The Space Between

ONE

I toss another hoodie into the suitcase, unable to contain my excitement. The thought of living in LA for the next few months, has me buzzing with energy. As I fold a couple of my favorite jackets and lay them neatly on top of the hoodies, my phone buzzing with an incoming FaceTime call from Kylie. I answer, and her smiling face fills the screen.

"Hey, love!" I greet her, my voice practically vibrating with excitement.

"Hey, baby! How's the packing going?" she asks, her eyes twinkling with joy for me.

"So much packing! I just packed two jackets, two hoodies, some casual and formal dresses, t-shirts, sweaters, jeans, and sweatpants. Oh, and I can't forget my skincare and makeup," I say, holding up a few items to show her.

Kylie laughs. "Looks like you're basically all set! I'm so proud of you, babe. This is such a big step, and I know you're going to do amazing things in LA."

"Thanks, Kylie. Oh I'm going to miss you," I reply, feeling a warmth spread through me at her words. "I've already been in touch with Priah and Ariana. They seem really cool, and I think we might become good friends in the long run."

"That's awesome! It's great that you're already making connections, I only met Ariana once, and that was at the Kids Choice Awards last year," Kylie says, her voice filled with genuine happiness for me. "I wish you all the best. You're going to rock it out there."

I smile, feeling a surge of confidence. "I'm so excited!"

As we continue chatting, I grab a few more t-shirts and fold them neatly, placing them in the suitcase. "I still can't believe this is happening," I say, shaking my head in disbelief. "It feels like just yesterday we were talking about our aspirations, and now I'm actually doing it."

Kylie nods. "I know, right? Time flies. But you've worked so hard for this, Malia. You deserve every bit of success coming your way."

I pause for a moment, looking around my room. It is a mix of chaos and excitement, with clothes strown everywhere and my suitcase half-packed. "I'm really going to miss this place, Vancouver is the one place I've called home for so long," I admit. "And I'm going to miss you so much."

"Gosh, I'm going to miss you too, baby. Barcelona was a dream with you, but hey, LA isn't that far. We could visit each other, and like you said before, there's always FaceTime," she says, trying to cheer me up.

"True," I say, smiling at the thought. "You really are the best girlfriend. Your support means the world to me."

"Maybe," Kylie says with a wink. "But for now, focus on your journey. You're going to make so many amazing memories and meet incredible people, I will always be your number one cheerleader, babe."

I nod, feeling a renewed sense of excitement. "You're right. This is just the beginning. Thanks for everything you do for me."

"Always, Malia. Now go finish packing! You've got a big adventure ahead of you," she says with a grin.

With a final laugh, we end the call, and I turn back to my suitcase, ready to embrace the future with open arms.

As I board the plane, my heart races with a mix of excitement and nerves. This was it—the start of my new adventure. I maneuvered down the narrow aisle, clutching my carry-on bag and backpack, when suddenly, a high-pitched voice rang out.

"Oh my gosh! Is it really you? I can't believe it, I love Descendants! Chloe is my favorite character ever, she's the best!"

I turn to see a little girl with wide eyes and a beaming smile. Her excitement is contagious, and I can't help but smile back. "Hi there! Yes, it's me," I say, feeling a bit flattered and surprised.