Life between lockers

Chapter three _To Canada

The plane ride to Canada felt unreal. Inaya stared out the window, watching the clouds drift past like soft, white islands in a blue ocean. The letters from her mother were clutched tightly in her hand, the edges crumpled from her grip. Each word seemed to echo in her mind, guiding her forward, giving her courage she hadn’t known she had.

Bill sat beside her, quiet, his red hair a bright contrast to the gray skies outside. “Are you sure you’re ready for this?” he asked gently.

Inaya swallowed hard. “I… I have to be. Mom wanted me to go. She wanted me to be happy. I have to try, Bill.”

He nodded, though she could see the worry in his brown eyes. “I’ll always be here for you, no matter what.”

The airport in Canada was bustling with activity, but Inaya’s attention was on a tall, striking man waiting by the arrivals gate. His black hair was neatly combed, and his brown eyes, warm and piercing, scanned the crowd until they landed on her.

“Pearline Inaya,” he said softly, stepping forward. “I’m your father. Welcome home, my princess.”

Inaya froze, her heart pounding. She had imagined him in her dreams a hundred times, but seeing him now—so real, so calm, so kind—made her world spin. Slowly, she stepped forward.

“I… I’m Inaya,” she whispered.

Her father smiled, reaching out a hand, then pulling her into a gentle hug. “You don’t need to say more. I know my little girl.” His voice was steady, comforting, filled with a love that seemed to fill the empty spaces left by her mother’s absence.

From behind him, a tall boy with striking blonde hair and brown eyes appeared. “Hey, sis,” he said, his voice teasing but protective. “I’m Hayden, your half-brother. Don’t worry—I’ll make sure no one hurts you here.”

Inaya blinked, caught off guard by the warmth in his tone. He was older, confident, and strong—everything she had imagined a protective brother to be—and yet, beneath it all, there was something gentle.

The drive to their mansion was a blur of towering trees, wide streets, and shining buildings. The house itself was breathtaking—massive, elegant, and filled with light. Yet, as beautiful as it was, Inaya felt the pang of loneliness without her mother.

Her father noticed her glance. “It’s a big change, I know. But this is your home now, Inaya. And Hayden and I will make sure you feel safe, loved, and… happy.”

Hayden grinned, leaning back in the passenger seat. “You’re officially the only princess in this house. And I’ll fight anyone who tries to take that from you.”

Inaya smiled faintly, feeling a small flicker of hope. She clutched the letters from her mother once more. She wanted me to be happy. I’ll try, Inaya thought.

That evening, as the sun dipped behind the skyline, casting a golden glow through the mansion’s tall windows, Inaya explored her new room. Pictures of her mother lined the shelves, and somewhere in those images, she felt a quiet strength whispering to her—telling her that life was about to change, and that she was ready.

Tomorrow, she would start at Canada Royal Arts High School, meet her new classmates, and begin a life she had never imagined. But tonight, in the warmth of her father’s home and the protection of her half-brother, Inaya allowed herself a small, fragile moment of peace—and for the first time in weeks, she let herself hope.