“Now?â€? He asks, hope thick in his voice.

“Uh, sure… well… give me 20 minutes to get ready? And I’ll come get you.â€? I smile.

“What? You got a car?!â€? He exclaims.

“Yup.â€? I say excitedly. “Christmas present from Edwin.â€?

“Damn… The boy must have some money…â€? Chris mumbles, a hint of jealousy in his voice.

I lower my voice and say, “Awe, Chris… I liked your gift better… a lot better… if that makes you feel any better…â€?

“Really?â€? He asks softly.

“Yes, much much better!â€? I tell him.

“Alright.â€? He amends, “I’ll see you soon then.â€?

We hang up and I get dressed in a hurry. I rush downstairs and then calm myself. I ask my parents if I can go show a couple friends my new car. They agree but only because I promise to be home within the hour since we were leaving for my family’s house then.

I breeze out the door and into my new car. I take a deep breath of that new car smell before starting the engine. I flip through the radio channels as I take off towards Chris’ house.