Bella's POV
Every time the cardboard flaps meet, it feels like another part of my life is being sealed away without my consent. The house looks like it did when we first moved in, our pictures that used to hang on the walls were gone.
I sit on the edge of my bed, staring at the suitcase open in front of me. Clothes are scattered everywhere, but I couldn't bring myself to fold them in.
They can't do this, it's my life. Washington is my life. My college, my friends. Am not ready to leave them behind.
"Bella, have you packed yet?" Dad calls out from downstairs.
I close my eyes, irritation burning in my chest.
I march downstairs, my fist clenched in anger. Why aren't they thinking about what I want?
I found him in the living room, leaning back on the couch. "Dad, I don't wanna move, please dad."
"Bella….."
"No, think about it, we're not doing well here, why do u think we'll do better at big New York City." I tried to reason.
"Exactly, big city equals more people, more opportunities. You should know that." . He said he's eyes still glued to the tv.
."I have a life here dad, friends, the best college. You guys can't take them away from me."
"No king's high is the best college. Do u know what bella, the decision is already made, your free to go complain to your mom. Am trying to rest here." He leaned back into his chair, completely ignoring me.
"A decision you guys made without my consent. It's my life, not yours, not mom's."
"Dad…say something."
"Fine, I'll go to mom but just so you know, am not gonna forgive u for this." I finally give up because am sure he's done with this matter. He's mind is already made up and nothing I say would change that.
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"Mom! Mom!"
"Oh gad!, what is it now?" She turned the juicer off immediately I stepped into the kitchen.
"Mom, please. I really don't wanna move. I don't wanna attend that dumb college. It's for rich brats. I can't stand them, always bossing people around. Am never gonna fit in there." I sighed leaning against the kitchen wall.
" Your gonna have to fit in, bella. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity. We're doing th..."
"For me, yh yh you guys have said it a bizillion times now." I interjected
"You know, they're plenty of good colleges here at Washington, like..um my college." I pouted.
"Don't make me go over this again, remember your grandpa's house is at New York, we won't have to pay rent there."
"No buts dear, our decision is final. Don't bring this issue up anymore. We love you bella." She stepped closer. "And we'll do anything to make sure you have a good life." She placed a soft peck on my forehead before turning back to the juicer.
"Now, go give this to your father." She placed a glass of orange juice in my hands, then tucked my loose braid behind my ears. "I love you, honey."
"Love you too, mom"
This is happening, there's no walking out of it.
-----
The wind presses against the car windows as we pull out of the driveway. I sit in the back seat with my knees pulled close toy chest, my forehead resting against the cool glass. The car smells like cardboard boxes and fabric softener.
Trees blur into one another as the road stretches forward, I turned my head away from the road, wiping the tears in my eyes.
I keep wishing that maybe dad will turn the car around. Who am I kidding?
It feels like am being dropped inti someone's life without my permission. I close my eyes, trying to shut everything out....
Bella! Bella! Wake up bella!
I slowly open my eyes, trying to adjust the light coming in. The car wasn't moving anymore.
"Where are we?" I asked weakly, still trying to rub the sleep off.
"Our new home…" Dad smiled.
I slept through the drive. It was probably for the best anyways. I step out of the car slowly, staring up at the house.
"Wow," I breathe before I can stop myself. "This house is…. way better than our old place."
Dad smiles faintly. "It has two extra rooms too."
Something in my chest loosens. "I think I might actually like it here."
"Yeah, you will," Mum says, resting her head on my shoulder, looking up at the house.
"Go on. Choose your room and start unpacking." She adds.
I grab my bag, still standing there. "You guys aren't coming in?"
Dad checks his watch. "Your mum and I have some things to take care of."
"We literally just got here," I say. "You're leaving already?"
"It's important," he replies.
"We're also stopping by your college to arrange your admission papers. You start tomorrow, remember."
"Right," I mumble, inwardly rolling my eyes. "Got it."
"Don't wait up for dinner," Mum adds, already opening her car door. "We might be late."
"Take care," Dad says, opening the drivers door.
"Yeah" I reply softly. "You too."
*Mrs Allison POV*
The bank was colder than expected. It wasn't the air conditioner, it was the cold you feel in you bones when you're about to risk everything you have.
I sat upright in the chair, my hands clutched tightly on my lap and my fingers laced together. Josh sat across me, his knees bouncing under the table.
The loan officer kept flipping through papers slowly. "You're requesting a business loan," the woman finally said, adjusting her glasses.
"To open a café and a small laundry service."
"Yes," Josh answered quickly. "There's demand in the area. We've done our research."
The woman nodded. "And your current assets?"
My chest tighted, this is the part I hate. "We have a house," I said softly. "Here in New York."
The loan officer looked up. "Is it fully owned?"
"Yes," Josh replied. "It belonged to my father."
The woman typed something into her computer, the clicking sound loud in the quiet room.
"That would be your collateral, then." she said. "Your only collateral."
She added like we didn't already know.
"If the business fails," the woman continued, voice calm and professional, "the bank will claim the property."
I glanced at her Josh , still unsure about this.
"We understand," Josh said finally.
The loan officer slides the papers across the desk. "You'll need to sign here… and here."
I hesitated, the pen hovering over the paper. "What if it doesn't work?" I asked quietly.
Josh placed his hand over mine. "Then at least we tried."
I exhales shakily. Trying has always been what we do.
The loan officer gathered the documents after I signed "Funds will be released within a few days." I nodded, forcing a polite smile.
We just bet our only property for a dream. Bella should never find out about this.