The Crossover - Nico Hischier

Chapter 1

Summer 2023 - July

"Nat, is this the one? 1356?"

"No, it's the one next to it. 1358."

Natalie Brockman peered out the window of her mom's silver SUV. She glanced up at the tiny white house: white hydrangea bushes lining the front porch, bright blue shutters, and a sprawling bay window to accompany it.

Home for the next three years, Natalie thought to herself. She felt anticipation hum through her body.

Natalie's mom pulled into the driveway of the house, putting the car in park. She and her mother, along with her sister, Sophie, climbed out of the car, not bothering to grab any belongings yet.

Natalie stood on the sidewalk, gazing at her new house. The tiny white dwelling was a far cry from the wraparound porch and Spanish moss of her old house in southern Georgia. The July sun was just as relentless here, but the hustle and noise of Newark made everything feel so different.

"It's cute, Nat. Like, really cute. You've got the whole charming-law-student-vibe down already," Sophie teased, tossing her dark ponytail over her shoulder.

"Yeah, all you need is a blazer and a coffee cup permanently attached to your hand," Reann added with a chuckle, stepping out of the car with a box labeled Kitchen Stuff. "How are you feeling? Excited? Nervous?"

"A little of both," Natalie admitted, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. "I mean, law school at Seton Hall... It's huge. And Newark's so different from what I'm used to. But this house... It feels like a fresh start."

"Okay, but let's be honest here," Sophie said, dropping a box onto the porch with an exaggerated huff. "Explain to me again why you thought moving this far from home was a good idea?"

"Because this far from home is where Seton Hall's law school is," Natalie replied, brushing her hair out of her face. "And because I want to, you know, follow my dreams."

Reann chuckled as she carried another box up the steps. "Dreams are great, honey, but it's definitely not southern Georgia," she said, leaning against the porch railing. "But that's not a bad thing. You'll get used to it. Plus, you've always been good at adjusting. Remember when you started undergrad and didn't know a soul? You made friends in no time."

"Yeah, and now you're gonna do the same here," Sophie added, nudging her with an encouraging smile. "Except this time, you'll also be learning how to argue people into submission. Which, honestly, you've kind of always been good at."

Natalie laughed. "Thanks, I think." She pushed open the door and stepped inside. The cool air hit her skin, a welcome relief from the summer heat. The living room was small but bright, with light streaming through the bay window.

"This is just perfect," Sophie said, looking around. "Small, but cute. It's very... 'future lawyer starting fresh.'"

"Exactly what I was going for," Natalie said with a smile.

Reann walked in behind her, looking around approvingly. "Well, it's got good bones. And once we get all this stuff unpacked, it'll feel more like home. Speaking of which..." She gestured toward the packed car parked out front. "We've got work to do, ladies."

As the three of them began unloading boxes and furniture, Natalie felt a mix of emotions– excitement, anxiety, and a small pang of homesickness. But as she placed her favorite picture of her family on the mantle and unwrapped a stack of her books for the built-in shelf by the bay window, the house started to feel a little less foreign.

Later that evening, as they sat cross-legged on the living room floor eating takeout Chinese food, Sophie looked at her and said, "You're gonna do great here, Nat. I mean it."

Reann nodded. "You've got the drive, sweetheart. And you've got us, even if we're not right down the road anymore. Newark's lucky to have you."

Natalie smiled, a lump forming in her throat. "Thanks, y'all. I'm gonna miss home, but... I think this is where I'm supposed to be."

"This is just what you needed," Sophie assured her. Natalie nodded in agreement, wrapping an arm around her.

As the evening sun began to set, casting a warm golden glow across the tiny white house, Natalie stood by the front porch, watching her mom and sister gather their things. The car was emptied, the furniture was set up, and the house, though still cluttered with unpacked boxes, felt like the start of something new.

Reann brushed her hands off on her jeans and turned to Natalie. "Well, honey, I think that's everything. You've got a good setup here. You're gonna do just fine."

Sophie leaned against the car, looking up at the little house with a wistful expression. "It's weird leaving you here. Like, really weird. You've always been... you know, around."

Natalie hugged her arms around herself and gave a small laugh. "I know. It's weird for me, too. But I'll visit. And y'all can come up here. There's plenty of room." She gestured at the tiny house, and Sophie snorted.

"Plenty of room?" Sophie grinned. "I'm pretty sure my closet back home is bigger than this living room."

Natalie rolled her eyes. "It's cozy. It's perfect for me."

Reann walked over, placing a hand on Natalie's shoulder. Her voice softened, the way it always did when she was trying not to get emotional. "We're just a phone call away, you hear me? You can call me if you need anything. Doesn't matter what time."

"I know, Momma," Natalie said, her voice quieter now. "Thank you. For everything. For helping me get here. For... always believing in me."

Reann pulled her into a hug, holding her tightly. "Of course, sweetheart. You've always been my fighter. I'm so proud of you."

Sophie walked over and wrapped her arms around both of them, squeezing tightly. "Okay, group hug. I'm proud of you too, Nat. But don't forget who taught you all your best comebacks."

Natalie laughed, her voice breaking just a little. "How could I forget? You've been preparing me for law school my entire life."

They stood there for a moment, holding onto each other as the cicadas buzzed softly in the background. Finally, Reann stepped back and wiped her eyes. "Alright, we'd better get going before I start bawling like a baby."

Sophie smirked. "Too late for that, Mom. You've been teary-eyed since we crossed the state line."

"Hush, Sophie," Reann said, swatting her arm lightly. Then she turned back to Natalie. "You call me as soon as you're settled, okay? And send pictures once you get the boxes unpacked."

"I will," Natalie promised. "Drive safe. And tell everyone back home I miss them already."

Reann gave her one last hug, then climbed into the driver's seat. Sophie lingered for a moment, her smile faltering just slightly. "Seriously, though... You've got this, Nat. I mean, you're you. If anyone can handle law school and a new city, it's you."

"Thanks, Soph," Natalie said, her voice soft. "I'll be okay."

"You better be. Otherwise, I'm driving all the way back up here to drag you home myself." Sophie gave her a playful wink, then climbed into the car.

Natalie watched as the car pulled out of the driveway, waving until it disappeared down the street. The quiet settled in quickly, leaving her alone with her thoughts and the faint hum of the city in the distance.

She turned back to the house, her little white house with the blue shutters and the bay window, and took a deep breath. The nerves were still there, but so was the excitement. This was her new chapter. And she was ready for it.

Told you I wouldn't be gone for long!!!!! I hope you guys enjoy this one as much as The Turnover.

**If you haven't read my other story, The Turnover, please go check it out!! 

Stay tuned for more :)))) love u guys SOOOO much