Free First Chance by A. L. Wood

a niche in the wall.  So I spent last night spoiling myself in what I had. Of course, that also meant I had to wake up and six am, so I could enjoy my shower one last time for the next two months. Then pack, then hopefully say goodbye to Layla’s and walk over to the Ritz.
    I lay my suitcase on the bed. Opening my drawers just tossing in underwear, bras, t-shirts, jeans. Deciding I should have at least one professional outfit on hand, I grab my plain black dress out of my closet and a pair of red wedges. Stuffing that in my suitcase as well, I go to the kitchen and grab three plastic gallon sized storage bags to put my bathroom necessities in. My toothbrush, toothpaste, mouthwash, shampoo and conditioner, bath poof, body wash, and hairbrush. I zip my luggage bag, throw a pair of flip flops in the outer pocket , wiping my hair from my face, glancing around my room checking to see if I missed anything I might want.
    In my purse I already have my cellphone and charger. The two things I could not live without. Looking at my bed I see my parents’ picture in a frame on my nightstand. I walk over to it pick it up, and remove the picture out of the frame. I’ll keep that in my bunk with me .I have to take a piece of them with me. I wheel my bag to the front door. As I grab my cellphone out of my purse to call a cab. I see Layla walking through the front door. Glad to see her, I hang up just so I can have one uninterrupted moment to let her know what’s going on. I give her the short story. Telling her that I would rather spend the summer with her and how I have no choice doing this internship. Being the best friend that she is, she understands and offers to drive me to the hotel that the bus is leaving from, just so we could have a few more minutes together.
    To outsiders it might seem odd that we are so close. We don’t go around explaining how our friendship is so much more. Its sisterhood. She was there throughout my loss. It was her loss also. She remained strong for me. She carried me when I needed her it most through life and even though she put my feet on the ground, she still has my hand. She’s fought my demons with me, sometimes without my help. She has always supported me and has remained my closest friend throughout it all. I love her, and she is the only family that I have left.
    On the way to the bus I tell her to call me when she can and that I will send her many pictures and texts updating her throughout my day.  It will be as if we are spending the summer together. She tells me that once I find out the exact tour schedule I should send it to her. Suggesting to meet up with me at a few of the shows, hoping we stay in one city more than a day and spend the day together if the itinerary allows.
    “ You have got to be fucking kidding me!” I squeal, causing Layla to slam on the brakes. I don’t have to say a word. She knows exactly why I'm freaking. The tour busses, two actually, are pulled right up to the curb of the sidewalk. Surrounding a gorgeous upscale hotel pushing the lock button on the door handle, I lock myself and Layla in the car.
    “You are aware I have the keys Nat? Also I have the same buttons on my door handle as well.” She says smiling.
    “Well I can tell you are happy about this. Did you plan this? I can’t believe this.” I say rolling my eyes.
    “Nat, how would I have been able to arrange this, I don’t have that kind of power. Hell they kicked me out of their dressing room when I offered to help them.” She smacks her hand over her lips, realizing what she just let slip.
    “ What do you mean you offered to help them? Tell me how Layla, how?”  I say now highly aggravated.
    “I just told them your name I promise. That's all. Steele didn't even seem impressed. He had no interest discussing you at all. So I doubt this was something that was planned. Professor Roberts probably pulled a few strings like he said. You can’t back out now Nat. You don’t want to fail this year, or