“If you don’t pass the exam, you’ll be stuck there even longer,” Lacey snapped.
Ria sighed. Lacey was right. Ria was studying for the paramedic cognitive exam. She had been an EMT before and had done so well she was often given the lead role when sent out for emergencies. That was, until she was fired for being disrespectful. She wasn’t able to get another EMT position because it was a small world, and no one wanted to hire someone with an attitude. It hadn’t even been her fault. If not for that Rocky-impersonator, she would still have her well-paying job, not showing the depth of her cleavage.
Lacey was the perfect study partner. She was currently in med school, and had fully dedicated herself to being one of the top students in her class. She didn’t take kindly to slackers, considering how hard she worked to obtain her own success, and didn’t want to hear Ria’s excuses. For Lacey, there were no good excuses for not accomplishing a goal. Ria respected her dedication; she just wished Lacey was a little more understanding of the responsibilities Ria held.
They had met each other their freshmen year of high school. Lacey’s family were all highly educated and expected the same from her. Ria wasn’t as studious, and her family couldn’t care less about her education. Unfortunately, Ria wasn’t one to sit in a classroom, but she was still a hard worker.
Becoming an EMT had required training in the classroom, yet it had also consisted of a lot of hands-on, keeping Ria interested. Now, it was time to move up to the next level and become a paramedic. She felt guilty knowing that Lacey was taking time out of her busy schedule to help her study. With that thought, she picked up her mug and took a gulp of the lukewarm coffee to try to give herself a caffeine boost.
“Okay, febrile seizure… young child, rapid elevation in body temperature, loss of consciousness, typical seizure actions. Emergency services called if seizure lasts longer than ten minutes with abnormal sleepiness and breathing problems.”
Lacey nodded. “That should be enough info for the exam.” Her stern expression softened into a sweet smile.
Ria knew there was a lot more information behind all the questions, but Lacey did a good job of making sure Ria didn’t waste her time on too many details, knowing she would pick up the details later. It was more important to study for what would likely be on the exam.
They studied for the next three hours before calling it a day. Then they talked about what to do for dinner that night.
“How about Chinese?” Ria asked. She had a coupon for buy one get one free, so it wouldn’t cost too much.
Lacey stared at her. “This is how you pay me back for helping you study?”
Ria smiled mischievously at her friend. “Come on; maybe he isn’t working today.”
“Let’s go somewhere else, and I’ll pay,” Lacey offered.
“No, you paid last time. It’s my turn,” Ria replied firmly. Her friend hated going to Ria’s favorite restaurant because she had a burning hatred for one of the waiters working there.
Peter was a really nice guy, as far as Ria was concerned. However, Lacey felt Peter was lazy and partied around too much, while Peter felt Lacey was too boring and studious for her age.
“Okay, then, but when it’s my turn, I’m picking El Grande,” Lacey said vengefully.
Ria nodded her head. Lacey believed in fair play. Whenever she went to a Mexican restaurant, the waiters treated her to abundant attention and drinks. By the time they would leave, she was often drunk and felt like J-Lo.
Both women gathered their things.
“Ready?” Ria asked as Lacey touched up her makeup.
Ria hid her smile. For someone who declared her dislike of Peter often, she was making sure she looked her best.
“Yep. Let’s go,” she replied, snapping the compact shut.
They always studied at Lacey’s apartment as Ria barely had enough room for herself and her mother in her own. Lacey had wanted her to share the apartment with her, but Ria had been unable to leave her mother behind, even at the cost of being dragged into her world.
Lacey often offered money to Ria, but Ria couldn’t take it. She didn’t want to feel indebted, even though she knew Lacey wouldn’t expect to be paid back. Ria didn’t envy Lacey’s money and taste for the fine things in life, either. She merely wanted to be in the situation to care for herself and her mother. Ria knew she had to find a way to fix the precarious situation they were in, though.
They stepped into the elevator and made their way to Lacey’s Avalon. Ria liked to tease her about her staid car, but Lacey said comfort was more important to her than being flashy. Ria didn’t disagree; her own piece of shit felt like she was sitting on a tractor when she drove.
They slid onto the leather seats and made their way to the restaurant. It was a local place, off the main strip. Most tourists tended to stick to the chains and even most of the locals didn’t realize how good the small restaurant was. It was one of Ria’s favorite places to eat.