Revolving Doors Read Online Free PDF Page A

slightly altered version of why I was there, mere months from the last visit.
    Had I told the truth, I would have arrived home to a father loaded with a torrent of questions, and a little less than thrilled. I had to protect myself…and my mom, who put the bid in and sealed the deal for me to be there in the first place.
    As far as they knew, I was taking a small break before school started which wasn’t entirely a lie. It did, however, manage to open a whole other dialog about Natalia and her decision to put college off – maybe indefinitely.
    Ohhh, I felt so bad!
    When Natalia and I finished cleaning the kitchen and were alone in her room, she was beside herself at how they double teamed her.
    “ My god ! They make me so angry. That was unnecessary…especially, at dinner! I knew as soon as the word ‘ school ’ exited your mouth, they were going to start in with me. I knew it ! It’s a constant debate in this house.” Then she changed to a pitched whisper. “If they only knew how much money I make, they wouldn’t be so quick to judge! Wait…who am I kidding? Yes, they would. It’s who they are, which is exactly why the next time you come I’ll be living in my own apartment!”
    I couldn’t tell her that it wasn’t an exclusive club belonging solely to her parents. There were many who would be upset with her choice – especially , if their daughter forfeited college to be a high-priced call girl. Yeah, that would definitely cause a mild to severe heart attack.
    I wanted to suggest that she at least have a plan B, but I didn’t want to add fuel to the fire. I knew it was the last thing she’d want to hear. In truth, what I might hear in return was the screeching of the driver’s tires as she left me behind on her trip to Paraiso Belo.
    So what did I do? Switched topics…
    “Your own apartment? That is going to be fun!”
    “Yes, it will be. I’m actually signing the lease in two weeks!” she gushed.
    “Have you told tia e tio, yet?”
    “Not yet, but soon. I’m sure it won’t be a problem, but you’ll get an email with the details. Maybe it will take the pressure off and keep them from worrying about my future so much. They’ll see that I’m doing fine and can take care of myself.”
     
    ~*~*~
     
    That evening I raided Natalia’s closet for a full-length piece of gorgeous. I was prepared to go shopping if I had to, but just as I thought I was able to find what I needed amongst her things. Our tastes were something like identical, so all was well.
    Luckily, my luggage was still semi-packed so for everything else, I was set.
    Talia’s excitement was contagious and had found its way onto me. I had no idea what to expect, but by the description Natalia provided, I knew Paraiso Belo would be something immaculate, something intriguing and definitely something to remember. I couldn’t wait to see it in person.
    I made it a point to check emails before I headed to bed that night. Of course there was one from my mama:
     
    From: Mama
    Subject: Miss you!
    Date: Monday, May 24, 200 1
    To: Gabriella
     
    Hey Baby Girl,
     
    I miss seeing you when I get home from work! I hope you are enjoying your time with Natalia. When you get back, I was thinking we should do a mama/daughter spa day in Napa or something. Stay the night out there at the Embassy Suites. Daddy’s been busy lately, finalizing the plans for the new house. He wants to be in before end of summer. I can’t wait to see it! I’ve been trying to find plans around the house or the smallest piece of mail to get a glimpse of the address so you and I can take a secret drive by. Unsuccessful! That man is good at keeping secrets. I guess we will just have to be surprised. Are you ready, baby girl?! Mama IS!
     
    I love you. Make sure you email soo n 
     
    From: Gabriella
    Subject: Re: Miss you!
    Date: Tuesday, May 25, 2001
    To: Mama
     
    Mama!
     
    I missed you as soon as I got on the plane! Talia and I are having fun, so much fun. I’m going