The Beginning to a new start
Mina is living in Dallas Texas with her dad because her mom left them when Mina was younger and when they went to court Mina's dad won the case. Mina's dream is to find the love of her life and be a veterinarian. she loves animals even when animals seem dangerous she still pets them and sees good in them one day as she was walking back from school she had just reached the door of her home and her dad had told her that we were going to be traveling to Africa her face suddenly changed to a sad one knowing that she would had to go and nothing could change that Mina tried to stop the tears running down her face as she started thinking about the friends she made and how many of her family members live here.And going to Africa she thought she had no one that she really knew but boy was she in for a big surprise when she found out her dad had married a woman to take care of them but Mina didn't want another woman to take care of them because even though her birth mother wasn't there for her she still loved her she went to her room crying and not coming out she didn't even want to eat soon her dad came in to tell her sorry and wanted the best for her that's when they started arguing about wether to go to Africa but Mina's dad just couldn't listen to her reasons and told her that they were leaving in a week. Mina had decided that it was best just to help her dad pack and tell all of her friends and family bye.
As Mina packed her belongings, she came across a book of memories that brought a wave of sadness over her. The pictures, letters, and little mementos reminded her of the life she was leaving behind. Just as she was feeling overwhelmed, her phone rang. It was her dad, asking if she wanted to come with him to pick up her brothers from school. Mina agreed, eager for a distraction.
When they picked up the boys, Mina tried to keep the mood light, but eventually, she had to tell them the news. She explained that they all would be going to Africa soon. At first, they thought it was a joke, but when they realized what it meant, they became concerned. They asked why they had to go and begged their dad, saying they loved their life here and didn’t want anything to change.
After the boys packed their things, they loaded the car and said their goodbyes to their aunts, uncles, and most importantly, their grandma. Before heading to the airport, Mina and her brothers met with their cousins. Seeing them so happy made Mina wonder if they would find the same happiness in Africa.
They went out to eat one last time before heading to the airport. As they waited to board the flight, Mina felt an overwhelming sadness. She wanted to cry but held back, not wanting to upset her dad. Once on the plane, Mina began to feel a terrible stomach bug, making it hard to stay still. When they arrived in Turkey, the stomach ache persisted. She tried to brush it off, thinking it might have been the food.
As they boarded the next flight, Mina’s stomach felt a bit better, giving her some relief, while her brothers were sound asleep. When they finally arrived in South Sudan, Mina told her dad about her stomach ache, and he took her to the hospital. They stayed in South Sudan for a week before heading to Kenya.
In Nairobi, Mina noticed how confident and vibrant the people were, but also how much they gossiped. She spent two weeks there, taking in the new environment.
When Mina arrived in Kitale and began to settle in, she found herself captivated by her new environment. The town was peaceful, and her school was filled with opportunities she had only dreamed of back in Dallas. She threw herself into her studies, finding joy in learning and appreciating the structure and routine that school provided.
However, beneath the surface of this new and exciting life, a profound emptiness began to grow. Despite her love for her new surroundings, Mina couldn’t shake the loneliness that lingered at the edges of her days. She didn’t know anyone in Kitale and had no family to turn to for comfort or support. The lack of familiar faces and the absence of her loved ones weighed heavily on her heart.
As much as she tried to immerse herself in her new life, the sense of isolation only deepened. The laughter and camaraderie of her classmates reminded her of the connections she had lost, and though she excelled in her studies, she couldn’t fill the void left by the absence of those she once held dear. The contrast between the bright, hopeful exterior of her new life and the quiet, gnawing sadness within made her feel more alone than ever.
Mina loved everything about Kitale, but the love was shadowed by the pain of disconnection, leaving her with a sense of longing for the family and community she had left behind.
Mina stood by the window, staring at the world outside, lost in thought. It had only been a few months since she had moved to Kitale with her family, but already so much had changed. She had barely settled into her new school, started to make friends, and adjusted to the rhythm of her classes. Yet now, she was being uprooted again. Her stepmother had decided that the school she was attending wasn't good enough for her, and Mina was being forced to transfer to a different school—Seetles.
The news had come as a shock to Mina. She had spent the last few weeks trying her best to fit in at her current school, despite the initial feelings of isolation and loneliness. The teachers there were kind, and she had even started to form bonds with a few classmates. But her stepmother, ever the perfectionist, had done her own research and deemed the school lacking in various areas—academics, facilities, and extracurricular activities. Her father, as usual, had agreed without much resistance, leaving Mina with no choice but to comply.
As she packed her school bag the night before her first day at Beetles, Mina couldn't shake the feeling of unease that had settled in the pit of her stomach. She wasn't sure if it was anxiety about starting at a new school again or just the general weariness that came from the constant changes in her life. She missed the stability she once had, the feeling of knowing what to expect each day. Now, everything felt uncertain, like she was walking on shaky ground.
The next morning, Mina woke up early, her nerves keeping her from getting much sleep. She went through the motions of getting ready—brushing her teeth, putting on her uniform, and tying her hair back—each action feeling like it took twice as long as usual. Her stepmother had already left for work, so it was just Mina and her father at the breakfast table. He offered her a reassuring smile, but Mina could see the tiredness in his eyes. He had been working long hours recently, trying to keep up with the demands of his job and the responsibilities of family life. Mina didn't want to burden him with her worries, so she kept her thoughts to herself.
As they drove to Seetles, Mina stared out the car window, watching the familiar streets of Kitale pass by. She had started to grow fond of this town, with its bustling markets, friendly faces, and the lush greenery that seemed to stretch on forever. But the idea of starting over at a new school filled her with dread. She wasn't sure she had the energy to go through the process of making new friends and adjusting to a new environment all over again.
When they arrived at Seetles, Mina's heart sank as she took in the sight of the school. It was much larger than her previous school, with towering buildings that seemed to loom over her. The students milling about in the courtyard looked older, more confident, and Mina felt a pang of insecurity. She knew she would be just another new face in the crowd, and the thought of having to navigate this unfamiliar terrain on her own was overwhelming.
Her father gave her a quick hug and wished her luck before driving off, leaving Mina standing at the entrance of the school with her bag slung over her shoulder. She took a deep breath, squared her shoulders, and walked through the gates, trying to ignore the butterflies in her stomach.
The inside of the school was just as imposing as the outside. The hallways were wide and echoey, with students rushing past her in all directions. Mina felt like she was being swept up in a current, with no idea where to go or what to do. She managed to find the administration office, where a stern-looking woman handed her a schedule and directed her to her first class.
Mina's first class was math, and she slipped into a seat at the back of the room, hoping to go unnoticed. The teacher, a middle-aged man with a kind face, introduced her to the class, and Mina felt the eyes of her new classmates on her. She forced a small smile and gave a quick nod before turning her attention to her notebook. The lesson passed in a blur, with Mina barely able to focus on what was being taught. Her mind was too preoccupied with thoughts of how she would make it through the day.
When the bell rang, signaling the end of the class, Mina gathered her things and headed out into the hallway. She had a break before her next class and decided to find the cafeteria to get something to eat. She followed the flow of students, trying to blend in, but she couldn't shake the feeling that she was out of place.
As she walked towards the cafeteria, Mina's thoughts were interrupted by a voice beside her. "Hey, you're new here, right?"
Mina turned to see a girl walking beside her, smiling warmly. She was about Mina's age, with bright eyes and a friendly demeanor that immediately put Mina at ease. The girl introduced herself as Brenda, and Mina felt a wave of relief wash over her. It was comforting to have someone acknowledge her, especially on her first day.
"Yeah, I just transferred," Mina replied, trying to keep her voice steady.
"Don't worry, it gets easier," Brenda said with a reassuring smile. "I was new here last year, and it was a bit overwhelming at first, but you'll get the hang of it."
They continued walking together, chatting as they made their way to the cafeteria. Mina found herself opening up to Brenda more than she expected. There was something about Brenda's easygoing nature that made it feel safe to talk to her. They talked about their classes, the teachers, and the school in general. Brenda gave Mina a quick rundown of what to expect at Seetles who the strict teachers were, which classes were the most fun, and even a few tips on how to navigate the cafeteria lines without getting stuck in the crowd.
By the time they reached the cafeteria, Mina was starting to feel more at ease. The cafeteria was bustling with students, but having Brenda by her side made it less intimidating. They grabbed their trays and found a table near the windows, where the sunlight streamed in, casting a warm glow over the room. As they ate breakfast, Mina felt the tension in her shoulders start to melt away. She had been so worried about being alone and out of place, but Brenda's presence was a comforting anchor in the sea of unfamiliarity.
Brenda was full of energy, and her enthusiasm was contagious. She talked animatedly about her favorite subjects, her hobbies, and even a few of the school gossip stories that Mina found herself laughing at. It was the first time that day that Mina had genuinely smiled. For a moment, she forgot about her worries and allowed herself to just enjoy the conversation.
As they finished their breakfast, Brenda asked Mina about her previous school and why she had transferred. Mina hesitated for a moment, not sure how much to share, but something about Brenda's sincere interest made her feel like she could trust her.
"It wasn't really my choice," Mina admitted, stirring her drink absentmindedly. "My stepmother thought the school wasn't good enough, so she made me transfer here."
Brenda nodded, understanding in her eyes. "That must have been tough. But I think you'll like it here. Beetles is a pretty good school, and once you get used to it, you'll see that there's a lot to enjoy."
Mina appreciated Brenda's optimism, even if she wasn't entirely convinced yet. But she was grateful to have met someone like Brenda on her first day. It made the transition a little easier, knowing she had someone to talk to and who understood what she was going through.
After breakfast, Brenda offered to walk Mina to her next class. As they made their way through the crowded hallways, Mina felt a sense of camaraderie growing between them. It was nice to have someone to walk with, to not feel so alone in this vast new school. Brenda pointed out different classrooms and introduced Mina to a few other students as they passed by. The more people Mina met, the more she began to feel like she could find her place here.
The rest of the day went by in a blur of new faces, classes, and information. Mina did her best to keep up, but her mind kept drifting back to the conversations she had with Brenda. There was something about her that made Mina feel hopeful, like maybe this new school wouldn't be so bad after all.
As the final bell rang and the school day came to an end, Mina walked out of the building with a lighter heart. She spotted Brenda waiting by the gate, waving her over. They walked together, chatting about their plans for the evening and what they thought of their teachers.
"Do you want to meet up tomorrow morning?" Brenda asked as they reached the point where they would go their separate ways.
Mina smiled, feeling a warmth spread through her chest. "I'd like that."
They said their goodbyes, and Mina watched as Brenda walked off in the opposite direction. As she turned to head home, Mina couldn't help but feel grateful. Despite the rocky start to the day and all her fears, things had turned out better than she had expected. She had made a friend—someone who made her feel welcome and understood. And as she walked home, Mina realized that maybe, just maybe, Beetles could be the fresh start she needed.
That evening, as she sat down to dinner with her family, Mina's father asked her how her first day went. She hesitated for a moment, thinking about the uncertainty she had felt that morning and how everything had changed once she met Brenda.
"It was... better than I expected," Mina replied, a small smile tugging at the corners of her lips.
