"Ben! Ben! Oh my God. Come here. Aislinn's got some news!" Ellie's excitement bursts through the screen as she summons her brother over to our video chat.

"Chill, Ellie. I haven't even decided yet," I say, trying to tone down the commotion.

"What's there to decide?" she retorts. "Don't you love us?" Her exaggerated pout makes me laugh, though I sense a layer of seriousness beneath her humour.

I sigh. "This is the only home I've ever known, Ellie. And besides, what if Dad tries to find me?"

In reality, Dad hasn't made an ounce of effort to contact me since he left. I'm not sure if he blames me, himself, or if he simply thinks everything is Mum's fault. I remember vividly how he treated her, and I hated it. Still do. It would be easier to hate him if he had treated me with the same carelessness, but he loves me. Loved me. Now, I sincerely ponder-would a father who loved his child just leave without a word for a year?

It's easier to be mad. Angry. That way, I can shut off the emotions that lead to tears. Sadness is directly linked to feeling pain, and I don't want to feel those emotions. Not anymore.

"Hey." Ben's face appears on the screen beside his twin sister. He playfully waves at me through the camera.

Happy to be pulled from the reverie that angered me, I reply with a grin, "Hey, Ben."

"Ellie says you might move here. That's so cool," Ben continues, his eyes sparkling with excitement.

"Hold your horses," I say, furrowing my brows. "It's not a done deal yet. And you haven't even heard where Mum plans for us to live."

Ben and Ellie chime in unison with curiosity. "Where?"

Enjoying this game more than I should have, I decide to drag it out longer. "Guess," I say, my words laced with irony.

The twins take turns guessing-the B & B? Jake's cabin? The unit above the cafe?

"Nope, nope, and nope," I retort. "You'll never guess it. I'll give you one hint-it's the last place you would think anyone would want to live."

Ben and Ellie exchange curious glances. Their lips twitch as they take this guessing game more seriously than I'd intended. Eventually, Ben squints his eyes and speaks in a low whisper.

"Not the mansion?" he says. I nod in reply, raising my eyebrows in concert with Ellie. She looks just as surprised as I am.

After a long silence, Ellie speaks up. "Wow, that's actually kind of cool, Ais. I wish I could live in a freaking mansion." Ben, eagerly perched beside her, nods vigorously in agreement.

Typical of them, I think. Their excitement is palpable, and while it's somewhat irritating, there's a comforting solidarity in their unequivocal support. It's a welcome contrast to the strained relationships I navigate with my school friends.

We delve into a discussion-or rather; I vent-about the pros and cons of this potential move. As expected, Ben and Ellie remain steadfast in their position. Predictably, yet strangely comforting.

"Well, I guess I need to let Mum know about my decision," I mumble, preparing to bid farewell as our video call ends. As the screen goes blank, I contemplate how to break the news to Mum that I'm on board with this wild escapade she's cooked up for us.

I slip my phone back into my pocket after the video call with Ben and Ellie, a slight smile playing on my lips. It's refreshing to share this news with them, even if their immediate enthusiasm wasn't unexpected. Their support soothes my worries, a reminder that friends, despite their complexities, can be a source of genuine comfort.

Taking a deep breath, I make my way downstairs to find Mum. She's in the living room, evidently immersed in her thoughts. My entrance piques her interest, raising her eyebrows.

"Mum," I begin, my voice steady. "I've been thinking, and..." I pause for a moment, double checking my thoughts. If I'm going to change my mind, now is the time to do it. After reconciling my decision, I continue. "I'm in. I'm up for this move to Lakeview Hollow."

A genuine smile breaks across her face, and for a moment, the weight of the decision lifts. "Ais, that's wonderful to hear. I'm so glad you're on board with this. I know this will be a game-changer, but it'll be worth it. Cross my heart.

I nod, "Yeah, I agree. This place is just holding us back. Keeping us in the past. It's time we move on." Even I know I sound far more mature than the fifteen years I've been alive. I'm impressed, and it appears as though mum is too.

She pulls me into a tight hug, and for a moment, we stand there, mother and daughter, on the precipice of a new chapter. When she releases me, there's a glint of determination in her eyes. "Alright then, let's make this happen."

We sit down to discuss the practicalities, Mum explaining the next steps we need to take. "I need to talk to Olivia about making an offer to the town for the mansion. Once that's done, there's a waiting period, usually thirty to ninety days, depending on the contract. It's a process, but we'll get through it."

I listen diligently, a sense of responsibility settling in. This move isn't just about changing locations; it's a process, a passage to our shared future. Our fresh start. Without my father.

"So, we might have to wait a couple of months before we can actually move?" I clarify.

"Yes, exactly. It gives us time to prepare, to plan, and to let it all sink in," Mum replies, her gaze thoughtful.

I nod in agreement. "Maybe we should try to hold off moving until the end of the school term. It's not that far away, and it gives us a bit more time to sort things out."

Mum smiles at the suggestion. "That sounds like a plan. It gives you time to finish the school year without too much disruption. Smart thinking, Ais."

With the decision to delay the move a bit, the immediate pressure lifts. We continue to talk, discussing the logistics, the emotional aspects of leaving our current home, and the excitement of a new beginning. It's a rollercoaster of emotions, but there's a shared understanding that we're in this together.

As I grapple with all the changes, I consider for a moment how mum must be feeling. This is a gigantic step for her. Until now, or at least, the divorce, she always relied on my dad to make all the decisions for our family. But now, she's completely stepping up, taking charge. She's taking on both the role of mother and father. It must be difficult for her, especially considering that dad held her back for so long. This move will undoubtedly help mum shine again. Be the person she's always aspired to be. Excitement for her fills my heart-what other changes might come our way? Perhaps this might also be a chance for me to shine, too? Time will tell.

Later that day, Mum invites Olivia over for dinner, their voices filling the house as they discuss the sale of our house over margaritas. The idea of selling the place we've called home for so long brings up a wave of bittersweet memories and a glimmer of anticipation for the future. As the evening approaches, the scent of a mum's home-cooking wafts through the house. That's always been a talent of hers, I realise.

As we eat, Olivia shares insights into the real estate process, offering guidance on how to make our home market ready. We will need to declutter our house as much as possible so it's sleek, a clean slate for whomever walks through the door. Despite postponing our moving, it's clear that we'll need to pack away anything unnecessary as soon as possible.

I am grateful for her presence in our lives. She's not just a real estate agent; she's mum's best friend, and my aunt of sorts. Olivia, known for her unwavering reliability, now guides us on this serendipitous path.

By the end of the evening, as we bid Olivia farewell, there's a tangible sense of momentum. The wheels are in motion, and the path ahead is promising.