Novel Squares
Leaving the country and it's memories behind.
(ARIELLE'S
POV)
her in the dark.
The waiting period before my departure felt like a time bomb, ticking away with each passing minute. A few days before I left, I decided to visit my mother and inform her about my departure. After having a careful deliberation, I decided it would be a great injustice to leave I found her in the garden, tending to her flowers.
"Hey, mum," I called from behind.
She swiftly turned around, startled. "You, terrible child," she exclaimed, a smile creeping into her lips. "You startled me."
"I know. That was the idea," I responded, flashing her a mischievous smile.
"Why are you here? Aren't you supposed to be at work," she asked, taking off her gloves.
"Umm, I came because I want us to talk."
"Really? Is something wrong?" She inquired, staring at me with concern.
"Not really. Can we talk inside?"
"Sure, sure. Let's head in," she mumbled, leading the way.
"I got a culinary scholarship," I announced, the moment we were seated in the living room.
"Okay?" She said, urging me to go further.
"I'm leaving. The scholarship is being held abroad. I.. Italy."
There was silence as her expression turned from thoughtful to unreadable. And then to my surprise, her face broke out in a smile. "Oh, my dear, that's good news! I'm so proud of you."
I was momentarily confused, searching her face for a hint of a lie, but there was none. "Huh, you're happy?"
She looked taken aback by my question. "Why not?
"I...I was worried you'd not be happy with my decision."
"I see. Believe me, Arielle, I'm truly changed. Gone are the days I criticize your decisions. I want to be the good mother you've always wanted to have.
"So you're just gonna let me go like that? You're not gonna miss me or something?" I asked, still in doubt.
"Of course, I'd miss you, but I want you to be happy," she responded, hugging me tightly.
"Wow!" I let out, returning the hug. I was loving this new relationship with my mother.
"You know, it's funny how I have been expecting you to move out of the city since the incident eigh Jared. You know, get away from everything." "Really?" I was genuinely surprised. Was this my mother speaking? "So why didn't you mention it?"
"I didn't want to be that pushy
mother anymore who loves to dictate everything for her daughter. If you have to leave, then it has to be because you want to, and not me putting you up to it."
I nodded, feeling really emotional. Oh, how much I love this new side of my mother. "I'll be back," I promised.
"I know you will," she said, smiling.
"But fornow. go and chase your net ke me proud." Contep &
like you've always wanted
I nodded, feeling a lump form in my throat. Oh God, I'm gonna cry.
"Will you be okay?" I asked.
"Of course, I will," she replied. "I have my friends, and Ashley will check in on me often. Don't worry about me."
I hugged her tightly, and this time, I let the tears fall.
********
The day of my departure finally arrived, and Ashley and my mother escorted me to the airport.
"Are you sure you have everything?" Ashley asked, checking my luggage."
"Yes, I'm sure," I affirmed.
My mother hugged me tightly. "Be safe, Arielle. Call me as soon as you arrive.
"I will."
Ashley handed me a small package. "A going-away gift. Open it on the plane."
I hugged her. "Thank you, Ash."
As I walked through security, I turned back to my mother and Ashley waving goodbye. I smiled, trying to mask my emotions. "Boarding flight 321 to Italy," the announcement came over the loudspeaker.
I inhaled deeply, shouldered my bag, and walked toward the gate.
I settled into my seat in the planeCòntens bel0ngs to Nô(v)elDr/a/ma.Org
-
Ashley's gift a small
lehound jotter with a smakel
written on the first page.
"New beginnings start with a recipe for happiness. Love, Ash."
I smiled, hugging the jotter to my chest as tears glistened in my eyes.
"Goodbye," I whispered, as the plane took off, leaving the country and its memories behind. For the time being.