CSI San Antonio

4

She glanced at Samantha through the rearview mirror, her heart sinking at the sight of her daughter’s sullen face. Samantha was immersed in her music, earbuds securely in place, effectively shutting out the world—and her mother. Victoria sighed, feeling a familiar ache in her chest. She had made this decision to protect Samantha, but it had come at a high emotional cost, one that seemed to widen the chasm between them.

“Sammy,” she called gently, hoping to break through the barrier. “Can you at least look at me?”

Samantha shifted slightly, her eyes still fixed on the window, refusing to acknowledge her mother’s presence. Victoria's heart ached further, the silence between them palpable.

As the sun began to set, casting a warm golden glow over the horizon, Victoria spotted a sign for a motel. She felt a wave of relief wash over her—after hours on the road, a break was sorely needed. She turned into the parking lot and switched off the engine, but Samantha remained motionless, lost in her music.

“We’re stopping for the night,” Victoria said, her voice gentle but firm. She reached back to touch Samantha’s knee, hoping for some connection. The girl finally removed her headphones, revealing her reluctance.

“Do we have to?” Samantha asked, her tone flat, frustration simmering just beneath the surface.

“Yes, we do,” Victoria replied, trying to keep her voice steady. “It’s a long drive, and we need to rest.”

Samantha rolled her eyes but nodded, the tension evident in her posture. They checked into the modest motel, the fluorescent lights buzzing above them as they entered their room. The silence that followed was heavy, a stark contrast to the chatter and laughter of their life back in Phoenix.

Lying in the unfamiliar bed later that night, Victoria stared at the ceiling, her mind racing with worry about the challenges that lay ahead. She hoped that in San Antonio, they could find some semblance of normalcy. She wanted Samantha to eventually understand why this move was necessary, even if it felt like a betrayal now.

“Mom?” Samantha’s voice broke through the stillness, catching Victoria off guard.

“Yeah?” she replied, turning her head to face her daughter, who sat on the edge of the bed, her expression conflicted.

“Do you think I’ll make friends at the new school?” Samantha asked, her vulnerability momentarily breaking through her earlier bravado.

“I really believe you will,” Victoria answered, softening her tone. “You’re smart, funny, and people will be drawn to you. It might just take some time.”

Samantha sighed, brushing a stray hair behind her ear. “What if they don’t like me?”

“Sammy, I know it’s scary, but you’ll find your people. Just be yourself,” Victoria reassured her, hoping to convey the confidence she didn’t always feel. “And if it helps, I’ll be there for you every step of the way.”

“Yeah, I guess,” Samantha replied, her voice barely above a whisper. She lay back on the bed, staring at the ceiling, lost in thought.

Victoria turned back to her own pillow, her heart heavy with the weight of their situation. Most of all, she hoped she could keep her secret buried, that Alan would remain unaware of the daughter he never knew he had. The thought of him discovering the truth sent a shiver down her spine.

As she drifted off to sleep, Victoria clung to the hope that this new beginning would somehow work out for both of them, despite the uncertainties that lay ahead. She wanted to believe that they would emerge stronger, but deep down, she knew the road would be anything but easy.