Why Don't You STAY

A BITTERSWEET BEGINNING

Hey there! I'm Catherine, a 19-year-old California girl with a New York heart, where the city's vibrant energy once coursed through my veins. Born in the Big Apple, I made the cross-country move to Cali with my dad when I was 15, just a few months after my mom's passing. The ache of her absence still echoes through my soul, a hollow feeling that refuses to fade. It's hard to believe it's been almost four years since we left the city that never sleeps.

Losing my mom in a car accident was a turning point in our lives. Her bright smile and infectious laughter still linger in my memories. She was on her way to pick me up from school when... well, when fate had other plans. The thought still sends a shiver down my spine. After that, my dad and I couldn't bear the thought of staying in New York anymore. So, we packed our bags and headed to California, a place that holds a special spot in my dad's heart – it's where he and my mom fell in love.

But there's a tinge of sadness beneath my excitement. My dad's words still linger in my mind - 'If you hadn't needed her to pick you up, she'd still be here.' The weight of his blame settles heavy on my heart, like a physical burden I carry with every step. I know he misses her, and I do too. But in his grief, he sometimes takes it out on me. Like that trip to Italy, where the scent of freshly baked pizza and gelato-filled streets turned into a nightmare. He got lost in his memories, and I became the target of his pain. The sound of his screams, the feel of my head slamming against the hotel door, and the ache of those two days without food or water still haunts me. But he apologized, said he wasn't himself, and that the wine had taken over. I understand, but it's hard to shake off the feeling that I'm the reason for his pain.

Fast forward to today, I'm about to start this new chapter of my life – university! I'm nervous, excited, and a little scared, all at once. I mean, it's my first time in a real classroom (online schooling was my jam, thanks to my dad's entrepreneurial adventures and our travel schedule). Tomorrow's the big day, and I'm ready... or so I think! I've got all my university essentials checked off my list (thanks, Dad, for the shopping spree!), and I've even requested my favorite French toast for breakfast – because, priorities! But, what's really got me nervous is the whole making-friends thing. My dad always said I didn't need friends, that he was all the friend I needed (aww, Dad!). But now, I'm not so sure... What if nobody wants to be friends with me? It's 9 pm, and my alarm is set for 6 am – bright and early, here I come! Tomorrow holds a new beginning, a new chapter, and a new life waiting to be uncovered. I'm scared, anxious, and excited all at once. Bring it on, university! I'm ready to uncover this new life, one French toast at a time.

A/N:

I'm thrilled to share my story with you! I'll be posting new chapters every:

Friday night
Saturday night

And, if the muse strikes, I might even surprise you with an extra chapter on Sundays.

Please note that my posting schedule may vary occasionally, but I'll always do my best to keep you updated on Catherine's journey.

Thank you for joining me on this adventure!

Your support means the world to me.

Stay tuned, and happy reading!

♡Satss♡