Something Unexpected

Chapter 1

"Good morning dear!"

"Good morning!" I reply back to my mom as I walk into the kitchen.

"I made some French toast, do you want a couple pieces?" My mom asks.

"Ooo yum! How can I say no to that" I reply while my mom laughs handing me a plate.

My mom walks over and sits across the table from me while I eat my French toast.

"Honey, we have to talk. Remember how I was telling you about that job opportunity?" She asks.

"Oh yeah, the one overseas?" I say.

"Yes, um well I was offered the opportunity to go and teach over there and help out with some of the new schools".

"Mom that's great! I know how much you really wanted to get that offer". I say with a smile.

My mom looks a bit worried, but sighs and finally answers.

"I know, but.. Sienna I could be gone overseas from 6 months up until a year. Maybe even longer depending on how things are going".

"Up to a year?" My eyes go big with the realization that my mom may not be here with me for almost a year.

My mom. Whom I look similar to. We both share dark brown hair that looks like it's mixed with a little bit of a medium shade of brown as well. Brown eyes that always seem to get lighter throughout the day. The only thing that's different is that her skin tone is more on the paler side. Whereas my skin tone is not too tan but not too pale. She is about 5'6 and me, well let's say her height genes didn't pass to me. I am only 5'4. Not much of a difference but still noticeable.

She's such an amazing person. She raised me as a single mother, my dad was never around much and never really tried to establish a relationship with me. In any case it doesn't bother me that much, although I do wish I had a father figure at times. Oh well, what can you do. My mom has always been my rock, helped me and has been there for me through literally everything. I consider her to be my best friend, we're very close. My mom is a teacher which you could say was a little influence on why I decided to major in education. I used to go to her classroom and help on days I didn't have school, only if her school that she taught at was open. I absolutely loved it every time I went. The kids were so sweet and cute. But I really want to make a big impact in future students' lives, just as my mom has for her students. For the past few months my mom's principal has been talking to the teachers about a huge teaching opportunity. I of course knew it was going to be overseas but did not think about how long it would be for. As sad as I would be for her to be away, she hasn't put herself first in a very long time. Always worrying about me and being there for me. I think it's about time I support and push her to follow her heart.

"Oh honey, I won't go if you don't want me to, I know it's a long time to be away". My mom speaks up.

"No way mom, this is a once in a lifetime opportunity. You can't just throw it out the window. Don't worry about me! I'll be fine, honest. I'm twenty already and I should learn to be a little more independent" I reply with a smile.

My mom's face lights up while a huge smile takes place.

"Sienna are you sure? You're still in school".

"Yes mom, I'm positive. Plus, school is almost out for the summer. Only a couple more weeks" I say while getting up to give her a hug.

"I am blessed with the best daughter in the world, thank you so much sweetie".

"I'm your only daughter" I say with a laugh.

" Oh shut it, you know what I mean" my mom says with a laugh.