The next day, I woke up at 9:00 am, realizing I only had an hour to get ready. Grabbing my duffel bag, I opened the door to find no one around and headed to the bathroom.

To my shock, I came face to face with a half-naked Brandon brushing his teeth. I screamed, quickly shut the door, and rushed to find another bathroom.

I walked two doors down, found it empty, stepped in, and locked the door behind me. After brushing my teeth and showering, I got dressed and tied my hair in a ponytail. I then headed to Brandon's bedroom and knocked.

"Come in," he said. I opened the door and peeked inside.

"I'm leaving to visit my mom at 10:00. I'll see you later," I told him.

I closed the door and went downstairs. Hearing voices from the back, I opened the front door and left. I walked to the bus stop and called Jessica to pick me up at Wendy's. On the bus, I showed the driver my route passes my dad had gotten for me.

When I entered Wendy's, I got in line and ordered pancakes and chocolate tea before sitting down. Luke texted me:

Lukey: The boys are starting to recover from their hangovers, so we'll clean up soon.

Me: Thanks, I'll be home around 2:30 because I need to get ready for my date.

Lukey: Cool, see you later, and be careful.

Me: I will.

I checked the time—it was 10:00 am—when Jessica walked in. I waved, and she came over. "Time is everything; let's go. You can finish in the car," she said.

I gathered my breakfast and hopped into the back seat.

Ten minutes later, we arrived at the women's prison. After passing through security, we sat and waited for our numbers to be called.

"Number fifteen," the announcer said. Jessica and I stood and walked to the desk.

The officer asked for our names and who we were visiting. I replied, "Anastasia Montez, here to see Gloria Montez." Jessica added, "Jessica James, here to see Gloria Montez as well."

The officer opened the gate, letting us through with two officers escorting us. I entered the same place I had visited before.

My mom soon appeared, looking older, darker, and messy-haired. She tried to smile but it faltered quickly. We sat at a table, and an officer told us we had five minutes.

My mom grabbed my hand, saying, "I will get out of here, Anne, and when I do, we can be reunited."

"Yes, Mom, we all know. Dad is doing fine, and I've made new friends," I replied. She smiled at Jessica.

"Hi, Gloria, it's been so long," Jessica said.

"Yes, Jessie, but how did you know who my daughter is?" my mom asked.

"Because my son, Justin, is her new friend at school," Jessica explained.

"Are all Justin's friends yours too?" my mom asked. I nodded, saying, "Yep, even Jordan."

Jessica chuckled, and my mom said, "Visit me before New Year's, okay, Anne? Promise me."

I sighed, "I will visit for your birthday."

"But that's February 23rd, Anne," she protested.

"Take it or leave it," I replied, and she sighed.

"If my daughter won't visit me, then you're no daughter of mine. I disown you." Tears began to fall from my eyes.

I screamed, "Fine! I'm not coming back ever again!" and ran out of the room. I signed out and dashed out of the prison, not knowing where I was going but running down the block.

I ended up walking home. When I entered, the guys were cleaning up.

"Wow, you're back early," Luke said as I shrugged.

I ordered pizza and went to the theater room to watch a movie. Jordan walked in and asked, "Got any money to order a pizza?"

I sighed and pulled out a twenty. "I owe you one. Thanks," he said before leaving. My dad called, and I answered.

"Hi, Dad."

"Did you visit your mother?"

"Yes, but I'm never going back there again. Bye, Dad."

I hung up, tears rolling down my cheeks. I wiped my eyes and focused on the movie starting.

Carlos entered and asked, "You look unhappy. What's the matter?"

I sobbed, "My mother," and explained what happened at the prison.

He hugged me, saying, "It's going to be alright. I don't want you to be sad—you have a date with Brandon later." I smiled at the thought.

"I like Brandon, and I hope he doesn't hurt me."

"The day I hear he hurts you is the day he'll end up in the hospital for a week," Carlos joked. I laughed and shook my head.

"Once the movie ends, I'm going to check the house to make sure it's clean and shining," I said.

"Yes, ma'am," Carlos replied, heading back upstairs.

I texted Brandon:

Me: Hi, Brandy! What are you doing?

Brandy: Nothing, just playing video games. How did your meeting go?

Me: Bad. My mom said she disowns me because I won't visit her before New Year's.

Brandy: If my mother did that, I wouldn't let her see me in my prom dress or graduation gown. Are you still up for the date?

Me: Yes, but can we go to an ice cream shop instead?

Brandy: No problem! Then we'll head to a pizza place.

Me: Cool! See you at 6.

Brandy: Yeah, see ya!

He's such a great guy—any girl could have him, but he chose me! I'm so glad he isn't a player and hasn't dated Stephanie, not that I know of.

I feel like we'll have an incredible friendship that will only grow stronger.