she never knew (chapter 10)

That weekend Miguel took Christina down to meet Paul and his old friends. They were still reeling from everything that had happended. Christina was still a little shaken up from it all but she was so happy and she didn't think anything in the world would ever beat this feeling. They hadn't told Paul yet and they were going to hold off on it until the time was okay for them to tell him. All of their friends at home already knew and were happy for her.

When they got there Paul was almost as excited as they were and could barely introduce them. At first, she was a little wary around Paul and his girlfriend, not knowing what Miguel had told them but after she was there for a while she found that she actually liked them. Paul was really sweet and seemed to be a great guy. She could understand why Miguel was friends with him, they were practically the same person.

Later that night they'd all four taken a walk on the beach. Even though Carey, Paul's girlfriend, was quiet most of the time they all talked about this and that until the guys walked off and left the two girls sitting in the sand while they went and took a dip in the water.

"So, how's it feel to be so far away from home? Is it as exciting as they say?" Carey asked.

"Well, I kind of miss my mom but it's great to get away. Get to see something new, meet different people. It's a whole new thing for me. Have you ever been really far away?"

"No, my mom barely lets me hang out with Paul so we don't get to see each other too often and well, I asked her if I could take a trip up to Ohio to see my dad but she went a little crazy on me. I learned quickly never to ask to go far from home. How she ever expects me to have a life, I'll never know."

"I'm sorry. Hopefully things will work out in the end though, they usually do."

"Yeah. So, how long have you and Miguel been together. Paul hasn't told me too much, just that he's known Miguel for a long time and that he's heard a bit about you."

"We've been together for a year so far. What about you and Paul? You guys been together for a while without any problems?"

"Well, we've been together for a little while. Not as long as you and Miguel, but we're working on 5 months. We've had our fair share of problems though. Mostly that I don't get to see him as much as we both want, but I think every relationship has it's problems. It's just whether or not they're worth the pain and suffering to make it through."

"Yeah, I agree. If you really care about someone you're going to want to do everything possible to keep them with you. No matter what you have to go through, you always go through it together. That's the great part about being with someone."

"Mmmhmm. So, tell me something about you. I've barely heard anythign about you and nothing at all bad, so don't worry."

They both laughed. She didn't know where to to start since she didn't know exactly what Carey had been told and what she hadn't. She figured she'd just explain a little about her family life and go on with it from there.

"Well, I come from a pretty small family. My mom's great though. We work through everything together, what about your family?"

" Well, my mom and I, as I said earlier, we're not too close. Growing up, she was a good mom but when things started happening she became different. Not the same person, you know. Just really strict and not letting me do anything. After a while it pushed us apart. I doubt we'll ever the same again, but it's great that you have a nice family."

Christina felt the pain for Carey deep in her heart. She knew what it was like to be pushed away and things being kept from you, but she swore she wouldn't think about that. Not while she was here.