Tick. Tock. Tick. Tock.
My eyes fluttered open, gradually seeing a dark ceiling as the alarm blared insistently. Hair brushed against my lips, a reminder of the night's rest. I grabbed my phone and glanced at the time: 4:00 AM.
It was time to prepare for college.
I sprang out of bed, stretching my back and limbs, shaking off the lingering sleep. Gotta warm up and get moving!
As I stretched, I heard my mom calling my name.
"Samantha! It's time for your breakfast!"
"Yes, Mom!" I shouted back as I hurried down the stairs.
My name is Samantha Rossi, and my family just moved to this country. My dad had to relocate for work. Although I was excited about this new adventure, I felt a wave of nerves wash over me when I first heard the news about our move.
Saying goodbye to my friends back home was incredibly difficult; it felt like a piece of my heart was left behind. It was a bittersweet farewell, but there was nothing I could do to change the situation. Thankfully, we've managed to stay connected through social media, so I can still chat with them in my free time.
Since our move here, the people have been incredibly friendly. Coming from the South, I found the culture to be familiar; the smiles and hospitality were nothing new to me. Plus, the tropical weather didn't require much adjustment at all, though I did wish it rained less here. (T-T).
As I made my way down the stairs and into the dining room, my eyes landed on my mom, a woman with wavy blonde hair tied loosely at the back wearing an apron, busy preparing a meal.
As I sat down at the dining table, she glanced over at me with a warm smile.
"Sam, you've got to brush your hair after you shower, okay? You look like a lion," she said, chuckling.
"Yes, Mom," I replied, flicking my hair. Ugh, even though I get so many compliments about it, people don't realize how much effort it takes to keep it looking nice.
"What's for breakfast today?" I asked, glancing over at her.
"Rice with eggs and some orange juice," she said as she served the plates.
"Ugh, I miss the food from home," I groaned, holding my cheeks dramatically.
"Well, young lady, we've got to try what people eat here. And so far, everything has tasted good," Mom replied, pinching my cheeks playfully.
We laughed together. She was right — none of the food here had been bad. Maybe I just miss home too much.
"Where's dad?" I asked.
"Oh, he just remembered something he left upstairs," Mom replied, her hands busy serving breakfast.
"Where's my daughter?" my dad's voice called out as he descended the stairs. He stepped into the dining room, his dark brown, curly hair slightly tousled and his business attire crisp and neat.
"There she is!" he said, smiling as he walked over and kissed the top of my head. He then leaned over and kissed my mom on the cheek, and I saw her blush slightly.
"Oh how romantic." I said with a teasing voice.
And both their faces seemed to have reddened.
"W-well, I have to get going now for work. Samantha, do your best in your studies, okay?" my dad said in an awkward, embarrassed voice.
"Yes, Father," I replied.
He left shortly after, and I turned back to my breakfast.
"How's school been lately?" my mom asked as I took a bite.
YOU ARE READING
Timeless Regrets.
RomanceA young, silent college student accustomed to his predictable routine encounters a girl from another country, whose vibrant spirit shakes him from his self-imposed isolation. As their friendship blossoms, he is forced to confront the regrets and pai...
