Miss nobody strikes back

Back to New York

Chapter fourteen

This summer has been the best in my entire life. I never want to leave. I feel like I have everything here—my aunt and uncle are like the parent figures I've always needed. What more could I ask for? But, like all good things, it has to come to an end. Summer break is over, and today, I’m going back home.

I’ve been feeling down since last night. I barely slept, tossing and turning as the thought of leaving Aunt and Uncle made my stomach churn. The idea of not having them around me, cheering me on, encouraging me every day... it's hard to accept.

“Come on, baby. This isn’t the end of the world. I’m going to miss you so much, but you need Lincoln High to see the new version of you—the confident Hanna,” Aunt said, giving me one of her reassuring smiles.

“But I’m only confident when you and Uncle are by my side, giving me words of encouragement and support,” I said, my voice low with sadness. Once I get back to New York, the only person I really have to talk to is Jenny. There’s no one else like Aunt and Uncle.

“We’re always with you, sweetheart. Our words are with you in spirit. Let them replay in your mind whenever you need them. And remember, there are people who love and care about you, even back home. Don’t beat yourself up. Be the confident, shining star that you are, okay?” she said gently.

I nodded, trying to muster a smile. “Come on, give me a nice smile,” Aunt encouraged, pulling me into a warm hug. I managed to smile through my emotions. Uncle soon joined the hug, wrapping both of us in his strong arms.

After a few moments, we broke the hug and began loading my big bags of clothes into the trunk of the car. Aunt was driving me to New Jersey, and from there, she’d spend the night with me in New York before heading back. I was grateful for the extra time with her.

We hopped into the car, and off we went. I won’t lie—these three months have been the best of my life. Aunt completely transformed me. My hair is now long and straight, I no longer wear glasses, and my skin is smooth and glowing. The weekly gym sessions helped tone my body, and overall, I look and feel better than ever. It wasn’t just my appearance that changed—this summer has brought me so much joy, new skills, and self-confidence. Uncle even taught me how to play basketball. I feel like a new person.

By the time we got to New York, it was already evening. Aunt had booked us a hotel room for the night since she was going to drop me off at school the next day before returning to my parents’ house with my things. As we sat in the room waiting for our food to arrive from room service, Aunt pulled out a surprise.

“Oh, I almost forgot. Since you’re Miss Smarty Pants now…” she said, pulling a brand-new laptop out of her bag.

My eyes widened in disbelief. “Aunt… No way!” I gasped.

“I got you a laptop so you can do your assignments, read, and of course, use it for anything else you want,” she said with a smile. I stared at her, completely overwhelmed.

“Aunt, no! I can’t take this. You’ve done so much for me already—helping me find myself again, spending so much on me. And now this? It’s too much,” I said, hugging her tightly. “I don’t want to leave you. I wish you were my mom. You’re the best.”

“Hey, don’t say that. Your mom is amazing too. She just hasn’t shown it to you yet,” Aunt said gently. But I didn’t care about my parents' validation anymore. This was the new me—Hanna, confident and independent.

“Thank you so, so much,” I whispered, still holding the laptop. “I can’t believe this,” I added, admiring the sleek device. I had never owned anything like it before.

“Believe it, sweetheart. And don’t worry—I’ll always come to visit whenever I have free time,” Aunt said, her voice comforting as always. I smiled, placing the laptop carefully on the mini table beside me.

Soon, the room service arrived with our dinner. We ate and talked for a while, catching up on all the things I needed to know for school. Afterward, we both got ready for bed. I lay down, staring at the ceiling, lost in my thoughts. Aunt lay down beside me, wrapping her arm around me like she always did when I was upset.

“You’ve got school tomorrow, so stop overthinking and get some sleep,” she said softly. I nodded, closing my eyes. It wasn’t long before I drifted off to sleep, feeling safe in her presence.

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**Tamara’s POV**

“I don’t understand it. Hanna should be home by now, and school starts tomorrow,” I said, frustration creeping into my voice. I didn’t understand this behavior from Hanna. Is she upset because I didn’t call her? I’ve been calling her all day, but she hasn’t picked up.

“Hey, don’t beat yourself up. She’ll be back. If not tonight, then by tomorrow morning. Stop worrying so much,” my husband said, trying to calm me down.

“What do you mean, ‘stop worrying’? She’s my daughter! I need to make sure she’s okay,” I said, pacing back and forth.

“You’ve called her multiple times. She didn’t answer, so you’ve done your part. Hanna’s not a little kid anymore—she has a mind of her own,” he replied calmly.

“Oh, Mom, why are you stressing over Hanna? She’s probably just scared to come back home. Aunt always spoils her. I know she likes Hanna more than me, and honestly, it hurts,” Claire chimed in from the couch. “Hanna will be back tomorrow, though. That dork can’t miss a single class, let alone a whole day,” she added with a smirk.

“I just want her to come home so it doesn’t seem like we don’t care about her,” I said quietly.

“We don’t,” Claire muttered under her breath.

“Claire! Stop that. She’s your sister,” I scolded her.

“Chill, Mom. I was just joking,” Claire said, rolling her eyes. “Anyway, I’m hungry, and my medication’s running low.”

“Are you feeling okay? Any headaches or body pain?” I asked, concern filling my voice.

“No, I’m just feeling a bit dizzy. Thinking about Hanna makes me want to pass out,” Claire joked, leaning back on the couch.

“Don’t faint on me. Sit tight, and I’ll make you something to eat,” I said, heading to the kitchen.

A/N: Hi, everyone! Sorry for not uploading yesterday—I’ve been super busy. As compensation, I’ll be uploading two chapters today! Let me know your thoughts in the comments below!