"Got all your stuff, Lilly?"
"Yeah, Dad." As always, my dad is checking everything. He has been checking everything from my nutrition to my friends from the time I can remember, and I have always relied on him for support. I feel an empty darkness settling me at the thought of leaving him for the first time. But I have to do this, for the good of me and my dad. I took my luggage one by one downstairs from my room, my Dad bringing in the heavy stuff while I carried the smaller trunks. There was a lot of books, clothes, and my various essential needs and unwanted wants.
I don't want any of this. I never asked for this. At this moment, all I wanted to do is to sit down in a corner and weep and weep till I had no tears left. I feel the tears building up at the brim of my eyes, too quick for me to take control. Oh no, you have to stop, my mind warns me. But I can't, not after I have started crying anyway.
I can hear Dad coming down the stairs. I quickly wipe away my tears but it does no good. He just seems to know when I was upset.
"Lily, what's wrong?" he asks, setting the luggage down and raising my chin to meet his hazel eyes, while I tried to look anywhere but them.
"There's nothing to cry about, Angel. Call me anytime you want and I'll pick you up. I'm sure you will get used to your new school. It's such a nice school you know." He said, wiping my tears softly and smiling an encouraging smile. I hugged him tight, and he hugged me back. I love my dad and I never wanted to leave him. I wanted him close to me, always. But my life just didn't make it possible.
I wipe my tears and stand straight, managing a small, confident smile. "That's my girl." He said, patting my head as if I were a five-year old girl. In my heart I know that I'd always be his 'baby girl' and that provided the fuel and enthusiasm I needed to finish loading my luggage into the car and get ready to start my new phase of life.
After an hour all my luggage is loaded, the house is locked, and my dad is sitting behind the steering wheel while I sit on the passenger seat and hook on my seat belt. It was going to be a two hour ride to Springside High. I look out of the window, letting my mind wander as my dad starts driving.
Will the students there be good to me? was the thought that constantly nagged me. I've been to day schools till now but I never got along well with other children. But it was okay, because I had my dad beside me. Always. But now, I had no one to go for help, I would be alone at Springside High.
The only reason I didn't get along with other children was my fear. I didn't trust anyone in life. I never opened up for anyone. I loved and trusted my mom. But the end result was that she left me when I was just six. I can still remember her intense blue eyes which I have inherited, her soft, lilting laugh and her sweet voice which was my everyday lullaby. I never got tired of it, even to this day. Dad was the only person beside her whom I loved and cared for. I didn't even have many friends, and have never ever had a best friend. I left Yongewalk International where I studied from the time I was seven--and it seemed as if nobody cared. I didn't care either. I said good-bye and left, and didn't get a single phone number to contact. Not that anybody wanted to give anyway.
My mind snaps back to reality as I hear my dad, with serious concern coating his words, "Lilly, I really hope you can take care of yourself."
"Of course dad."
"You sure?"
"Yup." I smile.
"Well then, be a good girl and try not getting into much trouble. I know you won't." He said, his lips forming a half smile. He knew that I was never the one for much trouble. Whatever it was, from elementary school I have come running to my dad, and he has never failed to protect me--which makes him my most favorite person in this whole wide world. I think of all this and a silent tear slips down my cheek. I'm really going to leave him. My brain registers this fact and I start crying again, for the hundredth time this week.
My dad looks over at me crying. "You'll be fine, Angel. There's nothing to cry about." he said with a cheerful voice as he could muster, trying to cheer me up and his tone turns out awkward. I then start laughing at the awkward expression on his face in between hysterical sobs, and he grins at me.
"We're here."
