Mackenzie and Miles O'Connor Love Wins In The End

Chapter 11 Junior Day/move out day

Mackenzie had just completed her year of high school, and the morning sun shone brightly through her window as she stretched and sat up in bed. Today was a big day—she was moving into her junior dorm room.

She slipped out of bed and pulled on a fresh outfit she had set aside the night before: a fitted denim jacket over her favorite lavender top and black jeans. At her desk, she opened her makeup bag and carefully applied a touch of blush and a swipe of pink lipstick. She studied her reflection in the mirror, adjusting her braid until it felt just right.

Then came the packing. She pulled her school supplies—binders, notebooks, and pens—into a neat stack before tucking them into her suitcase. She folded a few pairs of pants and placed them into her backpack, making sure not to wrinkle them. With each item she packed, her excitement grew. She was ready for this next chapter of her life.

Her laptop went into its protective case, and her water bottle clipped to the side pocket of her bag. Just as she zipped the suitcase shut, Miles appeared at the doorway.

“Hey, Kenzie,” he said sleepily, rubbing his eyes.

“Hey, Miles,” she replied, smiling.

“Can I help?” he asked, stepping into the room.

“Sure,” Kenzie said, handing him her makeup bag. “While I do this, you can look through my bookshelf and pick out something you think I’d enjoy reading in the dorm.”

“Okay!” Miles perked up and padded over to the shelf, tilting his head as he scanned the spines. He tapped his chin, trying to think like his sister.

As Kenzie rolled up a sweater and tucked it neatly into her suitcase, Miles asked, “Are you excited for your junior and senior years of high school?”

“Yes, I am,” she answered without hesitation, zipping her suitcase with a decisive pull.

A few minutes later, Miles came back balancing a stack of three books. “Here,” he said proudly. “You always read fast, so I thought you’d need more than one.”

Kenzie's eyes softened. “Thanks, Miles. You know me too well.”

“You’re welcome, sis,” he said with a small grin.

From the living room, Mia and Brian quietly watched the scene unfold. They exchanged a look filled with pride. Mackenzie had grown so much, and the bond she shared with Miles made their hearts full.

Once everything was ready, Mackenzie zipped up her backpack and set it by the door. But when it was time to load the car, Miles’ face crumpled. His eyes watered, and before anyone could stop it, he burst into tears.

“Aww, buddy,” Mia said softly, kneeling down beside him.

Mackenzie immediately crouched and hugged him tightly. “It’s okay, Miles. I’m just moving to my dorm, not leaving forever. You can call me anytime, even late at night, okay?”

“Okay…” Miles sniffled, clinging to her.

Mia tried to lift the mood. “So, who’s your dorm mate?” she asked, gently smoothing Kenzie’s braid.

“My friend Kayla,” Kenzie answered with a smile.

“That’s wonderful! You’ll have company, and someone to share late-night snacks with,” Mia teased.

Finally, the last suitcase was loaded into the car. Mackenzie stood by the open trunk, adjusting the strap on her backpack. She looked back at her family—her mom, dad, and little brother standing together on the porch.

“Goodbye, Mom,” she said warmly. “I’m going to make you proud.”

“You already do,” Mia replied, pulling her into a final hug. “But go show the world what you’re made of.”

“Goodbye, Dad,” she called to Brian.

“Love you, Kenzie,” Brian said, his voice thick with emotion.

“Love you too.” She smiled.

“Bye, sis,” Miles whispered, trying to be brave.

“Goodbye, Miles,” Kenzie said, kissing the top of his head.

With that, Mackenzie climbed into the car, her heart racing with anticipation. Ahead of her was a new chapter, and she couldn’t wait to see Kayla and start this exciting journey.

✨ Word Count: ~666.