1 STARTING A NEW LIFE.

"Stacy ? what are you doing there?" mom softly said as she opened the door. I was in their room crying looking at dads picture . The first thing I said when she got within earshot was," I dont want to go to that new house mom . She pulled me into her arms . I didnt resist ,hugging her just as tightly back."Stacy,"she breathed." Are you okay?"

"I am now ," I mumbled into her T-shirt.

When we finally let go of each other, she held me at arms length and looked me over with worried brown eyes ." We are going to a new and bigger house to start anew life, "she said.

I shrugged, briefly standing up to brush away tears .I took a deep breath and softly said ,"mom I miss dad very much ,I know am not supposed to be saying this but I really dont want to go anywhere" . All my memories with dad are in this place

Mom looked at me with teary eyes and said," Stacy ,I know this is hard for you for you but your dad is not here in this house, he is in our heart and no matter where we go he will always be with us . Dad left us when I was 12 years old .I remember that night very well since it was my birthday.

Dad had promised to bring me a present , mom had baked banana cake and chocolate cookies which are my favorite . My brother Miles and I were sitting in the living room eating when dad suddenly entered he seemed worried and nervous without saying a word he went to his room directly and started packing. Mom followed her in the room and they started arguing ,mom was crying. I overheard their conversation dad telling mom that it is for the best for him to leave.

Dad slammed the door , I paused and stared at him , he came towards me and said," Stacy!" you are now a big girl ,take care of your brother miles and your mother". "Dad!" I cried. Dont do this. Dont leave us alone pleas. I cant do it.

"Stacy"! youre smart ,youre tough and youre brilliant. Dad hugged me and gave me a medallion. That was our last time seeing him we never heard from him. Neither of us resentful. He had his reasons . At least thats what I told myself.

We packed everything and moved to our new house in the city where mom had got a new job.