CSI Texas

Chapter Fourteen

After a few hours of shopping, Victoria and Samantha finally slowed their pace, their arms full of bags and their legs sore from walking store to store. The sun had dipped lower, casting a soft amber hue across the streets as they ducked into a cozy little café tucked between a florist and a bookstore. The place had an inviting, homey feel — wooden tables, mismatched chairs, and a faint aroma of cinnamon and baked bread in the air.
Samantha slid into a booth by the window, shrugging off her hoodie and setting it beside her. Beneath it, she wore her striped T-shirt, the fabric slightly rumpled from the layers but still neat. Her jeans had faded slightly at the knees from wear, but she wore them with the comfort of something familiar. She tapped her fingers on the tabletop while scanning the menu, her nerves starting to stir again as the reality of tomorrow crept closer.
Victoria, still in her work slacks and a soft blush-pink blouse, sat across from her, her features tired but kind. She caught the slight tension in Samantha’s shoulders and gave her daughter a warm smile.
“So,” she said as the waitress walked away with their order, “are you excited for tomorrow? It’s a big day.”
Samantha nodded, fidgeting with her straw, rolling it between her fingers like a pencil. “Yeah… a little nervous, too, I guess. Everything feels so… new and big.”
Victoria reached across the table, her palm warm as it closed gently around Samantha’s hand. “You’re going to do just fine,” she said reassuringly. “You’ll have Dylan on the bus, and the principal and teachers seem really supportive. And hey, you’ve got that amazing design room waiting for you.”
Samantha smiled, a flicker of laughter breaking through the nerves. “True. That design room might just become my second home.”
Her eyes sparkled at the thought, her posture loosening as she leaned back into the booth with a more relaxed sigh. Their food arrived — a pair of sandwiches with thick, crusty bread, a shared basket of sweet potato fries, and two iced teas that clinked softly with each sip.
After finishing their meal, they gathered their shopping bags and made their way to the bus station. The late afternoon light painted the pavement gold as they crossed the lot. Inside, the waiting area was quiet, with a few people scattered on benches and an old ceiling fan turning lazily overhead.
At the counter, the attendant greeted them with a friendly smile. She wore a uniform polo with the VIA logo embroidered on the chest and a name tag that read “Trina.”
“So, for younger students, reduced fares apply without an ID,” Trina explained, tapping a brochure, “but for high schoolers, you’ll need either a school ID or a VIA Reduced Fare ID to qualify for the Semester Pass.”
Victoria nodded, pulling out her phone to take notes. “Got it. We’ll take care of the school ID as soon as possible. Thanks so much for your help.”
Samantha stood quietly beside her, listening, her hands loosely clasped in front of her. Her shoulders relaxed a bit— just knowing there was a plan helped.
“That’ll make things easier,” Victoria said as they left the counter, smiling at her daughter. “It sounds like you’ll be covered for the whole semester.”
They stepped back outside, where the air was cooler now, brushing softly against their skin. Samantha glanced up at her mom, her voice gentle. “Thanks for doing all of this, Mom. I know you’re juggling so much already.”
Victoria paused, brushing a loose strand of hair from Samantha’s face and tucking it gently behind her ear. “It’s nothing, honey. You deserve to start off feeling prepared and supported.” She pulled her daughter into a brief but firm hug. “You know I’m here for you.”

Back home, the sun had set and the kitchen lights glowed warmly as Victoria started on dinner. She stood at the counter in a soft cardigan now, dicing bell peppers and slicing chicken breast. The scent of garlic and onions filled the air.
Samantha wandered in barefoot, padding softly across the floor. She popped a slice of red pepper into her mouth and leaned her elbows on the counter, watching her mom work. “So… what do you think I should expect from the first day?”
Victoria glanced at her, smiling as she stirred the sizzling pan. “Well, maybe a mix of nerves and excitement. You might not know anyone at first, but I’m sure there’ll be other new students. And remember — just be yourself. You have so much to offer.”
Samantha grinned. “Yeah. Maybe I’ll start by joining the swim team. Dylan made it sound like a lot of fun, and the pool is… wow. Just wow.”
“That sounds like a great idea,” Victoria said, her voice bright with encouragement. “You’ll meet people, and it’s something you already enjoy.”
Dinner was ready soon after — a stir-fry with jasmine rice and soy-glazed chicken — and they sat at the small dining table, steam rising from their plates. Samantha talked about the classes she was excited to take, especially the art and design electives, while Victoria listened with the kind of attention that made Samantha feel seen.
After a while, Victoria glanced at the clock and sighed. “I’ll have to leave soon for my shift.”
Samantha’s expression dimmed a little. “I wish you didn’t have to go tonight. But I understand.”
Victoria reached across the table again, giving her hand a reassuring squeeze. “I know, sweetheart. I wish I could be here too — especially tonight. But I promise, tomorrow morning, I’ll be thinking about you the whole time. You’ll do great.”
Samantha smiled gently, her hand curling around her mom’s. “Thanks, Mom. You always know how to make me feel better.”
Victoria gave her daughter a soft look, her eyes misting just slightly. “Listen,” she said, rising to grab her keys and purse, “if anything comes up or if you need to hear a familiar voice, just give me a call, okay?”
“Okay. Thanks, Mom,” Samantha replied, her voice quiet but warm. “I’m so lucky to have you.”
Victoria paused in the doorway, her hand on the knob. “I’m the lucky one, Samantha. I’m proud of you. More than you know.”
She gave her daughter one last, lingering hug — longer this time, filled with unspoken emotion — before finally pulling away and heading out. As she started the car and pulled onto the street, her heart felt both heavy and hopeful. Tomorrow marked a new beginning for Samantha, and she was determined to do everything she could to make it a good one.
Driving toward work beneath the streetlights, she made a mental note to speak with her supervisor about adjusting her schedule. Whatever it took, she would be there — for the drop-offs, the pick-ups, the meets, the moments.