Chapter 10

Atlas and I focused on getting our summer work done as soon as possible. We went to the library every other day (Mon, Wed, and Fri). Once we were finished, we stored our project at his place. School was right around the corner so I decided to go school shopping with Mama. Our plan was to go to Rich's. We bought so many things and received LOTS of stares. It was like Mama was a girl again. To the point where she didn't mind people looking at us this once. Afterwards, Mrs. Johnson invited us over. I didn't have time to head back home so I still had my bags with me. Atlas let us in once we got there and greeted us. "Why, I ain't never seen two pretty best friends! Who's your friend, Mira?" Mama laughed it off, greeted Atlas, and went to go look for Mrs. Johnson. "She's in the kitchen!" Atlas shouted. Atlas looked down at the bag of clothes that I had and immediately snatched them from me. He started to run with them upstairs. My legs soon got the clue and started running too. "Atlas!" He started laughing but handed me the bags once he got in front of his sister's door. He turned around gave me the bags and said, "Well, you gonna try them on or what?" He was sort of blushing but then I gave him a friendly punch and snatched the bags out of his hand. "Only three outfits...Mama and I bought so much!" Atlas nodded his head and sat down on the hallway bench...waiting.

My first outfit was a simple white T-shirt with a pair of high-wasted butterfly jeans. I wore this outfit with a classic pair of wedges. This was my first time buying these type of jeans and I noticed that they clung to my slim figure so nicely. I'm not usually a girly-girl but these jeans made me feel special. I walked out slowly and started to vogue. Atlas laughed and said, "Hahaha...love the butterflies!" I went back in the room and changed into my second outfit: A pair of short, white overalls with a purple T-shirt underneath. I wore a pair of white Converses to match. I quickly changed my hairstyle to pigtails and walked out skipping and twirling. Atlas put up two thumbs and started acting silly. He put his arm through mine and started to skip with me. "OMG girl...yasss! Adam would soooo like this outfit." We laughed then I dashed into the room one final time. My last outfit was a beautiful, silky rose gold dress. I heard that we have school dances every quarter at my new school. Mama and I were so happy when we found this and at a great deal too! I let my hair down and combed my fingers through it. I found a clip and pinned the side of my hair. I smoothed down the dress and walked out. Atlas had his arm crossed looking down at his shoes. He looked up at me and his eyes went wide. I thought he spotted a bug so I sorta screamed and jumped towards him. He caught me, put me upright, and said, "Hehe...not a bug...just a beautiful angel." I scoffed and rolled my eyes playfully. I'm anything BUT an angel. I felt that he was lying but I still smiled and thanked him for the compliment. I twirled once then he asked if that was the dress I was wearing for the formal in 9 weeks. I nodded my head and he clicked his teeth twice. "I wish this could've been a surprise. You really do look great in that dress, Mira." I flipped my hair and said, "I know right?" in a sarcastic way. I was about to turn around and change into my original clothes but then Atlas asked nervously, "Do you wanna go to the dance with me, Mira? As friends of course!" I smiled and said, "Of course! However, be prepared for me to step on your toes." Atlas let out a laugh of relief then said that he could teach me how to dance. "You? THE Atlas Johnson can dance? I'm learning more about you everyday!"

Our mothers called us downstairs for lunch so I went to go change back to my original outfit real quick. Well, that was fun. Mama taught Mrs. Johnson how to make Philly cheese steaks. We ate that along with some veggie sticks and soda pop. When we were finished, Mama and I stayed for one more hour playing family games before going home. All I can say is that, today was a good day. For some reason, a sense of fear and some chills caught ahold of me but I decided to ignore it. Mama and I got home full and tired from the day. I brushed my teeth mighty slow that night as I thought about what happened today. Shopping with Mama always gives us time to bond. I know that she's scared but it made me so happy seeing her smile today. I know that she is strong on the inside but Dad says she should show it more. I definitely agree. I thought about all the time I spent with my new best friend. It's only been a few weeks but I feel comfortable because of him. Like I said before, it feels like we've known each other for so long even though we just met. It's weird but I feel a strange connection between us. I hope Atlas and I can be friends forever. Wait. Just friends? Forever? I chuckled and simply left that thought alone. I shouldn't get ahead of myself. I don't need to cause any unwanted trouble although he doesn't seem to mind. I went to the dresser to braid my hair down in two French braids. As I look in the mirror, I am reminded of this mixed girl with mixed feelings. "Be strong, Mira." I whispered to myself. I shed one tear of pain and one tear of joy.

~PICTURES COMING SOON~

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