chasing my dream 😐

Title: a New beginning

**Episode 10: A New Beginning**

Chlories stood at the entrance of her new school, her heart pounding in her chest. Today marked the beginning of a fresh chapter, but shadows from her past loomed heavily over her. She took a deep breath, trying to steady herself. Her dad had insisted that this school was a place where she could make new friends and move on from the memory of her mother. Yet, the thought of her mother’s tragic death still felt like a raw wound, and the betrayal that followed left Chlories feeling isolated and bitter.

As she hesitantly stepped inside, the bright, bustling halls seemed both inviting and intimidating. Students laughed together, their voices blending into a comforting cacophony. But Chlories felt like an outsider, peering in from the periphery. At her side was Maya, her only true friend, who had been there for Chlories through the darkest times.

Maya nudged her playfully, trying to lighten the atmosphere. “Come on! First day, new starts! Let’s make some memories!” Her enthusiasm was infectious, and for a fleeting moment, Chlories allowed herself to smile.

“Yeah, memories,” Chlories echoed, though she felt her chest tighten. They walked to their first class, where Maya was eager to introduce her to others, but Chlories was reluctant. She didn’t want to explain her past or the pain that lingered just beneath the surface.

The teacher introduced the class and encouraged everyone to share something about themselves. When it was Chlories' turn, she felt the familiar knot in her stomach. She hesitated, then blurted out, “I like to read.” It was a safe answer, but as she glanced around the room, she saw several curious eyes on her, waiting for more.

Suddenly, a voice piped up from the back, “What kind of books do you read? Any about family?” The question hit her like a punch to the gut. It was a simple inquiry, yet it dragged her back to dark memories—the day she lost her mother, the sobs that echoed in the empty house, and the heart-wrenching betrayal of her father moving on as if nothing had happened.

Chlories felt the walls closing in around her. She quickly looked down, fighting back tears. She couldn’t let them see her break. Instead, she clenched her fists and forced a smile, “Um, just fiction.”

The teacher moved on, but the question lingered. She could feel the weight of her grief threatening to pull her under. At lunch, while Maya chatted excitedly about their upcoming classes, Chlories struggled to focus.

As they made their way outside to the courtyard, Chlories remained distant, lost in her thoughts. Suddenly, Maya bumped into someone, causing them both to stumble.

“Sorry!” Maya exclaimed, looking up to see a tall guy with tousled hair and kind brown eyes.

“Watch where you’re going, Maya!” he joked, a smile spreading across his face. “I wouldn’t want you to accidentally knock down my future best friend.”

Chlories looked up, intrigued despite herself. There was something about this guy—Ben, as Maya introduced him—that felt warm and inviting. He seemed genuine, his laughter easing the tightness in her chest for just a moment.

“Hey, I’m Chlories,” she said, trying to sound casual, even as her heart raced. “Nice to meet you.”

“Nice to meet you too! You’re new here, right?” Ben asked, his interest genuine.

Chlories nodded, unsure of what else to say. She could feel the weight of her past wanting to spill out, but she kept her mouth shut, wrapping her secrets tight around her.

“Don’t worry. Everyone seems nice here,” Ben reassured her, his warm smile bringing a flicker of comfort. “You’ll fit right in. Just stick with Maya; she’s the best.”

As Maya grinned at Ben, Chlories felt a strange connection forming—a spark of friendship that felt both hopeful and terrifying. What if she could let them in? But with every fleeting moment of joy, thoughts of her mother and her father's betrayal threatened to ruin everything.

“I hope so,” Chlories whispered, looking away, trying to shield her heart from the vulnerability that came with opening up to new friends.

As the day wore on, Chlories couldn’t shake off the mix of emotions swirling within her. She wanted to belong, to escape the pain, but the ghosts of her past were relentless.

Sitting silently at lunch with Maya and Ben, she felt a decision brewing within her. Perhaps she could let them in, just a little. Perhaps, with time, she could learn to trust again. But first, she would have to confront the shadows of yesterday, the memories of her mother, and the deep disappointment of her father’s betrayal.

For now, she’d take baby steps into this new chapter, and maybe, just maybe, she’d find a way to embrace the warmth of friendship in spite of it all.