I packed up the last of my suitcase and pushed it toward the door where the rest of my stuff was. I stood back, crossed my arms and looked at my now empty room. Everything looked so bare.

Today was the big day. My mother and I were moving up the coast, leaving sunny Miami behind. My mother was let go from her last job, and she has been struggling with bills for a few months now, so when a high end job came up for her in New Jersey, I understood that the best thing to do by my mom would be to pack up our lives here and move. All my life she has done the best by me, especially being a single mother. I figured it was time I repaid her. My dad left us when I was a baby, and I have no memory of him whatsoever.

"Mariah! The car is packed, we need to leave soon if we are going to get there by Monday!", my mother called from down the hallway. I didn't reply, but grabbed my things and headed for the front door. I placed my things in the boot and jumped into the front seat. I watched as my mother locked the front door for the final time. She jumped in the car and turned on the ignition. I grabbed my phone and plugged in the aux cord. I leaned back in my seat and shut my eyes.

When I woke up we were parked at a gas pump. My mother was filling our SUV. I got out and walk inside with my wallet. I grabbed a handful of snacks and went to the counter to pay. I walked back out to the car and we hit the road again.


"How are you feeling about your senior year in a new school?", my mother asked me.

I shrugged. "I don't really mind, I guess". That was a lie. I did mind. A new school meant leaving behind all of my friends. But I had to keep reminding myself that I was doing this for her. It's all for her.

The rest of the trip went rather fast. We had to stop 2 nights along the way, but it was a great feeling to finally arrive in New Jersey. Our new home looked lovely, but petite. It was a small two bedroom with a shared bathroom, but it was big enough for mom and I. After unpacking majority of ur things, we drove around the town to explore. We drove past the school I would be attending. It looked big, and it made me nervous. We also drove past the place where my mom would be working, and it looked very high class. She seemed happy for a fresh start, which made me feel confident, too.

When getting home, I decided to shower and get a big sleep as I was exhausted. I made my bed and jumped in, smiling. There's literally no better feeling than fresh sheets. Within minutes, I felt myself drifting off.