugh, that accent. His being a priest just heightens its naughtiness, like, forbidden love." Bella said, trying to keep her face as still as possible.

"Please never say naughty like that again. I don't know, I've read a few books, and illicit affairs with priests are always pretty hot. I think I have a fetish." Alice said thoughtfully.

"I must be reading the wrong books because the only one I've read, the girl had rabies and ended up running away, I think."

"Bella, what the fuck. I'll lend you some of mine." She said with a sly smile and a suggestive raise of her eyebrows.

"Gross, I don't even want to know," Bella responded.

As Alice returned her attention to the show, she felt Bella shifting uncomfortably next to her, "what's up, babe? You won't stop squirming."

"Okay, I did want to talk to you about something, so I'm just going to say it. Do you remember that Peace Corps program I talked to you about? In Guatemala?"

"Yeah, why?"

"I think I'm going to apply for it. It would be a really cool experience, and it comes with a scholarship to help with school loans. But I wanted to make sure I'm not leaving you hanging with rent or anything if I do. I mean, I figure you'll have to find someone else. And like, I'd have to sell all my stuff or see if Charlie can help store it." She rushed out.

"Aw, dude, don't worry about me. Yeah, I mean, either way, we'll figure it out. Maybe I'll start dating the hot bartender, and he can move in while you're gone."

"Girl. Get it. But I'm still thinking about it. The experience would be good and help with some of my debt would be nice."

"What about Mike?"

"We're just having fun. We haven't even talked about being exclusive. Besides, even if it felt like things were getting more serious between us, I'm not letting a guy come between me and my plans."

Sniffing and wiping a fake tear from her eye, Alice responded, "look at you making Mama so proud."

"Thanks, Ali. I was worried it would stress you out."

A ring from their doorbell announcing the arrival of their food, had Alice waving Bella off, "no, it sounds cool. Let's eat, and you can tell me what you'll be doing down there."

Watching Alice leave to pay the delivery person, Bella felt her phone vibrate next to her. Her clay mask tightened on her face as she smiled, seeing a text from Edward.

E: I had a shitty Friday. Distract me

Opening her camera app, Bella snapped a selfie of her mud-covered face, eyes closed, lips puckered in a kiss, sending it without a second thought.

E: still would.

A thrill ran through Bella at how forward he was. That was one of her favorite things about him when she was younger. While she often struggled back then with wanting to know how he felt about her, she never doubted that he wanted her physically. Still, she wanted him to be explicit about his desires. As if subconsciously seeking control of his passion for her.

B: Still would, what?

E: You know. But you have a boyfriend. I'll be respectful.

B: Appreciate that. Why did you have a bad day?

"Do you want to eat in the kitchen or at the coffee table?" Alice asked, returning with bags of delicious-smelling food.

Feeling like she got caught doing something bad, Bella quickly responded, "here is good."

As they ate, Bella explained there were a few projects she was interested in, but the agriculture, economic security, and gender equality focus of Guatemala were most exciting to her. Being away for a year meant it would be harder to make the trip to Washington for holidays and milestones but traveling to visit her family in Mexico would still be possible so she wouldn't feel completely alone. However, Bella knew that even if she couldn't be around them, it would suit her perfectly. And even though she liked who she was and the life she was building for herself, a chance to be someone new drew her in like a moth to a flame.

Alice could see how delighted Bella was to talk about the plan, evidenced by how quickly her words left her mouth and the seemingly unconscious way she transitioned from English to Spanish and back again. When her Tia Rene, Bella's mom, got sick, Alice could see the toll it took on her cousin, despite being happy to have her around. It was everyone's responsibility in their family to step up and take care of one another- sometimes to a detrimental degree. For Bella, it meant she didn't get the childhood many of her cousins did. She existed in a weird plane of being a kid and an adult and was glad when Charlie demanded it was time for his wife and daughter to return home.

Although she never understood why he let them leave in the first place, she appreciated the fierceness in which the matriarchs of her family navigated their worlds. And so, as her cousin enthusiastically explained all the ideas and opportunities her university program had prepared her to implement, Alice was happy to see the fire Bella had in her. It was one that always existed, but was often dulled by the pressure she placed upon herself to appease others.

"I think I'm going to be a good fit for their program, and I already have some professors in mind who would give me recommendation letters. So, we'll see."

"That's amazing, Bell. I'm so fucking proud of you. We should celebrate. I think we have some wine. Ooh, maybe some tequila?" Alice responded excitedly, "oooor we could go to New Moon. They'll have a DJ tonight; we can go dancing."

"Let's take a shot first and decide. Are you thinking New Moon because hot bartender will be there?" Bella asked with a raised brow.

Getting up and pulling Bella's hand to follow, "pfft , no, he's off tonight."

Pulling the bottle of Cuervo from the top of their fridge and pouring two generous shots into glazed clay mugs since they didn't actually own shot glasses, Alice handed one to Bella. "To you, my beautiful and smart baby Bells, and to getting everything your little heart desires."

Feeling a wave of sentimentality and love for her cousin, Bella raised her glass, responding, "thank you for being my best sister-cousin."

Clinking their mugs and throwing back the shots, Bella tried not to gag as Alice blew out a breath, trying to avoid the same.

"Dude. We need to invest in better tequila." Bella said, sputtering.

"Please, I'm holding back vomit at sister-cousin. That made us sound like a degree off from sister-wives. And what kind of Mexican are you?! This shit will put hair on your chest. Woman-up! Now let's get ready. I definitely need to dance now."

Making their way to their respective rooms, Bella went to grab her phone, where it lay forgotten on the couch. It was then she saw a couple of new texts from Edward.

E: things with Maggie have been rough. I co-signed on a car for her, and now she said she can't make payments. I prefer work stress over this.

And

E: What are you up to tonight?

E: too busy to pity me, I guess. Well, there's always my new favorite neighborhood bar to drown my sorrows.

Bella assumed he meant New Moon, so she asked, "New Moon?" in her response, debating on whether she should change her plans with Alice or at least tell her.

E: Yeah, my buddy works there. Going to drink for free.

B: Sounds like a wise plan. My cousin and I were planning on heading there. Don't worry, I'll act like I don't know you.

E: I hope you don't. But if you do, wear something cute, so I can at least stare at you all night.

Choosing not to respond, Bella popped her head into Alice's room across the hall

"Can I borrow your black bodysuit?"

————————

Arriving at Blue Moon, Bella second-guessed her choice to pair Alice's tight-fitting bodysuit with her most comfortable pair of mom jeans. A decision she made to spite Edward's request. Looking at Alice in her skinny jeans and crop top, she wished she had opted for something that made her feel sexier. For the boosted confidence, but comforted herself that the plunging neck of her top was enough to tease, and her loose jeans left something to the imagination. At least for Edward, who had seen her naked more times than she could count.

"Hey, do you wanna smoke before we go in?" Bella asked, already reaching into her purse.

"Sure, let me bum one."

As they stood in front of New Moon, smoking, Bella watched as Alice opened her Bumble app scrolling through who might look interesting for the night.

"Really, Al? What happened to girl's night?"

"Excuse you; this is Bumble BFF. I'm creeping for a new roommate." She teased, bumping Bella's shoulder with hers.

"Wow. Okay. I'm going to need another shot and a PBR if we're interviewing for my replacement tonight," Bella said as she flicked the cherry from her cigarette before tossing the butt in a nearby trash can.

Making their way in, they made a quick scan of the bar; Bella looking for Edward and Alice checking for the hot bartender or any other potential good time. Seeing that their favorite booth was open, the girls quickly made their way over, and Bella offered to buy the first round of drinks in an attempt to spot Edward before he did her.

As she made her way through the crowd, his messy hair like a beacon, Bella caught him leaning over a pool table tucked in a back corner, preparing to make a shot with none other than Jasper, the hot bartender. Openly watching him, Bella hid her surprise when he looked up directly at her as if some internal radar told him exactly where she was.

Maintaining eye contact and smiling at her, he gracefully pulled the cue back and struck the white ball with more force than she expected. Rather than feel embarrassed at being caught staring, she waited a beat, keeping her face neutral before turning away to get the bartender's, an older woman they assumed owned the place, attention

"Stupid smooth motherfucker," she muttered to herself before ordering a pitcher of beer and two shots of fireball.

Still, she couldn't stop the smile that spread across her face.