International (Buzzfeed Ladylike/Mike Rose/Ryan Bergara)

07. Video Invite

I braided out my hair, trying to tame my hair. It got frizzy sometimes and I absolutely hated it. I grabbed my shoes and slipped them on. As I left my room, I grabbed my bag and joined Mike by the door.

We left for work. It was Friday and I couldn't be more excited. Mike and I were going out with some coworkers. I could see a fun party on my horizon.

When we arrived, I greeted Sofía and talked to her for a little bit. After that, I went to my desk and started working, putting on my headphones and started clicking away. I was brought back to reality when Kristen tapped my arm.

I took off my headphones. "Yes?"

"We want you in a video," Kristen said.

I fully turned toward her. "Really? I've only been here for a month or so."

"Yes, we know," Kristen said, "but Mike thinks you'd do good in this one. It's dressing according to dress codes in different states."

I nodded slowly. "Okay. What do we do for that?"

Kristen started explaining and eventually had to call over Sofía to help me understand. I nodded and we started working out the details. Kristen told me about the rules and all that before the end of the day. She walked me out of the building, making sure everything was thorough.

"So I have to bring all my clothes?" I asked.

Kristen nodded. "Everything you have. I'm sure Mike could help you carry everything out."

"Yeah," I said. "I don't have much though. I packed everything I could in two suitcases."

"That should be fine," Kristen assured. "We'll start filming tomorrow."

"Okay," I said as we headed toward the parking area. "I look forward to it."

"It should be fun," Kristen said. "It's fun and plus, Mike will be the principle"."

"Principle?" I asked. "What's that?"

"The person who runs the school and makes sure everyone is doing what they're supposed to do," Kristen said. "We'll have Curly from Buzzfeed Pero to translate for you since Sofía won't be here."

"Curly?" I asked.

"Yeah. His family is from El Salvador and he speaks Spanish," Kristen said as we stopped at Mike's car. "He works for Buzzfeed Pero and he's super nice, don't worry."

I nodded. "Okay. I'll see you around."

Kristen nodded and left. I waited for Mike to come out before we headed out. Once we got home, we started cooking and ate together.

As we were cleaning dishes, Mike looked over at me. "Are you ready for this party? We're leaving at seven."

I glanced at the time. "Yeah. It should only take me about ten minutes to get ready. I will be done in no time."

I finished the last dish and started getting ready. I left my hair in a braid and touched up my makeup. I finished up and opened the door just as Mike was about to knock.

Mike dropped his arm. "Ready to go?"

I nodded, pulling my braid over my shoulder. "Yeah. Where are we going again?"

"A park to hang out and chill," Mike said. "We'll probably stop by a bar if everyone wants to."

I nodded, turning around. "I need to grab something first if we're going to a park."

I grabbed a skateboard and followed Mike out. We drove to the park and I stepped outside, enjoying the sun. I tossed my braid over my shoulder and smiled, breathing in deeply.

"What is it?" Mike asked.

"I like the sun," I replied. "It's so nice."

"Me too," Mike said. "Let's go."

I set my skateboard down and skated next to Mike. We entered the park and found everyone else. They were all laying on the grass, a basket of food between all of them.

Jen grinned up at me. "Hey, Fátima. I like your skateboard."

I smiled bashfully, sliding it back and forth. "Thank you, Jen."

Chantel patted the spot next to her. "Sit down, Fátima. We made food."

I sat beside her. "I ate already but thanks."

"What about dessert?" Chantel asked, digging around in the basket. "We have chocolate."

"Chocolate?" I asked. "I like chocolate. What kind?"

She looked through the bars. "Milk chocolate, white chocolate . . ."

"¿Alguno chocolate negro?" I asked.

"What?" Chantel asked, looking at me. Everyone was looking at me. I started snapping my fingers rapidly, muttering the words under my breath.

I gasped. "Dark chocolate! Do you have dark chocolate? That is the only one I like."

Chantel dug around for a second and held out a chocolate bar. "Here. It's the only one."

I grabbed it, smiling. "Thanks, Chantel."

We hung out at the park until the late hours of the night. It wasn't until close to midnight before Mike and I got into the car. I laughed at some joke and leaned my head against the window.

"Thanks for taking me out," I murmured. "I liked it."

"No problem," Mike said. "I like having my friends around and having you meet everyone."

I played with my shirt hem, smiling. "Thanks. It was really kind of you."

The rest of the ride was silent. When we got home, I went to sleep after tossing all my clothes aside. I didn't even bother to put on pajamas. It was late and I needed my sleep.