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After three hours have passed, my mom gave the moving guys their check and they left. Once it was just the two of us left in our wide apartment, we got ready for bed. It was difficult trying to find my pajamas in the multiple boxes in my room - I swear, they are going to become my new phobia. But I didn't have trouble finding my toiletries since I packed them in my main bag.
I dressed in yoga shorts and a tank top, it was really hot in our apartment; we haven't set up the AC system yet. I was planning to leave my window open though just so I could get used to the smells of New York. The more I learn about this place, the more I'll understand. It'll feel like home in no time.
Just when I got out my toothbrush, I heard the familiar crunching of springs on my mother's mattress coming from her room. Being a little curious, I walked out of the bathroom to check up on her. When I walked into her room, I found her sleeping peacefully, breathing evenly. I smiled, knowing that she's finally resting after working herself overtime. Ever since the separation and trial, she's been busting her tail to get us set up with our new lives.
I quietly crept in, trying my best not to wake her up. Watching her sleep made me relieved; I'm constantly worrying about her. I pulled the quilt over her to make sure she wouldn't get cold, then kissed her goodnight. She lightly groaned in her sleep as she rolled over to her side. I softly said goodnight to her, telling her that I love her. With that, I went back into the main hall to finish getting ready for bed.
I was so tired I skipped washing my face and went right to brushing my teeth. If I woke up tomorrow morning to find a pimple plastered on my face, then that's on me. Still, I didn't care. The only thing that mattered was to drag my lazy butt into bed. After I was done scrubbing my pearly whites, I shuffled back to my room to open the window. But when I went to lift it up, it got stuck. Dang it, I thought.
I yanked it a couple times, but it still remained the same.
"Come on," I mumbled to myself. "We don't need to be hasty now."
I made a face, cringing at my own sentence. Hasty? Really? I continued to struggle, fighting with the sealed shut window until I finally gave up. Letting out a defeated sigh, I crawled on my mattress and laid down quietly. All of this moving has been very exhausting, especially when mom and I have been doing this for the past two weeks. I just hope this will be our last time doing this, and to get our new start we've been praying for.
As tired as I was, I couldn't shut my eyes. But this was normal. Not only for me, but for those who have moved. Everyone knows that when a family moves to a new place, they're not used to it. What I think kept me up though was the thought of me not having a father figure around anymore. I've obviously known him my whole life; I can't imagine someone... replacing him. I mean, that's if my mother wants to remarry. Mostly, that's if they decide to divorce. I honestly don't think she will anytime soon. At least, that's what she said. Not until she's ready.
While I was tossing and turning, I heard sirens outside. I lifted my head, trying to hear them more clearly. Now that I heard what I was listening to, it had me puzzled. I got out of my bed and walked up to the window, wanting to hear the sound more clearly. I wanted to give the window at least one more attempt, so I tried lifting the window up once again. After struggling for a little bit, the window finally lifted. However, I did it a little too aggressively, so it shot upward so fast it made a loud rattling noise. I widened my eyes and tensed up, hoping my mom hadn't woken up. I stayed still for twenty seconds with my ears perked, waiting for her to walk down the hall. Thankfully, she was still fast asleep. I sighed in relief.
I poked my head out as I felt a cool, gentle breeze brush past me lightly. But, the streets of New York were not quiet. Police cars made sure to signal whoever was committing a crime that they were coming. But I heard the strange noise again. Since I was partially outside, I could make out the unfamiliar noise. To my surprise, it sounded like someone was spraying silly string on and off. What a weird noise to hear in the middle of the night. Well, at least the window's open and I can finally get used to the smells and sounds of Queens.
...
"Hey, mom, where did you put the bowls?" I asked her while rummaging through the kitchen supplies.
"I put them in the very left cupboards. Just open it up and you'll find them on the first shelf," she replied, pointing to the wooden cabinets.
I nodded and did what she instructed. There were the porcelain bowls stacked neatly on top of one another. I grabbed one and began to pour myself some cereal since that was the only breakfast we had. While I was eating, I was thinking about what I heard last night. That noise sounded really weird. I knew it sounded familiar, but I can't figure it out. Maybe someone else heard it.
"Hey, mom?" I spoke.
"Yeah?" She replied.
"I know you were asleep last night, but did you hear anything by chance?"
She knitted her eyebrows together like she was puzzled. I shouldn't have asked her such a question, but I had to figure out if I was sleep deprived or not.
"No, I didn't," she answered. "Why do you ask?"
I shrugged my shoulders. "I don't know. I think I was just too tired. Maybe it was my imagination."
I still thought about that. Was that my imagination, or was it real? The noises sounded real, but it was late at night. Maybe I'm going crazy already. After all, this has only been the third time I had to move. But for other people who had to move more than twice in the past... how many years must be tough. They have it harder, so I shouldn't complain.
"By the way, we still need to get you registered for school," mom said.
I sighed. That is another problem for people who move: getting registered to a brand-spanking-new school with kids that you feel like you don't belong in. It's especially hard to find new friends. But why make new friends when you have your old ones? That's a question that everyone asks, even me.
"Oh. Great," I said sarcastically. "Just when I thought things couldn't get any worse."
"Well, just because we move doesn't mean you can't go to school." Mom smiled at me. "You're not off the hook."
Even if I can't agree with her, she's right. School shouldn't be that bad. As long as there were people to accept me as their new friend, it shouldn't be a problem. Of course, I still have to be careful around those so I don't let my guard down.
"All right. Let's do this."
"That's the spirit," she said. I laughed at her response.
Maybe school won't be as bad as I think it will be.
