UMHBA Full Chapter PDF

CHAPTER 8 Cara’s POV I can’t shake this boredom. It’s nearly noon, and the power is still out. My parents? They’re having a great time chatting with the neighbors—Francis’s family, of all people. Ugh, I can’t stand them. It’s those annoying smiles or the way they look at me like I’m...

CHAPTER 8 Cara’s POV I can’t shake this boredom. It’s nearly noon, and the power is still out. My parents? They’re having a great time chatting with the neighbors—Francis’s family, of all people. Ugh, I can’t stand them. It’s those annoying smiles or the way they look at me like I’m some strange puzzle they can’t figure out. It makes me feel so small and uncomfortable. I just wish they would go away and leave me in peace. I’m sitting on the porch, my thoughts swirling around Isaac and his family. I can’t help but wonder where they are. Did they take off on some fun adventure, or are they snuggled up somewhere, just enjoying each other’s company? Not knowing is really getting to me, and every idea I come up with feels more tempting than the last. I can feel impatience stirring inside me, just like it did with Dad earlier. The weather’s a bit off today—cloudy 1 and sticky. Maybe it’s just me trying to adjust to this Florida heat. Everything feels fresh and unfamiliar, and I can’t shake this restless feeling. “Don’t worry, they’re already here,” Francis said to my parents, glancing down the street as the electricians pulled in. Mom’s face brightened instantly, her worries fading away. “That’s wonderful!” she exclaimed, her eyes shining with hope. I leaned over the porch railing, completely captivated by the scene unfolding before me. The electricians pulled up in their truck and got straight to work on the electric pole, moving with a sense of purpose that felt almost electric itself. Neighbors started to gather, chatting and laughing, as if this was some kind of celebration. It felt like a turning point for us—a moment filled with hope and new beginnings. But then there was Francis, blabbing about how the power would be back soon. I couldn’t help but feel a wave 2 of irritation wash over me. It’s hard to explain, but I just can’t shake this heavy dislike for him and his family. It’s like a storm cloud that lingers in my chest, a bitter feeling that I can’t seem to shake off no matter how hard I try. As the clock struck noon, the electrician climbed down from the ladder, his heart racing with a mix of pride and relief. “All done now,” he said, his voice warm and full of joy. Cheers erupted around me, a wave of happiness washing over the crowd. Cars zipped by, horns honking in celebration, and I found myself scanning each one, hoping to catch a glimpse of Isaac. Just as I leaned in closer, my parents called my name, pulling me back into the moment. Why do I care so much? That question echoed in my mind. Is it because of how Isaac treats me? We hardly know each other, so why does it feel like I’m holding my breath, scared to lose him… even just as a friend? 3  I know I keep coming back to this thought, but it’s where my heart and mind meet. It’s the raw truth of who I am, playing in my head like a favorite song that just won’t fade away. “Come on, let’s head inside,” Mom urged, her voice a gentle nudge in the chilly air. “Alright, back to our usual routines,” Dad replied, a warm smile spreading across his face. “Okay,” I responded, but the As the clock struck noon, one of the electricians stepped down from the ladder, looking satisfied and relieved. “All done now,” he said with a warm smile. Cheers erupted around me—a wave of happiness swept through the crowd. Cars zoomed by with horns honking in celebration, and I found myself scanning each one, hoping to catch a glimpse of Isaac. Just as I leaned in closer, my parents called my name, pulling me back into reality. Why do I care so much? That question echoed in my mind. 4  Is it because of how Isaac treated me? We barely know each other, so why does it feel like I’m holding my breath, afraid to lose him… as a friend? I know I keep circling back to this same thought, but honestly, it’s where my heart and mind collide. It’s the raw truth of who I am, echoing in my thoughts like a song that won’t leave me alone. “Come on, let’s head inside,” Mom said gently as the chilly air nipped at us. “Alright, back to our usual routines,” Dad added with a warm smile. “Okay,” I replied, but that word felt heavy on my tongue. We all went inside, and I flopped down in front of the TV again. The soap opera I’d been glued to earlier had wrapped up, leaving me with nothing but the relentless buzz of the news channel flickering on the screen. It felt like a lifeline—even if it wasn’t what I wanted. I had to stick with it; that was just how things flowed around here. 5  Honestly, boredom is something I drift into way too often. It’s like my mind craves something to grab onto, so I dive into books or lose myself in shows. But even when I escape into those stories, my thoughts keep circling back to the new school I’ll be attending. I can’t help but wonder if someone like Isaac might show up to help me navigate it all. The clock struck 4 PM, and it felt like a burst of freedom hit us all at once. Mom had just finished folding the last load of laundry, her hands still smelling fresh and clean like fabric softener. Meanwhile, Dad was in the bathroom, battling with some annoying plumbing problem that just wouldn’t quit. We were all hiding out in our rooms, but I couldn’t take it anymore. My stomach was growling, begging for something tasty from the fridge, so I decided to head downstairs. Just as my hand grazed the cold metal of the fridge door handle, a sharp knock reverberated through the house, jolting me back to the present. 6  Ugh, seriously? I can’t just ignore it. I’ve got to answer the door. The thought of waking my parents makes my stomach twist—what if they’re in a deep sleep? I can’t just leave the door hanging wide open for whoever’s out there, either. It feels like it’s all on me right now. I take a deep breath, feeling the weight of responsibility settle on my shoulders. This is my house too, after all, and it’s up to me to handle things when they get a little chaotic. I can’t let them down. So, with a reluctant sigh, I push aside my hesitation and make my way toward the door, each step heavy with anticipation and a hint of dread. What could it be? Who could it be? My heart races as I reach for the doorknob, ready to face whatever—or whoever—awaits me on the other side. I swung the door open and there he was—Isaac. My heart dropped, and I could feel my cheeks heat up. I must’ve looked like a deer in headlights. 7  Ugh, so embarrassing! “Hey, Cara,” he finally broke the silence. “Oh… hey! What brings you here?” I asked, a little caught off guard. “Can we talk for a sec?” he said, looking a bit nervous. “Again? What’s the deal this time?” I shot back, curiosity bubbling up. “Uh, are you busy right now?” he asked again, like he was weighing his words. “We just wrapped up our usual stuff. Why, Isaac?” I replied, trying to keep it casual but feeling a flutter of anticipation. I can feel my heart racing right now. What if he actually asks me out? Like, for real? Ugh, that would be so intense! But wait—maybe it’s too soon for that. I mean, we’ve barely scratched the surface. “Can we please talk?” Isaac pressed, his voice a mix of urgency and hope. “Oh, um…” I stammered, my thoughts swirling like a storm inside my head. 8  Gosh, my mind was a complete jumble! I felt like I was standing at a crossroads, each path leading to a different outcome. Should I say yes? Or should I just walk away? My heart raced as I weighed the possibilities. What would happen if I agreed? Would it lead to clarity or just more confusion? The tension hung in the air, thick and heavy, making it hard to breathe. “Sure... why not?” I finally blurted out. We stepped out onto the porch, and I was totally caught off guard when he brought out two chairs for us. It felt like he had planned this little moment, just the two of us, and my heart did a little flip. He settled into his chair first, looking relaxed but also a bit nervous, like he was about to share something important. I plopped down next to him, feeling the warmth of the afternoon wrapping around us. “Are your parents free tonight?” “Oh? My parents? Yeah, I'm pretty sure they're available.” “Well... it's like this. My parents—especially Mom—are really keen on welcoming your whole family over to our 9 place in Flowerville. We've got this thing where we always roll out the red carpet for newcomers around here.” “Where’s this thing going to happen?” “Most likely at your place, tonight.” “Wait, tonight?! Are you serious?!” “Uh… yeah. We don’t really have any other options.” My heart raced as I processed the words. Tonight? At my house? It felt like a whirlwind had just swept through the room, tossing my thoughts around like leaves in a storm. I could already picture the chaos: the laughter, the music, the inevitable mess that would follow. My mind raced with a million questions. Was my place even ready for this? What if his mom is one of those super observant types, always noticing every little detail and expecting everything to be just perfect? It’s like she has this impossible checklist for life, and we’re just not going to measure up. I can already see it in Isaac—he’s definitely from one of those high-society families, the kind where everything is polished and pristine. 10  You know the type: the perfectly manicured lawns, the designer clothes, the way they carry themselves with this air of confidence that feels almost intimidating. In that instant, my mind went completely blank, like a computer that just froze up. I was staring off into space, lost in my own thoughts, when I suddenly realized Isaac was waiting for me to say something. It felt like time had slowed down, and then—bam! He waved his hand right in front of my face, snapping me back to reality. “Oh, sorry! What were you saying?” I blurted out, still trying to shake off the fog in my brain. “Dinner,” he said, his voice steady but with a hint of impatience. “Tonight at your house.” “Oh! That!” The realization hit me like a splash of cold water. “Yeah, yeah, I can let them know.” “Around 7 PM, I guess,” Isaac added, and I nodded, feeling a rush of warmth at the thought of everyone gathering together. 11  He stepped off the porch, a grin plastered across his face, and I was left standing there, this goofy smile stuck on mine, feeling all kinds of awkward. I had just said yes to his request, and it felt surreal. My mind was racing—what would my parents think? I could already picture their jaws dropping in disbelief. If it had been Francis asking for this, they’d be all in, no questions asked. But Isaac? That was a whole different story. I could almost hear the gears turning in their heads, the uncertainty hanging thick in the air. Would they trust him? Would they even understand why I said yes? It was like a whirlwind of emotions swirling inside me, excitement mixed with that nagging doubt. So, an hour later, I finally gathered the courage to spill the beans to my parents. And let me tell you, their reactions were something else—complete and utter shock. I thought for sure they’d argue with me or at least give me 12 that look of disbelief when I mentioned I was actually considering Isaac’s request. But no, it was like I had dropped a bombshell on them. They weren’t just rejecting the idea; they were completely blindsided! Their faces went pale, eyes wide open like saucers, as if I had just told them I was running off to join the circus or something. I mean, I knew they’d have strong feelings about it, but this level of shock? It was like they couldn’t even process what I was saying. All those scenarios I had played out in my head—disagreements, stern lectures—flew right out the window. Instead, it was this surreal moment where their disbelief hung in the air, thick and heavy. “The Thornes… inviting us over for dinner?” Dad said, his voice a mix of surprise and curiosity. “Yeah,” I replied, nodding enthusiastically. Mom and Dad exchanged glances, their eyes sparkling with a blend of excitement and disbelief. It was like they were sharing a secret conversation without saying a word, 13 and I couldn’t help but feel a rush of warmth at the thought. As they nodded in agreement, I felt a grin spread across my face, too. It was one of those moments where everything just clicked into place—like the universe was giving us a little nudge to step outside our usual routine and embrace something new. “Alright, we’ve got this!” I said, trying to pump some enthusiasm into the air. And just like that, we dove right in. The dining table became our canvas, and we set to work, transforming the room into something special. Mom was in her element, whipping up delicious dishes in the kitchen, her apron tied tight and a smile on her face. Dad and I teamed up, laughing and joking as we hung up decorations. We didn’t waste any time getting everything ready for the dining table. We just hung out in the living room, waiting for Isaac and his parents to show up. It’s funny because Isaac had only asked us to do this earlier, but somehow, we were totally ready for it. 14  “Didn’t they say 7pm?” Mom asked, glancing at the clock. “Yep, and it’s just 6:47, so we’ve got a few more minutes,” I said, trying to keep the mood light. “While we wait, I’m grabbing some wine,” Dad announced, heading toward the kitchen. “Oh great, not this again…” Mom sighed, rolling her eyes. Every time Dad takes a sip or gets a little tipsy, it’s like the whole house goes downhill. I don’t want to dive into all the messy details, but let’s just say things get really rough whenever he cracks open a bottle of wine. It’s like a switch flips, and suddenly everything's spiraling out of control. “When's Dad gonna stop being like this?” I said, arms crossed and feeling all kinds of frustrated. “Well, sweetie, it's just how he is.” Mom replied, her voice kind of soothing but still a little distant. “It's a guy thing.” 15  Totally, I get it. It’s just a guy thing, right? Like, why should I even care? But honestly, not all guys are into drinking. Some of them just don’t vibe with it at all. The clock struck 7 PM, and my heart raced as I heard a knock echo through the quiet house. I rushed to the door, excitement bubbling inside me. I was wearing my favorite pink dress, the one that made me feel like a princess, and my hair was pulled into two neat braids that danced with every step I took. I swung the door open, and there he was—Isaac. My breath caught in my throat for a moment. Behind him stood a couple of adults, and I guessed they were his parents. His mom looked so young, almost like she could be one of us, while his dad had that unmistakable look—beard and all—that screamed “dad.” The contrast made me smile; it was like a snapshot of family life that felt both comforting and strange. “Are you Mr. Thorne?” Dad asked, his voice steady as he reached out his hand. 16  “Absolutely. Great to meet you, Mr. Amara,” Mr. Thorne replied, his tone polite but a little stiff. “Come on, let’s drop the formalities,” Isaac chimed in, his easy smile breaking the tension in the air. “Let’s just introduce ourselves by our first names.” “Sounds good to me,” Mom said, her eyes sparkling with warmth. “I’m Isabela Thorne, Isaac’s beloved mom,” she announced, her voice smooth and welcoming. “Hey! I’m Cara,” I blurted out, a rush of excitement bubbling up inside me. As I stepped forward to introduce myself, I could feel Isabela's gaze sweeping over me, taking in every detail from my messy hair to my scuffed sneakers. There was something about the way she looked at me—like she was trying to figure out if I was good enough for her son. I couldn't help but notice how polished and put-together she and Isaac's dad were, dressed in their fancy clothes that screamed sophistication. 17  Perhaps it was just the local style here in Florida, but they seemed like they belonged to a world I was still trying to understand. “Ready to go?” Dad said, his eyes sparkling with that familiar excitement. “Let’s get this welcome get over with,” Mom chimed in, her voice warm and inviting. With that, we all drifted into the dining area, a little bubble of anticipation wrapping around us as we settled into our chairs, each of us finding our own spot at the table. As soon as everyone started eating, the atmosphere felt heavy with awkwardness. Forks clinked against plates, but no one was talking. I could feel my parents staring at me, almost urging me to say something and break the silence. It was so uncomfortable, like we were stuck in a moment that wouldn’t budge. Then Isaac noticed us. 18  He paused mid-bite, took a sip of his drink, and suddenly the tension lifted a bit. “Good evening, everyone,” he said, his voice slicing through the quiet like a breath of fresh air. “Good evening,” we all replied, a mix of relief and uncertainty in our voices. “We’re here to welcome you, the Amaras, to Flowerville in Florida. We hope this place becomes a backdrop for wonderful new memories and that your time here is filled with joy that lasts forever,” Isabela added, her tone warm and inviting. “Flowerville... it’s just perfect,” Mom said softly, his eyes sparkling with quiet happiness. “We’re Catholics, you see—devoted ones. And our little girl Cara is the reason we’re here in Florida. She needs… well, she could really use a miracle.” “How about a toast?” Dad said, lifting his glass with a smile. “To new memories!” Isaac shouted, his excitement bubbling over. 19  “To new memories!” we all echoed, clinking our glasses together. As we took a sip, the warmth of the moment wrapped around us, and we went back to enjoying our dinner, laughter filling the air. After dinner, Isaac and I slipped outside, settling down on the cool grass to watch the stars twinkle above us. Inside, our parents were busy washing dishes and chatting away, lost in their own world. As we sat there, I felt a warm sense of acceptance in the air. My parents had finally opened up to Isaac and his family. Before, they hadn’t really welcomed them because they hadn’t met properly, but now it felt different. They were finally seeing them for who they truly are. Isaac and I sat close, but I found myself pulling back just a little. We were just friends, after all—nothing more. I didn’t want to cross any lines or complicate things between us. 20  “They finally accept you,” I said to Isaac, a smile creeping onto my face. “Really? What do you mean?” he replied, looking a bit surprised. “You know how they tried to avoid you when we first met? Especially at the church?” “Yeah, I noticed that too, but I didn’t think much of it.” “Well, of course you didn’t. You’re a guy,” I teased gently. “Being observant isn’t just for women, you know,” he shot back with a grin. “I get that! I just wanted to point it out.” “Point it out? Are you saying I don’t care about people?” “Oh no, not like that!” I laughed, feeling a bit flustered. “You’re funny, Cara Amara. I really like your vibe.” “Me? This? Oh please, it’s just the surface,” I shrugged playfully. “Then what’s underneath?” he asked, his curiosity piqued. 21  “Not something for tonight,” I replied, a hint of mystery in my voice. “Alright then,” he said, leaning back with a smile, clearly intrigued. Gosh. Isaac is really sharp! It makes sense that he can respond to me like that—sometimes he even teases me a bit. I wouldn’t be surprised if he’s in a debate club or something. He knows how to switch between being serious and cracking jokes, which keeps things interesting. Our chat felt pretty casual, at least from my side. Luckily, there weren’t too many people around when we were talking outside. It made everything feel more private and special, just between us. “Who’s your doctor again?” he asked, curiosity lighting up his face. “Dr. Jacob. Why do you ask?” I replied, a hint of apprehension in my voice. “Oh, him! I know him. He’s my aunt’s doctor, and he’s really good.” 22  “Really? Dr. Julia, my old doctor in Michigan, suggested him for a second opinion.” “So, is Dr. Julia not treating you anymore?” “I’m not sure why, but I think a second opinion could help with what I’m going through.” “Can I ask what that is?” “What do you mean, Isaac?” “The ‘something’ you’re feeling.” “Why now? Isn’t that a bit personal?” “It’s up to you if you want to share.” “Who do you think you are? My boyfriend? Dream on!” “Can’t a guy just be curious about how his friend is feeling? It might help.” “No words can really capture what it means.” “Sure, if that's how you feel. I really don't want to get into a fight over this." “Then maybe just drop the questions about my life right now? I’d be okay with that.” I was caught off guard when he just blurted out a personal question. Doesn’t he get that some things are 23 private? I mean, it’s not like it’s against the rules to ask, but it felt way too much. Personal stuff? No thanks. I’m not ready to share that unless I really know someone. “Are you two okay?” Ms. Thorne called out as she stepped outside to check on us. “Yeah, we’re good, Mom,” Isaac said with a smile. “Absolutely, Ms. Thorne!” I added, feeling a little more relaxed. “That's great to hear! We’ll be leaving soon,” she said, her voice warm and reassuring. “Alright, Mom,” Isaac replied, glancing at me with a grin. Isaac got up while I stayed on the grass, feeling a bit lost. As he walked back inside, I glanced at him and saw the disappointment on his face. I couldn't help but think that he brought this on himself by asking such personal questions. I really hope that Isaac and I can sort things out tomorrow and keep things friendly moving forward. It’s tough to think that a simple argument, something as 24 ordinary as asking a personal question, could mess up our relationship. I care about our connection, and I don’t want a small misunderstanding to come between us. It would mean a lot to me if we could just talk it out and find a way to move on together. The sun peeked through the curtains, signaling a brand new day. After finishing breakfast, I felt a flutter of excitement in my stomach. I walked over to the garage where my dad was busy tinkering with our car. He was always so focused when he worked, but I knew this was the moment to ask him something important. “Dad?” I called out, my voice a mix of nerves and eagerness. He looked up from his tools, wiping his hands on a rag. “Yes, sweetie?” “I was wondering if I could go somewhere. It’s really close to home,” I said, trying to keep my tone casual. 25  He raised an eyebrow, curiosity lighting up his face. “What is this ‘somewhere’ you’re talking about?” “Do I have to tell you?” I asked playfully. “Of course! I’m your dad; it’s my job to know these things,” he replied with a smile that made me feel safe. “It’s just Isaac’s house,” I finally spoke out. “Oh, alright then. Just make sure you’re back before sunset, okay?” “Thanks, Dad!” I exclaimed, relief washing over me. I walked to my room and quickly gathered everything I needed for Isaac’s place. I thought about my mom, busy with laundry, and figured Dad would fill her in later. Stepping outside, I felt a little flutter of excitement as I made my way to Isaac’s house. It was such a short walk—just a few seconds, really—but it felt special, like I was on my way to something important. I really want to talk about something important. I know it just happened last night, but I feel like it’s best to clear the air right away. It’s weighing on my mind, and I’d 26 rather not let it linger. It’s important to me that we settle this so we can both feel better. As I arrived at their house, I noticed a shiny doorbell just waiting to be pressed. I took a deep breath and pushed it, my heart racing a little. “Hello? Is anyone home?” I called out. After a moment of silence, I heard footsteps approaching. The sound grew louder, and I felt a flutter of excitement mixed with nerves. When the door swung open, I was taken aback to see Ms. Thorne standing there, her eyes wide with surprise. “Oh hi, Ms. Thorne!” I exclaimed, a smile breaking across my face despite the unexpected twist. “Cara? You’re early! What’s going on?” she asked, her brow furrowing with concern. “Is Isaac home?” “Oh, yeah! He’s upstairs with his best friends.” “Best friends?” 27  “Yeah, Ethan and Sheena. They’ve been close since they were little. You know, like two peas in a pod.” “I see. May I come inside of your house?” “Sure. Have a seat in the living room.” Ms. Thorne smiled and motioned for me to sit while she headed upstairs to call Isaac. As I settled into the living room, I couldn’t help but feel a wave of nostalgia wash over me. Their home felt warm and inviting, filled with memories. It was simpler than I expected, and I realized I had thought they would have something fancier, maybe even more luxurious than what we had. “Cara? What brings you here?” Isaac paused on the stairs, a curious look on his face. “I just wanted to talk about what happened last night,” I replied, feeling a bit nervous. “What happened last night?” he asked, tilting his head slightly. I opened my mouth to explain, but then I noticed Ethan and Sheena coming down the stairs, and my words got stuck. 28  “About the…” “Oh, that? Cara, it was nothing.” “Really?” “Yep! By the way, here comes Ethan and Sheena.” I waved at them. Ethan floated down the stairs like he was on a runway. There was something about him that made me think he wasn’t straight. Sheena, on the other hand, was quiet and reserved. “Hi, I’m Ethan,” he said with a bright smile. “And I’m Sheena,” she added softly. “Nice to meet you both!” I replied, feeling a little nervous. “And Cara, they are my…” “Childhood best friends,” I jumped in. Isaac and the others looked surprised at my words. “Your mom told me,” I explained. “Oh, okay,” Ethan nodded, a hint of relief washing over his face. “Is Cara your real name?” Ethan asked. 29  “It’s just a nickname. My real name is Cordelia.” “Wow! Cordelia, Cordelia, Cordelia!” he exclaimed, as if saying my name was a secret he had just uncovered. We all started chatting, and soon enough, the conversation turned to which school to go to. I really tuned in because my parents are still trying to find the right one for me. “Our school is still accepting new students.” Ethan said. “Really? Even though school starts next week?” Sheena asked, her brow furrowing in concern. “Yep! And Cara, you mentioned you were looking for a place,” Isaac chimed in. “Oh right! But is your school really that good?” I replied. “Absolutely! The three of us are on the student council at Flowerville University,” Ethan assured me. “Should I tell my parents about it?” Cara asked, biting her lip. “Yeah, you should. Plus, I’d met them already.” “Alright then, I’m going to enroll here!” 30  Then, I took a deep breath and shared my thoughts with my parents as I got home. To my relief, they were on board with my idea. It felt like a weight had been lifted off my shoulders. Thanks to them—and especially Isaac—I had discovered a school that promised to help me grow, not just as a student, but as a person too. I couldn't help but feel a wave of gratitude wash over me for meeting Isaac. He had opened up a whole new world for me, and I was excited about the journey ahead. 31