Restarting Life

Chapter One

Alright I am done with packing, mom", I yelled from my room. We were moving again to a place across the country. And just like every other time I didn't argue with my parents, being the ideal daughter I am.

"Come down for dinner Hayley", came my mom's voice.

We were supposed to leave the next morning. I exited my room and passed the empty wall void of any pictures of our family while climbing down the stairs. Sometimes I wonder would it be any different to have a normal home where there would be many memories hanging on the walls, where every corner of the house would have witnessed an episode of my childhood, designed warmly and would actually feel like home instead of a house. Entering the dining room, I saw my parents already seated. I sat at the end of the table and served myself some lasagna which was my favorite dish. I figured that mom's trying to make me happy and not feel dejected because we are shifting. However after so many years of moving from one place to another, I have learnt to be happy.

"I have enrolled you in Dublin High for your last year of high school", my dad said. "I know it will be difficult for you to adjust to a new school but it's my work. I would do something if I could." he added.

I could see on his face that he is working hard. The wrinkles on his face and dark bags under his eyes are proof of his hard work.

"I understand dad. It's not a big deal anyways. We always move. It's not something new. So don't worry about me", I said reassuringly.

We have talked about this many times. When we first moved I had just turned six, I remember talking with my parents. We had to shift because my dad was offered a great opportunity and he didn't want to miss it. Surely they did ask me if I was okay with the move and everything changing so fast but did they really expect me to say no? Besides I was six! Now I don't say anything about it because later I would feel guilty of holding him back. Since then we have never stayed at one place for more than three years.

"Don't be like that. Alright listen, we will stay at Dublin for next five years. How does that sound?" my dad said.

I looked at him with a shocked expression evident on my face. Did he just agree to do something for me just because it's something I want, moreover something which I haven't told him that I want it! I was genuinely surprised at the idea of living in one place for the next five years. I also wonder if he remembers that I want to go to Trinity College Dublin.

"I signed a five year contract with the company. They had a condition of me not moving to any other company for the next five years. The company is huge and it's a bright chance so I took it", he said.

Of course it was about his work. Here I thought he was truly concerned about me and so decided to stay stable at least for a while.

"It's a great idea dad. Congratulations on such a great opportunity", I said trying very hard to smile.

I always was an obedient daughter and agreed whatever my parents said without any arguments. I had always prioritized my parents' choices before my own and respected their opinion. In the end I knew they loved me and would always think about my betterment. But sometimes I wished I could do what I want to instead of what they want me to do. The tiny rebellious part of me forced me to think that way. Earlier, I didn't have it in me to tell them what I want because more often than not I myself didn't know what I actually wished for, so I agreed to everything they said and gradually became a perfect daughter as time passed. However, a small part of me wishes to be more independent and bold.

"Thank you," my dad replied shaking me out of my thoughts. "Also I am sure you will make good friends there." he said.

I just nodded. After finishing last bite of my food I excused myself after wishing both of my parents' goodnight. I didn't bother to put plates back in kitchen. Once I reached my room, I felt excited about the idea of finally settling down even though it's for five years. I looked around my room and the feeling of nostalgia washed over me. We had lived here for a little over a year but I still felt a bit nostalgic.