When 18-year-old dilara ozturk embarks on a summer trip to Italy, she expects to be enchanted by the city's rich history and vibrant culture. What she doesn't anticipate is crossing paths with Kenan Yildiz, a charismatic and talented young footballe...
"Dilara!!" I hear my mom's voice call from downstairs. I groan to myself and roll out of my comfortable bed. While neatly tucking the corners of my bed sheet into the headboard, I take my time because this is the last morning that I will be competing the task for months.
"Dilara!!" She calls again.
"I'm up!" I yell back. The cabinets open and close downstairs, the sounds of her frantically preparing breakfast. The knot in my stomach grows with each step to the bathroom, by the time I start the shower, it's nearly unbearable. I spent the last few years nervously anticipating college. My weekends were spent studying and preparing for this day while most people my age were out getting drunk, wasting their time and jeopardizing their futures. The day my acceptance letter to my dream college, University of Turin came I was thrilled. I expected it but that didn't take any of the excitement away. My mother cried for what felt like hours, and I have to admit I was pretty proud of myself. All my hard work finally paid off. I had considered leaving Germany for college following the major sports media as i was always into sports myself, football to be exact.
The hot water loosens my strained muscles, how long have I been in here? I hurry and wash my hair and body, lazily running a razor over my legs to remove the small stubble that has appeared over the weekend.
As I wrap the towel around my wet body, my mother calls my name again. I ignore her, I know she is nervous for me leaving home but I have had this day planned down to the hour, for months. My bestfriends Ceren and Berkay will be here soon to say goodbye before i leave. They are one grade younger than me and for hundredth time I mentally scold their parents for putting them in Kindergarten a year late. Ceren keeps a perfect grade point average, shes brilliant and will be joining me at University of Turin next year. I do wish that she was coming now, especially considering that I won't know a single person there. And Berkay.. well let's say he's not the most school enthusiastic person.
I put on some blue jeans and a black cardigan on top, finishing it with some golden jewellery along with a black belt. I quickly do my makeup and decided to let down my hair.
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"Dilara!"
"I am coming down now, please don't call my name again!" I yell as I walk down the stairs.
Ceren and Berkay are sitting at the table across from my mother eating a classic Turkish breakfast. "Hey college girl," Ceren says while smiling, standing up to pull me into a tight hug.
"Hey," I give both Ceren and Berkay an equally bright smile "I will put your luggage in the car." Berkay offers and picks up the keys from my the table. With a quick hug he disappears from the room. The butterflies in my stomach dance, surely we're not a thing but i can't deny i have had a small crush on him.
"Dilara hadi yemeğini ye" my mother said. My mother was a Turkish immigrant, her and my dad moved to germany in their 20's and had me. My parents german wasn't the best so we always spoke Turkish at home. I sat down and started eating. Berkay quickly came back and joined us.
After eating breakfast, it was time to go to the airport. Even though I dreamed of this day, I still couldn't leave my best friends. They meant the world to me, and I could never imagine living without them. Ceren pulled me into a deep hug. "I'm gonna miss you so much," she said with a tear glistening in her eye.
"I'm gonna miss you too," I replied, my voice cracking. Berkay joined the hug, and we stood there in a tight embrace not wanting to let go. "You better call us every day," Berkay said, trying to lighten the mood with a weak smile. "Of course. There's no way I'm letting you guys out of my life," I promised.
We finally let go, and i walked to the car taking one last look at my friends before getting in. My mom drove me to the airport and i could notice she was sad that her only child was growing up and leaving.
As we drove in silence, I could feel the weight of the moment sinking in. The familiar streets of our neighborhood passed by in a blur, and I tried to memorize every detail. This was the beginning of a new chapter, but it was also the end of an era.
When we arrived at the airport, my mom parked the car and we both sat there for a moment, neither of us ready to say goodbye. "I'm going to miss you," she said, her voice trembling. I reached over and squeezed her hand, trying to hold back my own tears.
"I'll miss you too, Mom," I replied. "But I'll call and visit as often as I can."
We got out of the car and she helped me with my luggage. As we walked towards the terminal, the reality of my departure hit me harder with each step. We hugged tightly one last time before I headed towards the security checkpoint.
"Take care of yourself," she called out, waving.
"I will," I promised, waving back.
As I went through security and made my way to the gate, I felt a mix of excitement and nervousness. This was my chance to explore new opportunities and grow, but it was also scary to step into the unknown. With one last glance back, I took a deep breath and boarded the plane, ready to see where this journey would take me.
As I stepped onto the plane, I found my seat and settled in, my mind racing with thoughts of the future. The hum of the engines and the bustle of the other passengers were a comforting distraction. I took out my journal and began to write, hoping to capture my emotions in words.
"Dear Diary, today marks the beginning of a new chapter. I'm leaving behind everything familiar to chase new dreams and opportunities. It's terrifying but also exhilarating. I know I'll miss home, but I also know this is the right step for me."
The plane took off, and as we flew into the sky, I looked out the window, watching the city below get smaller and smaller. I thought about all the memories, both good and bad, that I was leaving behind. It was hard to say goodbye, but I knew I had to keep moving forward.
A few hours into the flight, I decided to distract myself with a book. Reading had always been my escape, and it was the perfect way to pass the time. As I got lost in the story, the anxiety slowly began to fade, replaced by a sense of calm and anticipation.
When the plane finally landed, I gathered my belongings and disembarked, stepping into a new city filled with endless possibilities. The air felt different, filled with promise. I made my way through the airport, collected my luggage, and headed outside to catch a taxi. As I gave the driver the address of my new home, I felt a surge of excitement.
The drive to my new apartment was a blur of new sights and sounds. The city was alive and vibrant, When we finally arrived, I paid the driver and stepped out. I walked towards my new home and picked up the key that was laying under the doormat as the previous home owner told me it would be. As I unlocked the door and stepped into my new house i felt a sense of accomplishment. I had made it. The outside had charming terracotta roof tiles and stone walls covered in vines. Just like how you'd imagine a typical home in Italy to look like.
I spent the next few hours unpacking and settling in, making the space my own. As the sun began to set, I stood by the window, looking out at the city. The first night in my new apartment was both strange and comforting. The unfamiliar sounds of the city filled the room. I made myself a simple dinner, took a quick shower to freshen up from all the travelling i've done and went to bed.
The next morning, I woke up early, eager to explore my new surroundings. After getting ready and a quick breakfast, I grabbed my bag and headed out the door. I wandered through the streets as I found a cozy café and decided to stop for a coffee. As I sat by the window journaling and sipping my drink i saw a boy walk in the café. Tall, light brown hair with a slit through his eyebrow, baggy jeans and a oversized shirt, green eyes. I couldn't help but look at him. He was ordering coffee as well, patiently sitting down next to me while waiting he passed me a quick smile. I smiled back and continued writing in my journal, but i could feel his eyes on me.
A few minutes later "Number 21!" i hear one of the barista say. I noticed him getting up grabbing his coffee and thanking the barista, expecting him to walk out he sat back down next to me. Still minding my own business i hear "what are you writing?"
