Just The Thought

Chapter 1: New Beginnings

Chapter 1: New Beginnings

Flashback: Grade 11

I still remember the day my life shattered. My dad's passing left a gaping hole in my heart. Mom's grief was overwhelming, but instead of turning to me for comfort, she pushed me away.

"We're moving to Beverly Hills," she announced abruptly, her voice laced with determination.

"Why? I don't want to leave New York!" I pleaded, feeling my world crumbling.

"My dear, I need a fresh start. You'll understand someday," she replied, her voice cold and distant.

But I knew it wasn't just about a new start. It was about escaping the pain – and me.

Grade 11 was a blur. New school, new friends, and a fragile emotional state. I struggled to adjust. Depression crept in, and I withdrew from everyone.

No one noticed.

Or so I thought.

Mom's rejection stung deeper than Dad's loss. She abandoned me when I needed her most.

I recalled the countless nights I spent crying myself to sleep, feeling lost and alone. The city that never slept seemed to sleep through my pain.

Present Day: Grade 12

I trudged up the stairs of the school hostel, my bags weighing me down. First day back, and I was ready to put the past behind me.

As I reached the top, Maddie, my friend since freshman year, rushed to hug me.

"Hey, girl! I've missed you so much!" Maddie squealed, her blonde ponytail bouncing.

"Hey!" I laughed, dropping my bags.

Our hostel room was buzzing with chatter. I greeted everyone, exchanging stories about our holidays.

"OMG, how was your summer?" Maddie asked, flopping onto her bed.

"It was okay, just hung out with my aunt in Calabasas," I replied, shrugging.

Maddie raised an eyebrow. "That sounds... eventful."

I smiled wryly. "You have no idea."

Just as I was settling in, the hostel mother, Mrs. Johnson, called out, "Meeting in the common room, everyone! Now, please."

We reluctantly made our way downstairs, the chatter dying down.

As I entered the common room, I saw him – the new boy. Piercing blue eyes, chiseled features, and a captivating smile.

My heart skipped a beat.

"Hi," he mouthed, his gaze locked on mine.

I felt like I was falling.

Mrs. Johnson began, "Welcome, everyone. Let's go over the hostel rules..."

I tuned out, stealing glances at the mysterious boy.

Apparently his name is Jackson gotten from the hostel mother as she introduced him

But who was he?

Why did he seem so familiar?

Later that night, as I lay in bed, I hoped this year would be different.

"Please, just let me make it through this year without any drama," I whispered to myself.

Little did I know, drama had already walked through the door.

As I drifted off to sleep, I couldn't shake the feeling that this year would change everything.

The darkness outside my window seemed to whisper secrets, and I wondered if I was ready to face them once again.