"I Will Still Love You"

Chapter 5

Flashback - January/95

A week later...

Nothing had happened between her and Justin. Part was her own fault and part was his stubbornness. She thought the best would be to just let things happen naturally. If they were meant to be together, they would. Sooner or later.

Joanna woke up the next morning at the usual time. She took a shower, got dressed and ate her breakfast. Then, she went to Southwest Middle School walking, for it wasn't that far away. She loved walking in the early morning. The sun, the breeze, the smell, the sound of the birds, everything was perfect at that time.

The day went by fast and nothing interesting happened. After school, she went to soccer practice, which was the best part of the day according to her. She was graduating from middle school in three and a half months. After the summer, she would be entering another world. The so famous high school years. Some said to her that they are supposed to be the best years in a person's life.

She couldn't wait to get home. She couldn't wait to see Justin. There were times that the only thing she wanted to do was tell him how important he was and how she loved every little thing about him. Even his imperfections. But some other times she thought about how crazy his life was. He was an actor of some sort, who was constantly away from home and didn't have much free time. If they ever got together again, it would be hard. Hard, yes, but not impossible. She shook the thoughts out of her head and proceeded walking back home.

She got home and rushed up the stairs. She took a relaxing shower and did her homework. Then, she prepared dinner for her little sister who was going to arrive home any minute now from the baby-sitter. And so she did. They sat down, ate, and talked about each other's day. Their parents usually got home by nine, so Joanna had to take care of Beatriz, which she loved to do. In the middle of their conversation, the phone rang:

"Hello?" Joanna said

"Joanna? Hi, it's Justin."

"Oh, hey. What's going on?" she asked

"Well, I don't know if I told you, but my birthday is the day after tomorrow, the 31st, and I'm having sort of a get-together. So, I was hoping you would grace me with you presence." he joked

"On the 31st? Geez, I don't know. I think I'm going to be out of the country." she said, playing along

"Funny, very funny. Seriously though, can you come? Around 8?" he asked

"I'll see what I can do." she answered

Meanwhile, in the kitchen...

"Nanaaaaa, come here!" her sister screamed

"Look, Curly boy, I better go before my sister burns down the house. I'll talk to you later. Bye." she said

"Yeah, ok... bye." he responded

Later that night...

"Jo, Bia, we're home." their dad said

"Shhh! Bia's sleeping. She was really tired, so I just put her to bed this instant." Joanna said, kissing both parents

"Thanks, sweetie." her mom said

"Humm... mom? See, Justin is having a birthday party on the 31st, so I was hoping you would let me go?" she asked with pleading eyes

"You and Justin... this is going to be interesting." her mother said

"Mom!"

"I'm kidding, kidding." her mother answered

"It starts at 8, and I'll be home by 10. Can I go?" Joanna asked once again

"Their house is just across the street and I know Lynn will take good care of you, so you can come home later than your usual curfew." her mom said

"Thanks, mom. I'm gonna go upstairs now." Joanna said

"Night, darling. Sweet dreams." her mom said, kissing her forehead

"Night, mom."

And with a smile in her face she left the family room and went to her bedroom. Her own little world. Her room was beautiful. It was painted blue with stars in the ceiling. From the huge window you could admire the lake and the sky, which she loved to do. One wall was covered with pictures of her family, friends, her idols, places she visited and places she wants to go someday. On another wall, there were paintings of angels, her favorite. She said they were there to look over her. Once she closed the door and put on some music, she was drifted to another place. A place where everything was the way she dreamed. A place where life was perfect.