Us, eventually

A New Beginning

The next few days passed in a blur of packing, cleaning, and saying goodbye. I barely spoke during most of it. Mom didn't pressure me, probably knowing that I needed time to process everything, while Mike seemed to accept the move much faster than I did. He complained about leaving his friends, but he didn't look at the house the way I did. To him, it was simply the place we were leaving behind. To me, every room held a memory I wasn't ready to let go of.

On moving day, I stood in the doorway of my room for a long moment before finally stepping out. The walls were almost bare, my shelves had been emptied, and the familiar little details that had made the room mine were packed away in boxes, I ran my fingers along the doorframe before leaving. Some things had to be left behind, no matter how much they meant to you.

Mom had planned the move carefully. Since it was the beginning of the summer holiday, she had made sure it wouldn't interfere with our academic calendar. She didn't want Mike and me worrying about school while we were settling into a new town. By the time we arrived at our new home, everything had been arranged, and there was nothing left for us to do but begin adjusting to a life none of us had planned for.

The house was much smaller than the one we'd left behind, but it was comfortable and beautiful in its own way. There was more greenery around us, the neighborhood was quieter, and the sea wasn't too far away. In the evenings, the breeze carried a faint salty scent, and sometimes I could hear the distant sound of waves. Mom seemed pleased with the change, especially because the smaller house meant fewer bills and less pressure on her already struggling business.

She had also bought a small car with some of the money left after selling our old house and purchasing the new one. It wasn't anything fancy, but it was useful. She needed it for her business, especially for making deliveries, buying ingredients from the market, and getting around town without depending on public transportation. Watching her settle into this new routine made me realize how much thought she had put into everything. She had somehow managed to turn what could have been a complete disaster into something that looked almost like a fresh start.

I just wished leaving had been easier.

For the first few days, I became quieter than usual. I unpacked my things slowly, spent most of my time in my room, and avoided thinking too much about everything I'd left behind. Sometimes I'd call Bella, we had settled our differences a day before moving.

Mike, on the other hand, adjusted surprisingly quickly. He explored the neighborhood, complained about the slower internet, and somehow managed to find places around town that Mom and I hadn't even noticed yet. I envied how easily he could adapt. Maybe I would eventually learn to do the same.

Then, one evening, Mom told me about a scholarship examination.

It was for one of the biggest international schools in the area, a school I'd heard about even before we moved. It was known for its excellent facilities, strong academic reputation, and the kind of tuition fees my mother couldn't possibly afford. Students from different places applied, and the scholarship was meant for those who couldn't afford the fees but had excellent academic records.

"You should give it a try," Mom said.

I looked at her. "For that school?"

"Why not?"

"Because there'll be so many people applying."

She smiled. "And that should stop you?"

I didn't answer.

"You've always been bright, Amara. You've known that since you were little. Just study and give it your best."

Maybe I needed to hear that.

So I studied.

I spent almost every day studying, reviewing topics, and practicing questions. I had always performed well academically, but this felt different—it was an opportunity my family couldn't afford to waste. The scholarship gave me something to look forward to, so I created a study timetable and pushed myself to follow it, reminding myself that winning meant taking the burden of school fees off Mom's shoulders.

Some nights, Mom would bring me something to eat while I studied. She'd quietly place a plate of pastries, sandwiches, or another small snack beside my books before returning to her work. Sometimes I'd look up and find her standing at the door, watching me for a few seconds before leaving. She never complained when she found me awake late at night.

The night before the examination, I was still studying when she walked into my room with a plate of snacks.

"You should sleep soon," she said.

"I know."

"You've been reading since afternoon."

"I just want to be prepared."

She placed the plate beside me. "You already are."

I looked at her.

She smiled before leaving the room.

I stared at the books in front of me for a few seconds before finally closing them. Maybe she was right.

The next morning, Mom drove me to the school in the little car she'd bought.

I sat quietly in the passenger seat, looking through the window as the streets gradually became less familiar. I had barely spoken during the drive. My stomach felt strange, and I kept going over things I'd studied in my head even though I knew there was nothing more I could do.

When we finally reached the school, I couldn't stop staring.

The place was enormous.

The buildings were modern and beautifully designed, surrounded by perfectly maintained lawns, trees, and wide walkways. There were impressive sports facilities, spacious academic buildings, and large glass windows that reflected the morning sunlight. Everything looked so peaceful and organized that, for a moment, I forgot I was there to write an examination.

"Wow," I whispered.

Mom smiled. "Beautiful, isn't it?"

I nodded.

It was more beautiful than I'd imagined.

I suddenly understood why people were willing to pay so much to attend.

"Good luck," Mom said as I opened the door. "Don't put too much pressure on yourself."

"I'll try."

"I'll come back for you when you're done."

I nodded and stepped out of the car.

The examination lasted three hours.

By the time I walked out of the hall, my head felt heavy, and my hand ached from writing. I couldn't tell whether I'd done well or not. There were questions I was confident about and others I had spent too much time thinking over.

All I wanted was something to eat.

Mom had packed some snacks for me that morning, so I headed toward the school's café and found an empty table near the window. I settled down, opened the container, and finally allowed myself to relax.

I'd barely taken a bite when someone pulled out the chair directly opposite me.

"Hi."

I looked up.

A boy sat across from me. He looked around nineteen, with dark hair that fell naturally over his forehead. He had a neat, relaxed appearance, with sharp features and an easy confidence that somehow made him stand out without trying. He was effortlessly handsome, the kind of handsome that caught your attention before you even realized you were looking.

I stared at him for a second longer than I should have.

He waited.

I suddenly realized I'd completely ignored his greeting.

"I'm Damian," he said, offering his hand.

"Oh."

I quickly took it.

"Amara."

He gave my hand a brief shake before letting go, a small smile appearing on his face.

"I saw you when you were walking in," he said. "You looked like you were trying to find somewhere to sit."

I glanced around the café before looking back at him. "I was."

"I figured."

I smiled faintly, unsure of what else to say. Before he could ask another question, a girl's voice came from behind him.

"Damian!"

He turned.

A girl was walking toward us, her eyes fixed on him. She reached the table and immediately took his arm.

"I've been looking everywhere for you."

Damian glanced at me, then back at her.

"I'll see you around, Amara."

Then he allowed her to lead him away.

I watched them for a few seconds before returning my attention to the food in front of me. I wasn't sure why he'd approached me in the first place, but I didn't think much of it. We'd only met for a few minutes, and chances were I'd never see him again.

My phone vibrated on the table.

Mom: I'm on my way.

I smiled and packed the remaining snacks back into the container. I leaned against the chair and looked out through the café window at the beautiful school grounds. Whatever happened with the scholarship, at least I'd given it everything I had.

For now, that was enough.