Seeing Through

Chapter 1

"What? This is not funny mom."

"I'm not joking Sarah. We are moving to New York."

"When?"

"Day after tomorrow."

"That's not possible. How did this happen all of a sudden?"

"I got a call today from my boss. He said that I had been transferred to the office in New York."

I feel as if all the power has been drained out from my body.

"I'm going to my room mom. I don't want to talk to anyone right now."

"I understand dear."

"No you don't!! If you did, you would've said no to your boss."

I go to my room and close the door behind me. I can't believe that this day just went from good to bad in a matter of seconds. I lie down in my bed and start crying. I can't believe that I have to leave the place where I spent most of my life. I remember the day when I met Jen for the first time at kindergarten. We ate mud together that day just because we thought that it would taste good. I remember the time when we flooded the principal's car with blue paint just before summer break. We couldn't control our laughter at detention. I also remember the day when I aced my exams. Jen didn't talk to me for the whole day because I told her that I was going to fail. All these memories bring a smile on my face. But, they make me feel sad at the same time. I must have fallen asleep because when I wake up I find out that it's already nine o'clock. I go down for dinner. There is silence at the table. Mom knows that I need time to absorb the truth. I'm grateful that she is giving me the space I need. As always, dad is the first one to start the conversation.

"So, Sarah. Have you told Jennifer?"

"No, I haven't. I'll tell her tomorrow."

"Sure. We've found a great college for you in New York. You'll enjoy going there. They have some of the best professors in the country."

"I don't know dad. All of this is happening so fast."

He starts smiling.

"Don't worry kiddo. Everything will turn out to be fine."

"I hope so."

I finish my dinner.

"I'm going out for a walk guys."

"Don't forget your pepper spray Sarah."

"I already have it mom."

__________

"Hey Aaron!"

"Hey John! Happy Birthday!"

"Thanks dude! Come inside!"

"Sure."

"I can't believe that you came."

"How could I not? I couldn't afford to miss my friend's birthday could I?"

"Of course not. I would've killed you if you did though."

"Ha-ha of course you would."

As I look around the house, I can't help but notice the sheer size of it.

"How can you afford such a big house?"

"That'll have to be because of dad. His company pays for it."

"So, where are the others?"

"Everyone is in the living room."

As soon as I enter the living room, the enormity of the party strikes me.