GUARANTEED DESIRE

Chapter 1 - New Beginning

NYLA's P.O.V

"Hurry up an' tek up di things put ina di car, yuh nuh see seh time a guh?", my mom exclaimed. "A it mi ago do now mommy" I responded as I sighed heavily releasing an everlasting breath, I didn't know I was holding in. As I packed my things in the car, I took one last look around the yard space as a small tear escaped my eyes. This was home. A cool and quiet neighborhood tucked away in southern Manchester, where the morning mist seems to hug the hills over the horizon. And yet, I still can't believe I have to leave it behind.

One part of me misses this place while another part was excited for the new college journey that's ahead. It was only 6 in the morning, but the entire household was already awake. My little brother, Kaleb ran around with a sword making 'swoosh' sounds as if was battling someone. My mom would normally scowl him for making that much noise so early, but she let it slide for today. As I entered the car, I waved at my grandma who stood at the narrow veranda of our small home. Looking down at my phone, a small smile escaped my lips as I received a message from my friends saying how excited they are to move to college.

In the car ride to Kingston all I could think about is how Manchester had always been more than home to me. It was a place where I could always feel safe, where the quiet nights calmed my nerves, and the stars always seemed close enough to touch. I can't help thinking about how different Kingston would be; a place that's noisy, hot, always moves fast and more industrialized. But I wanted this, a degree in Marketing, a new life, new opportunities, to meet new people and taking a step out of my comfort zone to network and try new things *Including the men*. I wanted to help my mom, to give Kaleb a chance to have more choices and a better life than I ever did. And if that meant leaving my old life behind, I'm ready to take that big girl step.

MISS KEISHA's POV
I watched my daughter as she stood by the veranda, looking out with that distant gaze. She suddenly wiped a tear that rolled down her cheeks. I knew that look too well; it was the look Nyla got when she was scared but determined. It was the same look she had when she was twelve and it was the night before she started a prestigious high school in Mandeville. And now, here she was, leaving to go to university. I knew I wasn't the one for words. I'd always let my action show her love. But today, I wish I could say something that would truly tell Nyla how proud I was of her.

End of POV

"Tek care a yuh self up here mi baby" my mom exclaimed trying to keep her tone stern even as her voice cracked. "An memba good, nuh stay up ya follow no bad company an ketch up ina foolishness". I chuckled softly as I tried to hide my emotions. "Mommy, mi naw get inna no trouble. Mi have mi head pon mi body." *I hope*. As I unloaded the last of my things from the car, Kaleb ran up, hugging my leg with the wide-eyed innocence of a 5-year-old who didn't quite understand why his big sister had to go so far away. "When ya come back Ny?" he asked, his eyes pleading. I crouched down to his level holding both his palms in mine. "Mi soon come back come look fi you, yere. Tek care a mommy an' grandma fi mi, alright?"

Kaleb nodded, but he didn't let go until mommy gently pulled him back. I took one last look at my mom and brother before they went in the car to head back home. Finally, my two besties arrived, Kayla-jade and Liam showed up both grinning as they approached me. I'm guessing it's because of how clueless and awkward I stood up looking around waiting for them. They arrived an hour before me and already checked into their rooms. I requested Kayla-jade to be my roommate so that's a great start. We all grew up together since we were kids and spend almost every summer together except when Liam spends time in Kingston with his dad's side of the family. And now to see us all grown up and off to university to start a new chapter together is a feeling like no other.

"A bare oats yuh nyam ova the summa man", Kayla exclaimed. "Wah?", I replied confused, as i heard Liam bused out laughing. "How you one get suh thick ova the likkle time mi nuh see yuh?", She replied. "Yah drama enuh, its good gyal keisha genes uh nuh see", I Iaughed. I've only been around them for a minute and I'm already cracking up. "Come girl mek mi show yuh the room Weh we get", Kayla said, as she pulled my arms towards her. We then went to the customer care desk with Liam tagging along. "Can we get a trolley to bring her stuffs up please?" Kayla asked the beautiful lady at the front desk.