TEEN MEMO

RELOCATING TO FLORIDA

Daniella was really addlepated and discombobulated. She had no idea of what she should do.

"Should I follow mum's advice or just forget about writing as a career? How in the world will I be able to cope when I'm living far away from the ones I cherish the most. First, Freddie left me here in New Orleans and now,I want to leave mum and dad also here in New Orleans. What type of life do I really live in? But is it a must that I must attend that one? After all,there are so many other writing universities in the country. But come to think of it, other universities also demand me to leave my parents except it's the one here in New Orleans which I can go for lectures and return home everyday. What do I do now? I'm running crazy. Someone should help me." She soliloquized. The prevalent situation pissed her off to the point she began loosing the twin braids she plaited just yesterday.

Leonard knocked at the door of her room and she let him in, despite the fact that she wanted her solitude.

"Sweetie,why are you loosing your hair? You only plaited it yesterday." He asked as he remembered that she told him to pack the hair for her while she went to get her comb.

"I was so irritated and annoyed that I didn't know when I started loosing the hair." She said as she went to sit on her bed. Leonard who was leaning on the wall walked up to her bed and sat next to her.

"What's making my angel irritated and annoyed? Is it about the relocating of a thing?"Leonard asked in anticipation for a reply.

"Yes dad. I don't know what to do. I'm so confused and bewildered."Daniella said as she looked at him eyeball to eyeball.

"You're wrong, sweetie. You know what to do. Tell your body,soul and mind that you know what to do. You've always been vigorous and stalwart since your birth. Why do you want to become flimsy and debilitated?" Leonard asked her.

"But dad... The option left is a difficult one."Daniella said.

"It might seem difficult but don't forget what I always told you as a kid. In life,we have to make a lot of sacrifice to..." He paused as he wanted her to complete the sentence herself.

"To achieve our dreams" she responded brilliantly and smiled as she completed the sentence.

"That's superb. You haven't forgotten it. All your life,you've always dreamed of becoming a writer. Now,the golden opportunity you have waited for all these years has arrived but you have to sacrifice one thing if you really want to achieve your big dreams."

"What sacrifice do I have to make,dad?" Daniella asked inquisitively.

"The sacrifice you have to make is to relocate to Florida to live with your aunt and her family. That single sacrifice opens the door for greater opportunities that awaits you in future." Leonard told her.

"What about you and mum?"

"Your mum and I will be fine but we will be most proud of you when you finally bring home the A-game as you have always done." Leonard told her softly and a warm smile was plastered on his face.

"Alright. I promise to make you and mummy proud by achieving my big dreams. I also promise to visit you both whenever I'm on vacation." Daniella said as she grinned.

"That wouldn't be a problem. Your mum and I will also make out time to visit you once in a while if that would make you happy." Leonard said.

"Of course,it would. That would be really nice."Daniella grinned a second time as she hugged Leonard who returned the hug happily.

Just then, Eucharia enters the room with her hands in her apron pocket. She must be preparing lunch.

"But do me a favour,darling."She blurted.

"A favour? What favour can I offer to you mum?" Daniella asked in suspense.

"Its a simple favour,though quite difficult but I trust you to do it for me." Eucharia said.

"Okayyyyy mum,so what's the favour I should do for you?" Daniella asked again.

"Please don't change,Daniella Rogers. Maintain your dignity, remember all that your dad and I have always taught you. Don't be misled by a new environment and don't let yourself be trapped by teenagehood. As you leave here,you would meet people of different races and backgrounds. Don't be intimidated by them and don't let them remold you for the worst but for the best. Attach yourself to people who can impact positivity to your life and not the ones who remove the knowledge youve gathered for years. Finally,don't try to imitate other people when your instincts tell you that what they are doing is wrong. Be your own role model and value your life. Never forget us and be careful of the people you roll with." Eucharia said.

"Mum,is that all?"Daniella asked her.

"For now,yes."

"All done!" Daniella yelled.

"What have you been doing, sweetie?" Leonard asked.

"Dad,I've been recording all our conversation since you came into the room so that I wouldn't forget anything that you both have just told me. Mum, I promise to keep your favour. It's a big time promise." she said with her two hands on her ears as she smiled. Eucharia nodded and smiled. Leonard did the same as well.

"U.K, being a motivational speaker would really suite you. I never knew that you had this potential" Leonard said as Eucharia grinned.

"Yeah mum. That was profound. I loved it." Daniella chipped in.

"Thank you father and daughter. I'm speaking by the grace of God." Eucharia said and they all laughed.

"But for real,I'm really gonna miss the peace and tranquility here in New Orleans. I'd miss my family,my neighborhood,my friends and even my school."Daniella said calmly.

"That's another sacrifice you have to make; leaving the ones you love and the things you cherish behind. Well,it's for the best,sweetie."

"My angel,don't forget to keep us informed on the happenings of the hustle and bustle of Florida." Eucharia said as she chuckled.

"No problem,count me on that mummy. I'm really going to miss you both the most."

Daniella said as drops of tears rolled down her cheeks from her eyeballs.

"We will miss you too,baby girl" Leonard said.

Eucharia was already crying.

"Mum don't cry, I will be back someday. How about a family hug and a photo?" Daniella asked as she used her palms to obliterate the tears in Eucharia's eyes.

"That would be fine." Leonard and Eucharia answered in unison.

After the hug and selfie, Eucharia continued:

"Baby girl,even if you forgot everything I just told you. Don't forget this:Before you leap, look."Eucharia said.

"You mean,Look before you leap?" Daniella asked. Eucharia nodded.

"Okay mum."

* * * * * * * *

Leonard's car drove to the airport. He alighted and opened the car door for his daughter. Daniella alighted confidently. She was dressed uniquely.

Daniella was wearing a beautifully designed blue trouser with an armless red top filled with tiny dots of yellow hues. A blue jacket matching the blue trouser was worn by Daniella to complement the outfit. In addition to this,she wore a pair of red Nike sneakers. There was a golden wristwatch on her left wrist and a golden chain with a "D" pendant on her neck. The entire fashion sense was complemented with a pair of red sunglasses. Her hair was packed into a neat ponytail and she gelled it beautifully. She was really looking adorable as if she were to be a ritzy celebrity.

She removed the sun glasses and hugged Leonard.

"I'd miss you dad but don't forget that I love you the most."She said with tears rolling down her eyes.

"I love you too but stop crying so that you won't put a crimp on your beauty. You know you're the prettiest angel on earth?"Leonard said as Daniella smiled.

"Dad,you're teasing me. There are many other beautiful girls in the world."Daniella said.

"You're among them. Anyways, it's almost time for your departure. You have to leave now. Let's me get your luggage from the trunk of the car."He says as he gets her red luggage. Daniella picks up her mini yellow backpack from the car seat.

"Bye dad. Take good care of yourself and mum. I promise to do a video call with you both when I reach Florida and settle down, sometime around 9pm." She said as she hugged him the last time.

"Bye sweetie,take care of yourself. Ensure you cosset yourself all the time." Leonard smirked.

"I will dad."She smiled.

She takes the luggage from him as she rolls it. Leonard watched her till she walked into the airport reception.

"Ta ta,baby girl."He blew a kiss.

"I received it dad. Bye...."She said from a distance as she enters the reception.

*******

"Hello sister Katie." Eucharia called.

"Hello U.K. Has the plane landed? I'm already at the airport." Katie told her.

"Yeah. She just called me and told me that the plane landed at the Florida airport." Eucharia responded.

"Alright. Tell her to meet me at the airport park. I'm leaning on a silver Mercedes GL450 and I'm wearing a black gown with polka dots with a pair of dark sunshades."Katie described her outfit to Eucharia.

"Okay sister. Actually, Dani's putting on a pair of blue jeans and jackets with a red armless top inside. Her hair is packed into a ponytail and she has a blue luggage and a yellow backpack with her. I think that description is enough to recognize Daniella when you see her." Eucharia told her.

"Thank you. I'd call you when we reach our destination." Katie tells her.

"No problem,do take care of her for me, please." Eucharia pleaded.

"I sure will." Katie said giving a warm smile as she cut the call.

There were so many people at the airport. Katie waited for about seven minutes before she sighted Daniella from afar looking for her. She yelled "Daniella" and that was when Daniella sighted her. She smiled and scurried to where Katie's car was parked. She hugged Katie tightly.

"Good afternoon,aunt Katie. It's so good to meet you after a long time." Daniella said.

"You too dear. How are you doing? You've really changed. Look how big and beautiful you've become already." Katie said as she looked at Daniella decently.

"Thank you aunt. It's God's doing,not mine. I was intimidated so much but now,people can't intimidate me anymore." Daniella said.

"You're right,dear. Meanwhile,we have to leave now. Our home is an hour's drive from here."

"An hour?"Daniella asked.

"Yes,it's really far from here. We don't reside in this city. We reside in the state's capital, Tallahassee." Katie asked.

"Alright aunt. I just can't wait to meet my cousins,Ramsey and em... So sorry I can't remember your daughter's name. Can you remind me?"

"Of course. Her name is Olive but we call her Olly and sometimes,Livie."Katie replied.

"So nice! Olly...I love the nickname." Katie smiled as she carried the luggage to the car trunk. They entered the Jeep and Katie drove off.