I sat in the passenger side of my mother's all black Hyundai Sonata, listening to the rain hit the roof of the car.
"Sorry honey, I had to grab my wallet." My mother apologized as she entered the car and put her seat belt on.
"If you're going to the store for just boxes, why do I have to go too?" I complained, leaning my head against the cold window. It was not cold outside, it was only September and still warm out, but I had the air conditioner on full blast which made the car feel like January.
"Well, I may need help carrying some supplies Niyah, and besides, I like the company." She grinned at me.
As we drove through the Philadelphia streets, I could not help but stare at the scenery as we drove by the familiar neighborhood. It sort of hurt knowing that this will be the last time I would see it all.
They recently offered my mom a promotion with increased pay and better benefits, which required us to move to South Carolina. She just could not refuse she says.
After getting home, I chatted with my best friend Jess for a long time. I could see the sadness in her eyes when we was saying goodbye to each other. The next morning, I was awakened by someone knocking on my door.
"NIYAH, wake up, time to hit the road." My mother yelled from the other side of the wooden door.
"OK OK OK I'm up." I lied, still sprawled across the mattress with my comforter still over my head, dreading getting up. I, not being a morning a person, made it ten times harder to get up.
"Get up, you can sleep in the car." She yelled on her way down the staircase.
"Okay." I said tossing the blanket back.
My eyes burned as the bright sun pierced through my thin curtains. I groaned in agony as I jumped up.
Leaping from the mattress, I stepped on something. Looking down, I noticed my dog's toy.
"DREA!!" Angry, I called for her.
A few seconds later, my dog ran in.
"Get your toy... TOY!!" I said, referring to the disgusting toy on my bedroom floor. She looked at it, grabbed it, and ran back downstairs to my mom.
She drives me insane with those mangled toys scattered all over the house. I love her though. She's the prettiest all black lab and pit I have ever seen. My father purchased her for my mom and I before he passed away a year ago. She was the last piece I had of him.
I changed the clothes after washing and got on the car. Hitting the highway, I allowed the slow music in my headphone to put me to sleep until my mom nudged me.
Pulling up the small block, the car slowed at the end of the street. Coming to a halt in front of a house with a white and blue sign that read 'William's realtor' with the word 'sold' in bright red font protruding from the lawn, I knew we were here.
The house was not large nor was it small, I found it acceptable. The house was a brownish color with a white door and white windows. It had a brown porch, with a beautiful green lawn in the front.
"Not as bad as I thought." I said, opening the door and stepping out of the car.
I opened the back door of the car to grab my bag and let Drea out to the bathroom.
"You like it? It's a nice size for just me and you right?" Digging into her purse, she began her search for her set of keys.
"It will do." I toyed.
Fidgeting with the new locks and handles, she got the door to open for us. Walking in, I was a little surprised. The outside was pretty, but the inside was breathtaking. The carpet was a tan and brown color, which matched the wall—to—wall stretched love seats which faced a brick fireplace.
"I have to do more decorating." My mother explained.
I made my way to the kitchen. I'm an eater, so I have to know what the kitchen looked like.
The kitchen was just as nice. The walls were a green color, which gave off an earthy, cozy feeling. The tables and chairs were a maple wood color with green cushions on the seats. The refrigerator was stainless and was built right into the wall.
I love this.
I slid the doors open and stepped on to the back patio. The patio was small but large enough to put some comfortable furniture unto, which I knew my mom was going to do. Overlooking the patio was beautiful green grass that led straight into high, thick trees.
I instantly became creeped out again.
Living in the city, I wasn't too accustomed to thick wooded, forest—like areas. I grew up around row homes, highways, subways, and buses. Now I was introduced to homes that were yards apart, no city transportation, and dense trees that surrounded the town. So, this was something I had to get used too.
I walked back into the sliding doors and watched my dog run out the doors. I guess I wasn't the only one fascinated to explore a little.
I flew past my mom, who was sitting on the couch speaking into her cell phone.
"Yes, I'll see you Monday." I caught her saying into the phone.
I wasn't really listening to her conversation since I was too busy running up the steps.
Shit, I almost forgot to go check on my new room.
I made my way into the first door I came across. Opening the door, I noticed the enormous boxes I knew were not mine. Must be her office.
After opening every door, I finally came to the last door. I opened it.
Can you say love at first sight?
Larger than I was used to, it left me in bliss. The walls were all white with black and white trim around the bottom. They covered the floor with a black wall—to—wall carpet. My curtains were black with a white pattern from top to bottom. In the center of the room was a queen—sized bed with a large white head board. To my left, was two double doors. I opened them to reveal a large walk—in closet fit for me.
"Finally." I smiled.
"Niyah? Come get your clothes and other crap you left down here."
"Okay." I turned to make my way down to the entrance way.
"Soooo you like the house so far?" She questioned.
"Except for the creepy looking forest in the back, its cozy." I shifted my eyes away from the darkness that blanketed the woods.
"You'll get used to it." She chuckled. "So, what are you wearing for school tomorrow?"
"School?" I questioned her word.
"Yeah school, you know, the place you go to learn." She said, her voice laced with amusement.
"Nooooo, can't I wait a week? You know, to get more comfortable here." I begged even though I knew her answer.
"Nooooo you can't. If I must start my fresh job Monday, you're going to school Monday." She laughed.
Fuck!
I forgot about starting school again. I was starting my senior year and I was dreading the idea of starting the year I could not wait for, here.
"Fine."
Finishing my delicious food, I washed and dried my plate and headed up to my room. Flopping down onto the spring mattress, I stretched across my bed and scrolled Instagram on my phone.
I'll be fine at school tomorrow; I only missed a couple weeks.
I'll be fine......
RIGHT?
