𝐋𝐈𝐌𝐄𝐑𝐄𝐍𝐂𝐄

1

DIYA εїз

Raindrops raced each other, splattering across the window as I sat in the backseat of the car, listening to the rhythmic pounding of the storm. Driving during a storm is not safe, but who cares, it's not like I can just jump out of the window and run back home.

My dilemma extended beyond the weather; I no longer knew where home was. Leaving behind everything and everyone I cared about in New Jersey, I was on my way to Maryland. The state wasn't too far away, but it was practically unknown! Did I get a say in this decision? No, of course not, because when do I get a say in anything?

My parents assumed moving midway through my junior year of high school would be perfectly fine. The move wouldn't be too stressful, considering I've already taken the SAT in sophomore year. I scored a 1520, which is a decent score; but, my parents were disappointed. When I showed them my score a few weeks ago, they asked, "Why didn't you get 1600? Did the SAT classes not help? Did you just waste our money?" They confiscated my phone for these few weeks, leaving me with the sound of rain being my only companion. Luckily, they told me they would give it back when we were done moving in.

I hate that we're moving, maybe I could reinvent myself, and peoples' perceptions of me. Instead of being a nerd in a small friend group, I could be seen as one of the smart and pretty popular girls that everyone envies.

Lost in my daydreams, I envision myself holding hands with an imaginary black-haired boy. Honestly, the idea of getting a boyfriend feels like an impossibility-I might as well think I'll die before it happens. And even if I were to find a boyfriend, the prospect of introducing him to my family or being seen with him in public is out of the question, given how overprotective my parents are.

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4 HOURS LATER

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Finally reaching Maryland, I stepped out of the car and assessed our new, smaller house. It wasn't my intention to be ungrateful, but goddamn. [ a / n : i swear she will have character development ]. Sure, it's a medium sized house, something most families would live in. But when we chose to move, I expected something better than our last house, but this? This is a downgrade. Sure, the yard may be larger, but the home itself probably will not have enough rooms or space. Sighing, I waited as movers maneuvered around boxes, blocking my path to the entrance. Desperately needing to pee, I contemplated sneaking away to find a bathroom.

My mom approached me, breaking my thoughts. "Go take a walk around the neighborhood. See if there is anyone your age." I nodded, reluctant to explore the neighborhood like a child, but realizing I needed to find new friends if I don't want to end up as a loner.