Well, my mom is named Barbara, and she has blonde hair and blue eyes. My dad, Kendrick, has light brown hair and matching light brown eyes. They first met in high school, where they were known as the perfect couple, earning them the playful nicknames of Barbie and Ken. When I was born as their first child, they thought it would be cute to name me after them, and that's how I became Barbie Kiera O'Grady.
I smiled at her and tilted my head. "That's actually really cute."
She shook her head vigorously. "No, it's not cute! Everyone thinks my sister and I are weird."
"What's wrong with your sister?" I asked.
"Her name is Skipper Madeline O'Grady."
"As in Skipper, Barbie's doll sister?" I responded, my mouth dropping open. Then I mentally kicked myself—how lame was I for knowing that?
"Unfortunately, yes. But at least they gave us decent middle names to fall back on," she said, taking a bite of her apple.
"Oh, what do your parents do?" I asked.
"They're in real estate. And get this—it's called Dream House."
I couldn't help it; I burst into laughter.
"I'm sorry, but that's actually pretty funny."
"Yeah, yeah, I know. So, since I shared my story, what's yours?" she inquired.
"Okay, so I'm from New York but just moved here. There's not much of a backstory to my name; my mom is searching for a job, and I'm pretty young to be a senior."
"How old are you?"
"I'm 17." Kiera's eyes widened. "Yeah, I was bumped up a grade because they said I was 'so' smart."
"I guess we're total opposites because I was held back a year because I'm sure they think I'm dumb." She laughed, which made me laugh too. Her laugh was adorable; it sounded like a baby's giggle.
Throughout lunch, Kiera and I exchanged jokes, shared stories, and recounted embarrassing moments. She really was quite entertaining. After lunch, we swapped numbers and headed off to our last classes.
When school wrapped up, I was making my way to the exit when Mrs. Jackson stopped me.
"Hey, hun, is that your red Jeep parked out front?" she asked.
"Yup, that's mine."
"Oh, okay! Just so you know, that area is for teachers and guests. From now on, you'll need to park with the other students on the side of the school."
"I'm so sorry; I didn't know that."
"It's okay, dear. It's your first day—how could you?" She chuckled. "Well, that's it. Have a great afternoon, Clara."
"You too, Mrs. Jackson." With that, we went our separate ways.
Once I got into my car, I checked my phone. I hadn't looked at it all day, except for exchanging numbers with Kiera.
I had three messages: one from Mom and two from Dana.
First, I opened Mom's message; she texted to tell me she had an interview.
Next, I looked at the messages from Dana.
Dana: Hey! How was your first day?
Dana: Did you meet any friends??
Me: It was good, and yeah, I met this girl named Barbie!
Dana: That's her real name? Does she look like a Barbie?
Me: Blue eyes, blonde hair... yes, but she hates her name. Plus, she's super nice.
Dana: Oh, that's funny! I'm about to go on my date!
Me: OMG, good luck! Let me know how it goes!
Dana: OK, I will. xoxo
Dill and I drove home to an empty house. I headed straight to the kitchen to put away groceries. While doing so, I noticed a note on the fridge.
Luce,
At 5:30, meet me at Dave's Diner in town!
Xoxo, Mom
I quickly finished putting everything away and rushed upstairs to change.
I slipped into some yoga pants and a pink tank top. After getting ready, I hopped into my car, punched the diner's address into the GPS, and Dill and I were off.
The town was about forty-five minutes away. I passed the school and continued down a long road surrounded by woods.
After what felt like forever, I finally made it to town.
The diner was right in the town center. I parked in the back lot and made my way inside.
I spotted my mom sitting in a booth, her face lighting up when she saw me.
"Hi, Luce! How was your first day?" she asked.
"It was good! I made my first friend today."
"Tell me all about her," she said, grabbing both my hands eagerly.
After we ordered our food, I filled her in on everything about Kiera, from her full name to the funny antics during lunch. My mom laughed the whole time.
"She sounds really fun! I hope I get to meet her," she said.
"Yeah, you probably will! So, how about you? Tell me how your day went, how was the interview?"
"My day was good! I had an interview at a private doctor's office. They needed a receptionist."
"Oh, that's cool! How did it go?" I asked just as the waiter set our meals in front of us.
"Well... I got the job! I start tomorrow morning!" she squealed.
"Way to go, Mom!" I exclaimed, squeezing her hand.
"Thanks, honey! It's kind of strange where the doctor's office is, though. You know those woods you have to pass to get here?" I nodded. "Well, there's a little road that branches off, and it's hidden back there."
"Well, I guess that's what they mean by private," I joked.
Mom smiled. "Yeah, I suppose!"
She finished.