Starting over

Reconnecting

Two weeks later, Rachel adjusted the seam on the silk dress, her fingers moving deftly as she envisioned the final product. The bright artsy studio was filled with bolts of fabric in various shades of colors and sketches adorned the walls. The scent of fresh roses, which Jacqueline had brought in that morning, mingled with the sharp, clean smell of new fabric.

Rachel's concentration was broken by the ringing of her phone. Glancing at the caller ID, she saw it was Charlotte's school. Her heart skipped a beat as she answered.

"Mrs. Green? This is Mrs. Lewis, the school coordinator. We need to come in immediately. There's been an incident involving your daughter."

Rachel felt a wave of anxiety but kept her voice steady.

"I'll be there right away."

She turned to her assistant. Jacqueline was organizing the fabric swatches by texture and color.

"Jackie, something urgent has come up at Charlotte's school. I need you to take over here for a bit."

Jacqueline looked concerned but nodded.

"Of course, Rach. I'll handle everything."

Rachel quickly grabbed her trench coat and handbag, the familiar scent of her jasmine perfume providing a brief, comforting reassurance as she hurried out.

The school's polished corridors were eerily quiet as Rachel made her way to the coordinator's office. The atmosphere was a sharp contrast to her vibrant, bustling studio. She was ushered in by a secretary, and Mrs. Lewis greeted her with a serious expression.

"Thank you for coming so quickly, Mrs. Green. We had an altercation between Charlotte and another student, Erica."

"I see...what happened?"

"Charlotte pushed Erica, and while Erica wasn't seriously hurt, it was a close call. We need to address this issue. I'll be scheduling a meeting with you and Erica's mother if that's okay with you."

Rachel took a deep breath. "Of course. I understand."
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Back at home, Rachel found Charlotte in her room, a stormy look on her face as she lay on her bed, surrounded by the familiar comforts of her Parisian life – plush cushions, elegant décor, and posters of her favorite singers, like Taylor Swift.

"Charlotte, we need to talk," Rachel began sitting down beside her daughter.

Charlotte's eyes flashed with anger.

"If we were still in Paris, this wouldn't have happened!"

Rachel sighed, brushing a stray hair from her face.

"I know this move has been hard on you. I lost touch with a very good friend when my parents made me move to Paris when I was still in high school. But things are different now. You have all the means to stay connected with your old friends. Technology, finances... it's not the same as it was for me."

Charlotte crossed her arms, but some of the anger in her eyes faded.

"It's just... everything is so different here."

Rachel put a comforting hand on her daughter's shoulder.

"I know, sweetie. But you have to give it a chance. I understand that the transition is difficult, and it's natural to feel frustrated."

Charlotte's face softened a bit.

"I just don't understand why people are so different here. I thought things would be easier."

Rachel smiled gently.

"Every place has its own culture and way of doing things. Sometimes it takes a while to adjust. When I moved to Paris, I felt the same way. I missed my old friends and familiar places. But over time, I found my footing and made new connections."