Discoveries in Life

Chapter I

Moving

     Many people ask the question “why would this happen now when things are going the way I wanted them to be.” This is what Nicky asked herself when that dreadful day came into her life. The news was so bad that she cried for hours and when there were no more tears she could shed she started calling her friends telling them to meet her at their favorite café, It did not took too long for all of her friends, Kristy, Joan, Amy and Olivia, to arrive and as they were all seated comfortably  Nicky slowly, not wanting, removed her shades. It was such sight, having both eyes swollen from crying, that all of her friends asked her “what’s wrong Nik, why are your eyes like that,” Kristy asked. "Yah! Tell us you know you can tell us anything and that we are always here for you you know that don't you?” said Olivia  But before Nicky could tell them one of her friends said “I knew it’s that guy who keeps following her we really should do something about this.” And before another word could be spoken a burst of ear droping chatter from each of her friends speculating the reason for her condition, “guys I have something to tell you this will surly need your undivided attention,” “go ahead Nik tell us” Amy said curiously. Joan who was sitting biside her grabed her arm and said “yah! Nik tell us so we could help." "The reason why my eyes are like this is because my dad just told us that we are going to move to California before the summer ends" Nicky said. As soon as Nikky stop talking and put on her sun glasses utter scilence was drifting in the air. Each of her friends was staring at her like they were waiting for the punch line of a not so funny joke. But it never came after Nikky maid a long and deep sigh all of her friends franticly gave thier opposing comments on how bad the news was and it would be unfair to all of them, specially to Nikky to move because the first year of thier high school life just started. Kristy suggested that she should talk to her father about this and ask if there was a way for Nikky to stay in New York. They all gave possible scenarios in which Nikky could stay behind. But after a few argumentative points Olivia, her best friend, suggested “you could stay with us I'm sure mom would love for you to stay with me” being an only child it would be no burden on Olivia's family if Nikky stayed. All of her friends if's and what not pinched Nikky's heart in which unwanted tears flooded her cheeks. The three other girls tried to console her so that she would stop crying but as it would be expected all four of them were having difficulties with thier vision from all the tears flooding all of thier cheeks. After all the racket they have made they started to reminisce their first time they all meet and how four noisy little girls, and usually the cause of trouble in class, became closes of friends. After a look back in memory lane Kristy, Joan and Olivia decided to treat Nicky the best day she could ever have so that Nikky could add this as one of the important events that happened to them and before the day ended and  made thier seprate ways home her arms were full of souvenirs form all of them. Her heart was in so much pain that she didn't came out for dinner that night. On the day Nikky and her whole family was to leave she never expected that the pain she felt, after three days has passed since she told her friends. All of the goodbye were made and the promises to keep in touch was another gut to the freshly bleeding wound in her heart but as she watched her three friends slowly fades to nothing Nikky never expected that such pain would have a much worse feeling, like she would never see Kristy and Joan make a goal in thier soccer games but most of all she was afraid that Olivia would never be there when she needs her.

     It was almost noon when a large moving truck and a van parked in front of the only apartment building on Cherry Street. The hot summer sun stared it's scorching hot rays at the people who, at first sight, we're new at the place and would look like they were lost or something. But with all the shouting and the pointing no one noticed the busy people unloading different sizes of boxes and some furniture’s. It can be said that the neighbours in Cherry Street were friendly foks and would surly welcome any new comers but that particular day it would seem that the street was extra quiet. Maybe some were out making the last minute school shopping or they were to busy making sure everything that is need for the first day of school was done. It was midafternoon when some of the neighbors saw the last boxes being unloaded in which the doors of the moving truck were being closed. All of the hallo balloo was at the last apartment house on a three building apartment its address was knowen to #19 apt. C on Cherry Street. The said house was the largest of the three apartment houses and would be found at the inner end of the lot. Since the location of the apartment was situated at the very end having a tenat was hard to find which is why it has been vacant for a very long time. A family from New York, such origin would see a drastic difference with their new home, having extra spaces, that New York apartment house lack, for this the unloaded things and furniture’s seems to be lacking in size or number for a spacious house. Such details was not a big deal to Eleanor this was, for her, a good thing because she sees it as a challenge to her capabilities and abilities as an interior designer. And as the moving truck drove off Eleanor was standing at the side walk, carrying a small box of personal belongings, taking a deep breath with a smile on her checks saying to herself “this is the start of a new journey I just hope it would be worth taking.” As she turn and make her way to the end of the lot her mind was busy thinking of how the lack of thier furniture would fill thier new home. Eleanor busy brain needed to take a pause since it was already dark, dinner was the at most priority in which would take extra time since all the needed kitchen wares were still I boxes but most of all she hasn't made her trip to the grocery yet. Joe suggested " how about we order take out", " but all of the take out menus we have are from New York so we can't" said Micheal.      

Chapter I      

Moving 

 Many people ask the question “why would this happen now when things are going the way I wanted them to be.” This is what Nikky asked herself when that dreadful day came into her life. The news was so bad that she cried for hours and when there were no more tears, she could shed she started calling her friends telling them to meet her at their favorite café, it did not take too long for all of her friends, Kristy, Joan, Amy and Olivia, to arrive and as they were all seated comfortably Nikky slowly, not wanting, removed her shades. It was such sight, having both eyes swollen from crying, that all of her friends asked her “what’s wrong Nik, why are your eyes like that,” Kristy asked. "Yah”! Tell us you know you can tell us anything and that we are always here for you know that don't you?” said Olivia. But before Nikky could tell them one of her friends said “I knew it’s that guy who keeps following her we really should do something about this.” And before another word could be spoken a burst of ear dropping chatter from each of her friends speculating the reason for her condition, “guys I have something to tell you this will surely need your undivided attention,” “go ahead Nik tell us” Amy said curiously. Joan who was sitting beside her, garbed her arm and said “Ya"! Nik tell us so we could help." "The reason why my eyes are like this is because my dad just told us that we are going to move to California before the summer ends" Nikky said. As soon as Nikky stop talking and put on her sun glasses utter silence was drifting in the air. Each of her friends was staring at her like they were waiting for the punch line of a not so funny joke. But it never came after Nikky made a long and deep sigh all of her friends frantically gave their opposing comments on how bad the news was and it would be unfair to all of them, specially to Nikky to move because the first year of their high school life just started. Kristy suggested that she should talk to her father about this and ask if there was a way for Nikky to stay in New York. They all gave possible scenarios in which Nikky could stay behind. But after a few argumentative points Olivia, her best friend, suggested “you could stay with us I'm sure mom would love for you to stay with me” being an only child it would be no burden on Olivia's family if Nikky stayed. All of her friend's if and what not pinched Nikky's heart in which unwanted tears flooded her cheeks. The three other girls tried to console her so that she would stop crying but as it would be expected all four of them were having difficulties with the vision from all the tears flooding all of their cheeks. After making all the racket they have made they started to reminisce their first time they all meet and how four noisy little girls, and usually the cause of trouble in class, became closes of friends. After a look back in memory lane Kristy, Joan and Olivia decided to treat Nikky the best day she could ever have so that Nikky could add this as one of the important events, in her life, that happened to them and before the day ended and made their separate ways home her arms were full of souvenirs form all of them. Her heart was in so much pain that she didn't came out for dinner that night. Early the next morning a lot of packing was left to be done. It was hard for Nikky to wrap them in bubble wraps and place them in boxes. Her heart aches when the movers came it slapped her to reality that it was time to leaving New York and a new place awaits her. On the day Nikky and her whole family was to leave she never expected that the pain she felt, after three days has passed since she told her friends. All of the goodbye were made and the promises to keep in touch was another gut to the freshly bleeding wound in her heart but as she watched her three friends slowly fades to nothing Nikky never expected that such pain would have a much worse feeling, like she would never see Kristy and Joan make a goal in their soccer games but most of all she was afraid that Olivia would never be there when she needs her. 

  

     It was almost noon when a large moving truck and a van parked in front of the only apartment building on Cherry Street. The hot summer sun stared its scorching hot rays at the people who, at first sight, we're new at the place and would look like they were lost or something. But with all the shouting and the pointing no one noticed the busy people unloading different sizes of boxes and some furniture’s. It can be said that the neighbors in Cherry Street were friendly folks and would surly welcome any new comers but that particular day it would seem that the street was extra quiet. Maybe some were out making the last-minute school shopping or they were too busy making sure everything that is need for the first day of school was done. It was mid-afternoon when some of the neighbors saw the last boxes being unloaded in which the doors of the moving truck were being closed. All of the hallo Ballo was at the last apartment house on a three-building apartment its address was known to #19 apt. C on Cherry Street. The said house was the largest of the three apartment houses and would be found at the inner end of the lot. Since the location of the apartment was situated at the very end having a tenant was hard to find which is why it has been vacant for a very long time. A family from New York, such origin would see a drastic difference with their new home, having extra spaces, that New York apartment house lack, for this the unloaded things and furniture’s seems to be lacking in size or number for a spacious house. Such details were not a big deal to Eleanor this was, for her, a good thing because she sees it as a challenge to her capabilities and abilities as an interior designer. And as the moving truck drove off Eleanor was standing at the side walk, carrying a small box of personal belongings, taking a deep breath with a smile on her checks saying to herself “this is the start of a new journey I just hope it would be worth taking.” As she turns and make her way to the end of the lot her mind was busy thinking of how the lack of their furniture would fill their new home. Eleanor busy brain needed to take a pause since it was already dark, dinner was the at most priority in which would take extra time since all the needed kitchen wares were still, I box but most of all she hasn't made her trip to the grocery yet. Joe suggested " how about we order take out." James enthusiastically said to everyone unknowing that there would still be a problem in which Michael noticed and said " but all of the take-out menus we have are from New York so we can't."  James had no other choice but to make a drive thru in one of the nearest fast food as James picked up his car keys Michael volunteered to come along leaving Nikky and Eleanor behind. As minutes went by Eleanor was immersed in her work, having a goal of two days unpacking done, a deep sigh escaped her having a feeling that she was losing the battle of so many boxes, bubble wraps and paper wrapping everywhere. When she heard a car parking outside, she was a bit relieved telling herself that she was just hungry and needed sustenance so she could finish all she needed to do that night. At that moment the number of people in the house seemed to be lacking of one. Eleanor did not hear any other sound but hers and she haven't seen anyone else. As soon as the father and son entered the kitchen, she asked them if they have seen Nikky. Michael was quick to reply with a frown on his face "she must still be in her room sulking away all her New York memorabilia.” As James and Eleanor heard this, they could not feel a bit sad specially James since it was his promotion was the reason why they were relocated in California. “Well go and call your sister” James ordered Michael while Eleanor did the table. It did not take a long time for Nikky and Michael to come down and enter the kitchen but it would be that obvious that the prior was not in the mood to interact with any of the rest of the family. The atmosphere that night was a gloomy and tense since no one made any conversation. After exactly as it was in New York, but for some they were in a reachable and logical place. Meanwhile in each of the kids' room they were both busy making their own style that making it personalized to their taste. Each room were the same in size and almost the same in shape but the energy emitted by Michael could not be compared to Nikky since his room was almost at its final touches while she was not even reaching half of all her unpacking done. This was because some, needless to say most, of the things she was about to unpack and display were a bit, then most, heart pinching for all of them had their own story that would not place any of them in my everyday view.” It was half past one in the morning when Eleanor and James were making their way to the bedroom when they saw that the light in Nikky’s room was still on and they slowly glanced inside since the door was wide open. Eleanor could not help feel a little heart ache on the other hand her sad face was seen by James for which he empathizes and softly said “you go on I will be right with you I just want to talk to Nikky for a while.” This being said Eleanor just nodded and continued to walk towards their room. When she entered the masters bedroom she gave a long and deep sigh seeing the boxes that were scattered all around so seeing that there was no sheets on the bed nor the pillows were still kept inside one of the boxes she could only utter “you room will be on my priority to do but for now where are those sheets and pillows along with their pillow cases” it took her a bit longer than she thought to fix the bed but even if the sight was beckoning her to rest her tiered limbs she quickly took a shower and changed into her favorite pajamas and with such refreshing feeling she immediately jump into the bed and snuggled to her side of the bed.               

      As James entered his daughters room noticing the heavy sighs Nikky make while unpacking the boxes in her room he could not avoid the feeling of pain in his heart uttering to her “if you will go even more slower the turtle would certainly defeat you.” Nikky on the other hand was a somewhat startled but retorted “well I was planning to let him win since he would never ever win with anyone.” Her father sat beside her and pulled to his embrace and held her head to his chest then gently kissed her head. Upon collision of Nikky’s head on her father's chest she could stop her tears from falling with this James could only comfort his daughter with his presence and patiently wait for her to stop. James very well knows how to pacify her since he was confidant, her adviser and her critic but now he was the cause of said sorrow this is why he could only, heart shattering, wait for her to acknowledge that she understands him and accepts the fact that reason for his decision was for the family. He knew that it would never be easy to make any type of change specially when such changes would be done far, far, far away from all of their friends. But for the Hart family, being James, Nikky and Michael, this would only mean that they have to accept the fact that their lives must move forward and with such reality leaving their mother’s memory as a memory and that any place or people that would keep their mother’s memory, Elizabeth Hart, behind. As Nikky somehow calm down and her crying were turned into sobs James guided her onto the chair beside the bed in order for him to make Nikky’s bed. While James was busy putting the sheets and pillow cases his eyes glanced at his daughter from time to time which made his heart ache. As soon as he had finished this James slowly walk towards the door but before he was totally outside Nikky’s room he softly told her “try to sleep for now and you can finish this tomorrow but before you sleep be sure to at least change your clothes, OK.” Nikky slowly raised her head and looked at her father who at that moment turned around and walked out of her room. Then Nikky stood up and lazily closed the door after realizing that it was almost half past two in the morning, even though she did not do much unpacking, Nikky felt so tired that she did not follow her father's last words and just lied down still feeling some tears trickling down on her face and stared at the ceiling and after a few minutes or so she fell asleep. Meanwhile James made his way to their bedroom finding Eleanor sound asleep. Even though she wanted to wait for James so she could ask him about Nikky’s feelings, how was she holding up but sleep had the best of her. James on the other hand took a quick shower and changed to his pajamas and lied beside Eleanor. Once he went under the blanket, Eleanor was already sound asleep he could only gaze upon her lovely tired face and kissed her gently on the cheeks and as he slowly lowers himself under the same blank James lazily wrapped his arms on Eleanors waist so to embraced her and as he closed his eyes after having a whiff of minty floral sent coming from the woman beside him it did not took to long for James to fall in to a deep sleep himself.    

The next morning Eleanor raised her hand as she makes a stretching gesture only to be hindered by long slender arms wrapped around her and as she turns her body side ways to face the person still asleep beside her, she could not help herself to a sweet smile and stare at the handsome face. It did not take too long for James's eye to blink lazily as he brings himself to an awake state. Seeing Eleanor with a refreshed smile he could only reciprocate her with a sweet kiss. As they take thier time in getting out of bed James pulled her to his embrace as to say that he still wants to stay in bed for a moment and savior the beautiful morning it was. Meanwhile downstairs a faint sound of rumbling coming from the kitchen as if there was somebody trying to cook breakfast and the rich aroma of fresh coffee filled the air. Such aroma together with some kind of noise made Eleanor walk in big hurried strides downstairs. As she entered the kitchen doors, she saw Michael making pancakes for everyone. At the same time, it could not be helped, a lot of mess on the counter top would need some attention while Michael continued to cook pancakes. Eleanor was powerless that morning and she could only clean after what has been done, a cheerful smile was the only thing she could show while she poured coffee on her coffee mug. After she took a sip of her coffee and placed it on the kitchen table, she started to put away some of the things that are not needed and slowly cleaning the mess all around Michael. In her heart she was so happy on what the little one did it made her feel the warmth and love from him, a rare sight to see giving her the hope that this was the start of at least one of the two, that would be Nikky and Michael, in accepting her as somebody being added in the family or even at least recognizing her as a person who is not replacing their mother but someone their father loves. Eleanor had accepted the fact that it would never be easy taking up the role of the mother since her relationship with James were only new. She has taken steps to toughen herself, her heart, her understanding in order to survive the unwelcomed feelings thrown to her by the children. She understood that in order for them to fully accept her it would take a lot of commitment from her to hang in till the end and making them realize that she will never replace their mom and that she could happily be considered just a friend who would always be there for them whenever they needed someone. As Eleanor started to clear some of the mess and Michael was hyped in cooking, James entered the kitchen bright and cheery “hump, what is that I smell and what is this? Am I still dreaming or is that pancakes I see?” Michael was optimistically happy saying “yah dad I woke up a bit early and had a craving for pancakes.” As James poured some coffee and drank some, he could not resist the inviting smell to which he started to place a stack of them and looked for the syrup. At the same time Eleanor hurriedly set the table so that Michael could take a seat and have as much as he wanted, since these pancakes were his hard work, and that she could take over in cooking since one of them was still uncounted for. “Are you still making some more?” James curiously asked. With that simple question Eleanor knew that all of the batch Michael did were gone and if she was to set aside some for Nikky she had to make a lot more but this time the cooking should be a bit faster because they were being eaten faster than they were being cooked. “Yes, I am another batch will be right up soon and Hun, could you please take a peek on Nikky I’m a bit worried that she might not come down and have some breakfast.” Before Eleanor could finish her request, James stood up and left the kitchen he went straight to Nikky's door. For a moment he pressed his ear to the door to hear if there was any sign that Nikky was already up and about. When he heard nothing, he slowly twisted the door knob and as if he did not want to open the door, hastily opening it was like invading her privacy so he slowly pried open it and quickly scouted the area that the door made visible. Upon seeing that there were two feet on the bed James made the opening a bit bigger for his head to go through. Upon confirming that Nikky was still asleep he now pushed the door wide enough for him to enter and tried to wake her up. “Pumpkins rise and shine you still have a lot of unpacking to do and we are having pancakes you better wake up or Michael would eat them all up.” After hearing this Nikky had no choice so she tried to open both eyes, having a bit blurred vision she forcefully rubbed them both at the same time. The feeling of panic was starting to creep into her, responding to her father's wakeup call was “dad you go first I will be right behind you I won't let that dwarf have all the pancakes.” So as James stood up from Nikky’s side he said, in a tone like he was playing it safe “ok, hurry up I can’t promise you anything.” As he was saying this James was already outside the door. True to her word it did not take too long for Nikky to follow her father downstairs to the kitchen. As she entered the kitchen door absent mindedly, she could not help to be startled and be taken aback she only hope that no one would notice as she gave a little squeak at the same time, she covered her mouth. Seeing that no body reacted to her mice sound she innocently sat down next to Michael looking at him with a naughty smile as if she was telling him ‘I’m going to get you this time.’ Michael could only mischievously smile back and said “well sis your too late since I got up earlier than you and had them more than you could imagine, eat slowly coz’ you might choke since you still have a ton of things to do while I am off to the mall, I still have some last-minute shopping to do.” With a satisfied victorious look on his face as he left everyone in the room. 

The Mall 

Chapter II 

It was mid-morning and the famous mall, the only mall, had just open its doors to early costumers. The few early bird shopper's leisurely strolling like the young boy taking his time window shopping. Michael Knows what he was going to buy but he wanted to explore since he was new, as he was looking at a pair of sneakers, he was accidentally bumped by a group of young men, looking at them they were as same age as he but some were taller and some were shorter than him. The two guys that were chasing after the three suddenly stopped and apologized for their reckless behavior, that almost knocked him down. It was not in Michael's personality to have a short temper. Michael stood up at once, automatically brushing his clothes like it had caught a lot of dirt. While he was busy doing this the two boys that stopped showed concern and the same time continuously apologizing when the two young boys noticed that they did not know who he was. The taller kid asked Michael “hey, you’re new here right,” and the shorter one seconded his friend, “yah, we practically live here, by the way I’m Zacks” “and I’m Tommy, we are truly sorry.” Michael could only retort “it’s ok I’m not hurt and by the way I am Michael, we just moved here yesterday.”