Phenomenal X

Aunt Dee greets me with a warm smile as I approach. “A

“It’s great to see you, Aunt Dee.”

I giggle at her words, laced with a thick Spanish accent, as I take in the multicolored bandana tied around her head in a chic, yet fashionable way that blends into her hairstyle. Like I said, Aunt Dee is a little eccentric. She’s an artist—a painter and a sculptor—and her creativity typically carries over into her wardrobe. Much like the tie-dyed maxi-dress she has on. “I hope this stain comes out. I didn’t bring a lot of clothes.”

“I know just the trick to get it out once we get home.” She pulls back and inspects me from head to toe. “You look so much like your mother. Doesn’t she, Qui

I glance over at my cousin who is wearing a pair of cut-off shorts and a black tank top. Qui

Qui

“Aye, girls…but not too much fun,” Aunt Dee warns. “Your father would have my head on a stick. He is the last person on earth I want on my back.”

Qui

Allowing my eyes to flit back and forth between my aunt and cousin, I frown. They know how bad it was for me back home. We talk all the time, and Qui

Aunt Dee shakes her head. “That’s where your father and I differ in opinion, A

I nod. “I can never thank you enough for giving me a place to escape to.”

She cups my face. “It’s no problem, sweet girl. I wouldn’t want my Qui

Emotions build inside my chest, making me nearly burst as I fight against them. I don’t want to have a breakdown right here on the curb at the airport. I swallow hard.

“Me too,” is all I can whisper.

My aunt’s face twists with pity. “Awww, come on. Let’s get you home, yeah?”

A single tear slips from my eye. It’s not until this very moment that I realize how serious all this is. For the first time in my life the unknown is staring me in the face and I’m scared shitless, yet exhilarated at the same time. I’ve never felt this free—this alive.

Qui

I shake my head and smile. “You and your shoes. I’ve never known anyone more obsessed with them.”

She grins, and it lights up her gorgeous features. “I’d like to think only Imelda Marcos could rival me. I would love to peek in that lady’s closet.”

I roll my eyes as we shut the trunk. “I could think of so many better things to do with my time than explore an eighty-year-old woman’s shoe collection.”

Qui

I laugh as I get in the backseat and Qui

She shakes her head as she fastens her seatbelt. “Always the realist, aren’t you, A

“You know I’ve been this way since birth, Qui

“No. Not a miracle, A

My mouth drops open, completely mortified that Qui

When I don’t reply, Qui

Aunt Dee nods. “I do, but dear, you have to remember how A

Qui

I adjust in the seat. It’s hard to hear someone else confirm that your life has been a living hell. I mean, I’ve known for a while now that I haven’t grown up like most people, but it’s been the only life I’ve ever known. Even though Aunt Dee and Qui

There are so many things that are uncertain now, but I’m ready to face whatever comes at me, head on.

“Oh, and I talked to my boss about you yesterday. Andy says he can use another waitress since the one he just hired quit, so the jobs yours if you want it. All you have to do is fill out an application and you can start right away,” Qui

I smile and place my hand on her shoulder. “I’ll never be able to thank you enough. I’m truly grateful”—I put my other hand on Aunt Dee’s shoulder—”to both of you.”

Aunt Dee pats my hand. “You’re more than welcome, dear.”

I lean back in my seat. No matter how many times I thank them, it’s never going to be enough. It’s like they have given me a chance to live life my way for once. I’ll always be grateful.

“A

I sigh. “I can’t. I lost my phone on the plane.”

“Oh, shit,” Qui

I shrug. “No idea. Father pays the bill. But it should be okay because I know who has it and I have his number, so I can get it back. All I have to do is call him and make arrangements to get it…and my purse.”

Qui

I glance down at my soiled clothing and replay the moment I met Xavier in my head while I explain what happened on the flight.

Qui

“I guess, if you want to look at it that way.”

“Looks like he took a special interest in making sure he’d get to see you again.” She smiles. “Girl, sounds like you’ve got more game than I gave you credit for. That must’ve been some conversation on that flight because he could’ve easily turned it into the flight crew.”