The Tale of Jennifer Dobson

Welcome to New York

I let out a deep sigh as I stare out the window of the car. I watch the familiar buildings of the town I had grown up in whiz past me and off into the distance as we set off for the airport.

I watch the beautiful, green, open space of our small town only an hours drive from London drift away. I will have to trade rolling hills and crisp fresh air for bustling, humid streets.

To say I was angry was an understatement. I mean I knew this was coming eventually, and there is a part of me that is slightly glad that I will never have to hear the shouting again, but New York? Where did that come from?

I have to leave behind everything I know; my dad, friends, school, and the country I have grown up in.

Tears spring to my eyes as this reality hits me.
"Sweetheart, please don't cry. This could be good for us, a fresh start!" My mum says, trying to cheer me up. I look at her for a second and give no reply before turning back around to stare out of the window.
"Come on Jenny, please try to be optimistic about this. I'm trying to make the best out of a bad situation here."
"I know you are mum." I reply shortly. I know I'm not being fair on her, and I feel bad about it. But try and put yourself in my shoes, would you be all happy-go-lucky if you were told you have to pack up and move to America? I think not.

My mum starts to ramble on about the apartment that she found, and what school I'll be going to. I zone out and her voice just turns into white noise. I pick at my fingernails and force myself to try not to let another tear out. I will not cry. I will not cry.

I repeat this mantra in my head as I start to drift slowly off to sleep.

***

"Jenny." I hear a voice as I feel a light push at my shoulder. I groan in response.
"Jenny, it baffles me your ability to sleep so much." I recognise the voice as my mother's. I swat her hand away and turn over.
"Jenny we're here, we're in New York." At these words I slowly open my eyes, still groggy with sleep.
"What? Already?" I reply, my voice thick with sleep.
"We just landed honey come on get up." She ushers me to stand, I grab my carry on and trudge off the plane.

"Right then let's see this 'wonderful' apartment you keep going on about." I say, rolling my eyes at my mum. She gives me a knowing smile and walks over to get our bags.

***

"Mum how the hell can we afford something like this!" I exclaim loudly while I stare open mouthed at this incredible apartment.

It has polished concrete floors and on the far side stands a giant bookcase spanning across an entire wall of the living room. There are beautiful aubergine coloured sofas facing a huge plasma TV.

"I go a lot of money in the divorce darling, besides work offered to pay for half of it." Mum says as she sets her bags down on the floor.
"This is incredible!" I smile, almost forgetting the fact that I've moved halfway across the world against my will.
"Go find your room, I'll make is something to eat it's been a long journey." She tells me, pointing down the corridor in direction.

I follow her instruction and make my way towards where she gestured. the first door I open I assume is my mums room. I carry on to the next door and find the room that must be mine. I gasp in amazement at the view. A whole wall is glass with views over the skyscrapers of the city. I grin and jump onto my bed.

Maybe this won't be so bad after all?