A Time with you

Just another day

Chapter 4: Just another Day

**After school**

Anna closed the door behind her and placed her bag on the couch. She could hear Ethan’s voice from the living room, excitedly playing with his action figures. The house felt quieter than usual without their dad around, but Ethan’s chatter filled some of the silence.

As Anna made her way to the kitchen, her phone buzzed. She picked it up, seeing her dad’s name flash on the screen.

She smiled and answered, “Hey, Dad.”

Hey, kiddo! How was your first day at school? Her dad’s voice was full of warmth, carrying a hint of excitement.

Before Anna could respond, Ethan rushed over, grabbing her arm. Is that Dad? Can I talk to him? Let me say hi!

Anna laughed and handed him the phone. “Hey, give me a second first, Ethan!” But she let him have the phone.

Hi, Dad! Guess what? I got a high score in the game! Ethan blurted out before their dad could even respond.

Their dad chuckled on the other end. Wow, Ethan! That’s awesome, buddy. I knew you could do it!

Ethan’s face lit up with pride. “Yeah, and I got to Level 5 without even losing!”

That’s my boy, their dad said with enthusiasm. “Keep it up, and you’ll be a pro soon!”

Ethan grinned, but Anna gently took the phone back. “Okay, Ethan, Dad wants to talk to me about my first day.”

Fine, Ethan sighed, but he wandered back to the living room to continue playing.

Anna put the phone back to her ear. “Sorry about that.”

No problem, her dad said, still amused. So, how about you? How was your day?

Anna leaned against the counter. “It was… a lot to take in,” she said, a little overwhelmed.

Her dad’s laughter came through the phone. A lot? That’s pretty vague. Come on, tell me more!

Anna smiled, taking a deep breath. The school’s huge, and I felt like I’d got lost just finding my way around. But I made a friend. Her name’s Jade. We sit together, and she’s really nice.

That’s great, Anna! Making a friend on your first day? Sounds like things are off to a good start.

Yeah, I guess, Anna said softly, her thoughts wandering back to the classes and the crowd of students. “But I still felt a little out of place, like I don’t quite belong there yet.”

Anna, you’re exactly where you’re supposed to be, her dad said, his voice full of encouragement. “You’ve worked hard for this, and I know it can be tough starting somewhere new, but you’re stronger than you think.”

Anna was silent for a moment, his words comforting her. Thanks, Dad. I just… I guess I sometimes worry.

Her dad’s tone softened. I’m proud of you, Anna. You’ve been through so much, and you’ve come out stronger each time. And I know your mom would be just as proud.

Anna’s throat tightened, and she tried to hold back the tears. “Do you think so?”

“I know so,” her dad said firmly. “Your mom loved you more than anything, and she’d be so proud to see how far you’ve come.”

Anna blinked away her emotions and smiled. Thanks, Dad. That really means a lot.

I wish I could’ve been there with you today, he said, his tone lightening again. But work keeps pulling me away. I promise I’ll be back soon.”

“I know,” Anna said, though the loneliness was hard to hide. “Just… don’t stay away too long, okay?”

I won’t. I’ll be back before you know it, her dad promised. In the meantime, enjoy your first few days. You’ll do great.”

Before she could reply, Ethan rushed back into the kitchen, tugging on his sleeve. “Anna, ask Dad when he’s coming back!”

Anna laughed and repeated the question. “Ethan wants to know when you’ll be home.”

Her dad laughed too. “Tell Ethan I’ll be home soon, and when I get back, we’ll have a big game night, just the three of us.”

Anna smiled at Ethan, relaying the message. His face lit up in excitement. Game night? Yes!

See, Dad, now you’re locked into a game night, Anna teased.

I wouldn’t miss it, he replied, his voice warm and full of affection. “Take care of your brother, okay?”

Always, Anna said softly. “I love you, Dad.”

I love you too, Anna. You too, Ethan!

Ethan waved, even though their dad couldn’t see it. “Love you, Dad!”

As the call ended, Anna stared at her phone for a moment. Even with her dad miles away, his words gave her comfort.

She smiled at Ethan, who had already gone back to his game, feeling just a little more hopeful about what was to come.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Anna awoke to the early morning light filtering through her curtains, her heart still heavy from the nightmare about the accident. With a deep breath, she got out of bed and dressed in her school uniform, trying to shake off the remnants of her uneasy dreams.

Her dad was away on a work trip, so the house was quiet. Ethan was already up and bustling about, preparing for his day.

Anna gave him a quick smile and a brief, “Morning, Ethan,” before heading downstairs.

She quickly grabbed a bite to eat and gathered her things for school. With a final glance around the empty house, she left for Airfield High, hoping her second day would go as smoothly as the first.

As the bus rolled to a stop in front of Airfield Senior High, Anna stepped down onto the pavement, clutching her backpack. The cool morning breeze ruffled her hair, but despite the chill in the air, she felt the familiar warmth of nerves bubbling up in her stomach. It was her second day, yet the anxious feeling from yesterday still lingered.

She stood still for a moment, glancing around the parking lot. Rows of sleek, shiny cars lined up in perfect order—everything from sports cars to luxury sedans. Most of the students were stepping out of them, confidently waving to their friends or chatting as they made their way toward the entrance. She noticed a small group of girls stepping out of a polished black SUV, laughing loudly. Their designer handbags and fashionable outfits made her feel even more out of place.

Unlike the handful of students who took the school bus like her, the rest seemed to come from wealth. The gap between her and them felt huge.

Pulling the strap of her backpack tighter on her shoulder, she inhaled deeply and forced herself to move forward. “It’s fine, just another day,” she whispered under her breath, repeating the words her dad had told her the night before. She needed to focus on why she was here—to make the most of her scholarship, not dwell on the differences between her life and theirs.

She crossed the parking lot, passing more groups of students who seemed to be in their own world. A few of them shot her curious glances, but none stopped to speak.

As she approached the entrance, a familiar voice called out. Hey, Anna!

She turned to see Jade hurrying toward her, a friendly smile lighting up her eyes. Good morning! How was your ride here?

Anna smiled back, “it was cool.”

Great! Jade said, falling into step beside her as they walked into the school together. Anyway, you ready for today? I think it's going to be better than yesterday, for sure.

Anna nodded, though inside she still felt a twinge of nervousness. But Jade's optimism was contagious.