"Oh my goodness, this is amazing!" Mason exclaimed, his eyes sparkling with excitement as Nia finished narrating the events at the Duvernoys over dinner. She had deliberately left out the part involving Logan, feeling it was unnecessary to mention for now.
"So much for sticking to the right decision," Elizabeth said, her smile satisfied.
"I'm glad I supported your decision, honey," Mason added, beaming with pride as he reached out to caress his wife's hand across the table. "I'm not even sure we could've sold that handbag successfully anyway."
"This calls for a huge celebration. Hand me the 11k, sis! Let me make preparations for a party," Nate joked, and they all laughed.
Elizabeth shook her head, still smiling. "We need to pay the rent—it's due tomorrow—and cover your tuition fees for the year. We can't afford unnecessary spending just yet. Perhaps we'll celebrate after we start receiving the monthly reward from the Duvernoys."
Nate nodded, his grin fading into a thoughtful expression. "You're always right, Mom."
Elizabeth's smile widened, but Mason interjected. "Speaking of tuition, I think it's time to enroll Nate in a better school. Now that our finances won't be as tight, we should make that a priority. Lena even said Stenkreft is the worst school in Starbury. If Nia is attending Brunswick School, Nate deserves a better education too."
Nia nodded in agreement. "Yeah, Dad's right. Nate deserves better. Starbury High is a great public school for him to start his freshman year."
"I love the idea," Nate said, his dark eyes lighting up with excitement.
Elizabeth looked at them and smiled. "Alright, I'll handle the registration on Monday. Thankfully, the new semester is just starting—it'll be a perfect time for Nate to begin 9th grade."
"So Nia, when're you gonna quit working at the grocery store?" Mason asked, bringing the focus back to Nia.
Nia sighed and looked down at her hands. "To be honest, Dad, I'm not sure yet."
Mason nodded thoughtfully. "Obviously you'll have to quit working there. It'll be tough balancing work and school now that you'll be at Brunswick. Something has to give."
"I know," She said, her voice soft. "But the store feels like a second home. Jack and Stacey are like family, and I don't really have other friends besides them. It's hard to imagine leaving."
"I understand honey, but Lena won't be impressed if you insist on working there," Mason said.
Elizabeth suggested. "How about working only on weekends? That way, you can focus on school during the week but still stay connected to the store."
Nia's face brightened. "That's a great idea. Thanks, Mom."
"It's settled then," Elizabeth said. "But you should inform Lena and get her perspective before making any final decisions."
"I will," Nia promised.
---
Monday morning came quickly. As Nia was dressing her bed, her phone rang, displaying Lena Duvernoy's name.
"Hello, ma'am," she answered anxiously.
"Hi, Nia. Are you free in the next hour? I couldn't register you at Brunswick School yesterday because of a conference. Let's go together today," Lena said warmly.
"I'll be at your residence within the hour," Nia replied, grinning ear to ear.
"Good. I'll be waiting, dear," Lena said before hanging up.
Nia let out an excited squeal. "Hoooo!"
Nate walked in from the bathroom, freshly dressed to follow their mom to register at Starbury High School.
"What's good?" He asked, with an expectant look in his dark eyes.
She shared the news, and he grinned.
"We're both getting registered at new schools today! Crazy, right?"
They hugged tightly, brimming with excitement.
---
The ride to Brunswick School was surreal. Nia sat in the back of Lena's sleek, black Benz S-Class, marveling at the opulent world she'd stepped into. Lena exuded elegance and looked glamorous in a dark green dress paired with matching coloured heels, and the dark green handbag Nia had found at the dumpster completing the polished look.
She was glad not to run into Logan who had gone to school already, while she waited for Lena at the sit-out.
The driver drove at a reasonable speed, with the same car following closely behind for security.
Nia was anxious and excited to see how Brunswick School was, even though she had seen its pictures.
As they approached the school, Nia's breath caught in her throat. The sprawling 1,800-acre campus was a masterpiece. Towering sycamores lined the cobblestone drive, their leaves glinting gold in the crisp autumn light. Immaculately manicured lawns stretched toward rows of burgundy buildings with Gothic facades. The main building, crowned by an imposing clock tower, stood tall and proud—a beacon of academic excellence.
Students in tailored uniforms moved across the grounds, their laughter and chatter blending with the soft rustle of leaves. A gentle breeze carried the scent of blooming flowers, and the faint chime of the clock tower added a touch of serene grandeur.
"You must be excited to start your senior year here," Lena said, smiling as the car slowed to a stop.
"Yes, ma'am. I couldn't wish for a better way to finish high school," Nia replied, her grin as wide as the horizon.
"You deserve it, dear," Lena said warmly.
Nia hesitated before speaking. "About the grocery store... I decided with my family to work only on weekends and focus on school during the weekdays. It's hard to quit entirely since it feels like home, and Jack and Stacey are my only real friends."
Lena nodded. "That's a good balance. You might need time to adjust here, especially since making friends might take a while—and Logan doesn't look like he'll be friendly towards you any sooner," she added with a chuckle.
Nia grinned. "Thanks for understanding, ma'am."
When they stepped out of the car, Nia couldn't help but gape at the magnificent scene. The school's intricate architecture, sprawling fields, and vibrant energy left her speechless. Lena placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder.
"Welcome to Brunswick School, dear."
Nia's heart swelled with gratitude. This was the start of something extraordinary.