Page 13 of The Summer Request
Lisa let out a sob. “Her last trip.”
This was ridiculous. “I’m sorry, but I can’t do it,” she said, standing and tidying the table. “I have a business here, and a life. It’s the busy season and – ”
Val cut her off. “Oh, come on. That hunky baker can take care of the café for you. He said he doesn’t mind.”
“It’s not that easy,” Michelle said. “There’s inventory, and I have to make sure our orders get here from the mainland, and my employees have to – ”
“He’ll figure it out,” Lisa said confidently. “Zora, did you already plan everything?”
Zora nodded. “Yes, almost entirely. First, you’ll go to Miami beach, then to Santa Monica, and finally to Justine’s house in Maine.”
Michelle rubbed her face with her hands. How could they even consider this? It was sweet, and of course they were all sad, but come on.
“What’s that face?” Val asked. “Are these places not good enough for you?”
“Oh.” Lisa dropped her voice. “Michelle’s afraid of flying.”
“Aw, still?” Val poked her in the shoulder. “That’s so cute.”
“That’s not it.” Michelle kept her tone steady and firm. “I can’t go. I’m sorry, but that’s final. You two can still have a nice time without me, and I wish you the best.”
June 10th, 1990
Zora could tell her presence was no longer needed at the café. Valerie and Lisa were animated, gesticulating wildly, while Michelle stared them down with the expression of a brick wall. There was only one thing left to do.
None of them noticed when Zora reached into her bag and slipped a thin notebook into the Girls’ Trip folder.
“My number is in here,” she said, sliding the folder over. “Please give me a call to let me know what you decide.”
She stood and walked away, a smile on her lips. The diary was bookmarked at Justine’s entry from June 10th, 1990.
Dear diary,
I can’t believe the Fabulous Four are graduating from high school! I never thought this day would come. I feel so old!
Shell, Val, and Lisa are all getting ready for college in the fall. I’m happy for them, and soon, I’ll be able to join them. I’ve got a plan.
Mom says my plan is stupid, but now that I’m eighteen, she can’t stop me. I’m moving to Seattle, getting a job, and saving money for school. By this time next year, I’ll be getting my degree.
I already have a job lined up at a cute smoothie place in the city. Mom thinks I should stay here, but I think she’s just worried because she never went to school and hardly ever leaves the island. She’ll be proud of me in the end, I’m sure of it.
I’m excited, scared, and a little sad. It’ll be hard for the Fabulous Four to be apart for a year. I’ll try to visit everyone, and I’ll keep reminding myself how lucky I am.
Any time I feel sad, I’ll work on my gratitude journal. I am so, so grateful for my friends. I know we’ll be friends forever, and a few years apart won’t make a difference. I’m grateful I got to have three best friends for the last thirteen years. Most people don’t even get one real friend.
I’m grateful for Valerie and her unstoppable spirit. I know she’ll achieve everything she’s ever wanted, and the University of Washington is getting an amazing musician.
I’m grateful for Lisa always being there for me. Every time I had a fight with Mom and needed somewhere to sleep, every time I needed a partner in crime, Lisa was there for me. Even when I said something thoughtless, Lisa and her big heart forgave me. I love her to pieces.
I think I might miss Michelle most of all. She got an amazing scholarship to Northeastern University, and I know she’s going to save all the dolphins and the fish and the coral reefs like she’s always dreamed. But before she saved the world, Michelle saved me, again and again. She’s so wise, and smart, and the strongest person I know.
Look out world, the class of 1990 is coming for you!
- Justine
Five
The plane touched down and the pilot’s buttery-smooth voice rolled over the speaker. “Hey folks, welcome to beautiful, sunny Miami. Today’s high is ninety-three degrees, and there’s a ten percent chance of rain. We wish you a pleasant stay in paradise and hope to see you again very soon. On behalf of all our crew, thank you for flying…”
