“I understand.” Dana says and softly squeezes Tina’s arm.

When the night came to an end, they had both applied to colleges. Both in Philadelphia. That’s their first choice. Both applied to several other schools, but hoped that they would get in on the first choice. They wanted to be together and close. Knowing that moving to a new and bigger city would be a little scary. They would need each others support.

At midnight, Tina went home, feeling good about the choice she made. She’s telling her parents tomorrow. They don’t even know that she lost her job.

She fall asleep right the minute her head hit the pillow.

The next day she gets up and eats a quick breakfast. Then she grabbed her bag and took her car over to her parents house. She knew her mother is home. She’s not working, after a car accident a year back, she’s  70% invalid. Her back is failing her. Tina parks the car outside and gets out and rings the doorbell. Her mother opens the door.

“Christina, what are you doing here?” Her mother asks.

“Hey mom… Can I come in?” Tina asks.

“Oh off course, I’m sorry honey, please come in.” Her mother replies and smiles.

“Thanks.” Tina says and gives her mother a hug as she walks past her.

They enter the kitchen. Tina takes a seat and her mother brings out two cups and pours coffee in them.

“Now, please Christina, shouldn’t you be at work?” Her mother asks.

“Mom, I have to tell you something.” Tina says and looks a little nervous.

“Okay.” Her mother says.

“I lost my job yesterday.” Tina says and waits for her mother’s reaction.

“You lost your job? How? Why?” Her mother asks.

“The company is downsizing and I haven’t been employed that long.” Tina says.

“I’m sorry Christina.” Her mother says and moves in to give Tina a hug.

“Yeah…” Tina says and takes a sip of her coke that her mother put on the table.

“Have you started to look for a new one?” Her mother asks.

“No… and I’m not going to either.” Tina says and looks up at her mother.

“You’re not? Why?” She asks.

“Last night I was at Dana’s and we both applied to college… I’m not sad about loosing my job mom. I see it as a kick in the butt to get out of here. To get a proper education.” Tina says and looks at her mother straight in the eyes.