My mumma always says, that every change is for a better cause and I used to believe that very much in my life. You can say I was a patron of this theory. But at this point, I really don't get it. My parents had never forced any of their decisions on me, we used to discuss everything before getting to a conclusion.
But last week, What my dad said turned my life upside down.
"I have got a transfer order, we are moving to Chicago."
I don't know what to say at this point, I have spent my entire childhood in Houston and all of this was so unexpected. It's as if, I need to pack 16 years of my life into a suitcase and leave for some unknown city.
What about my school, my friends and most importantly MY ROOM!!??No, I can't do this. God is really testing me at this point. How can I ever leave this place?
IT'S MY EVERYTHING!
•••
"Knock, knock!"
I froze.
It was already past evening.
"Get out of your black hole Mia, we are leaving tomorrow." My sister snapped
"Go away Annya." I groaned
Another knock, louder this time.
"Enough Mia, you already know nothing can be done about this. Just stop acting like a kid!"
Her voice was impatient, followed by a series of rapid knocks.
I remained silent.
"If you don't come now, I'm eating your dessert."
"Why can't you just leave me alone??" I yelled
"Cause when I was 5, I genuinely prayed for a sibling."
"So what?" I cried
"So now, I need to bear the burden of my foolishness." She snapped
I gasped
(Opens the door)
"Am I a burden?" I bit my lower lip.
"Yes you are, but a cute one and now hurry, mumma is waiting." She said while patting my head
My throat tightened, as if a painful lump was forming in it.
"I don't wanna see them packing all the stuff, our memories." I cried
Hearing this she pulled me into her arms, I couldn't hold it in anymore. I buried my face in her shoulder, gripping her shirt as if letting it go would make everything worse. I sobbed uncontrollably, but in her tight embrace the heaviness of my tears felt low.
"I'm here for you." She whispered, but that whisper felt like a ray of hope to me at that moment.
She kept holding onto me and rubbing slow circles on my back as if she was assuring me that things will be fine soon.
"Should I change your nickname to cry-panda?" She slightly whispered in my ear.
"you are such a meanie!" I cried while slightly punching her"
"I know, it's really hard to accept everything and start once again from scratch but believe me things will get better with time." She said while looking into my eyes as if she was talking to my inner soul.
Then, hanging her arm on my shoulder, she pulled me closer to herself.
"And who knows this might be the beginning of a new story of your life?"
I don't know why but her words always make me feel better, I hate to say it but yes, I have the best sister in the world.
I really hope her words come true.
•••
Next morning, carrying the scent of Houston we were ready to leave. The moving truck had already taken our belongings early in the morning, leaving only a little baggage near the front door. For the very last time, I glanced at my home, which was once filled with liveliness and joy, now stood empty with only echoes of our memories.
It felt strange moving into an unfamiliar place, where everything would be new.
New streets. New school. New people.
Father is already in Chicago, setting up our new home but will that really be my HOME? Or can I ever accept that place as my home?
While I was lost in my thoughts, my mumma was making a final round around the house, checking each and every corner as if she was searching for something among those empty walls. I could see her flat eyes. Alas, it had been a long night of goodbyes.
In that silence, Annya's voice wavered,
"The cab is here. "
That moment I realised, it really ends here and a new life is knocking on my door and I have to accept that anyhow.
I exhaled, stepping out while the cold wind hit my face as if it was saying goodbye. After boarding the flight, I fingers curled around the around, it wasn't out of fear but something else.
Something which I can't even explain. As the flight ascended, I pressed my face against the window watching the life I had known shrinking beneath me. As we reached higher all I could see fluffy clouds.
Now, all I could do was wait.
Wait for a new happy life!