Chapter 8: Our new home 2

Today was going to be very hectic. Apart from the fact that I had to help with organising our new home, Courtney made it her top mission to be on my neck throughout the day.

"Have you met any neighbours?"

"No, I don't think we even have neighbours. At least I haven't noticed them."

I pushed all of the glassware into a cupboard and pulled the plates on the sink. I heard a little shuffling from Courtney's end.

"So, the second question?"

"Oh, right. Solve for x: x² -8x-33=0" she replied

"Courtney! That one is very simple!" I exclaimed

"Well my head is in a mess ok. My best friend is miles away. I'm all alone." She whined. I sighed a little. Courtney could be challenging sometimes.

"And that's why you can't solve this algebra question?"

"Yes."I started calculating. I didn't have a pen and paper and I was too lazy to go upstairs and start searching for one, so I decided to use my brain. It also served as a good brain exercise.

"X=11 and x=3"

"Really? I actually got it. Thank God!" I rolled my eyes slightly.

"Why don't you go around the neighbourhood and see if you run into people your age." Said Courtney.

Why would I do that?" 

"Because, you need to make friends. Do you want to be alone everyday, for the next two months?"

"I lived the first ten years of my life like that and I was doing great then "

"Well that has to change. You are going to go out there and conquer. You do remember what I told you right?"

"Yes, I do."

"Then don't make me say it twice."

"Do you still need help with anything?"

"Nah, I'm good now. Talking to you was all I needed." I could only imagine the goofy smile that was on her face.

"Good, I have to go."

"Wait! Jake said I should say hello to you. And he's sorry that he couldn't say goodbye."

"But I'm the one who should be apologising!" I replied with a sigh. She only hummed.

"Yes, but you can still do that. I could give you his number. I can't believe that you've known him for like a year now, and you don't have his number."

"It never crossed my mind, and he never asked." There was no need to get his number. We were friends but we only talked at the cafe. ln fact, yesterday was the first time we were anywhere else other than the cafe.

"Whatever, should I give you his number or I should give him your number?"

"No! I mean, give me his number."

"Great, I'll send it to you. Bye!" And the line went dead.

I headed back to the living room and carried another kitchen box. I felt a buzz, and I knew that it was Courtney. 

Courtney was absolutely right. I couldn't spend two months alone in a new house every single day. I needed to meet new people. No matter how challenging it might be for me.

After about an hour, I was finally done with the kitchen. I smiled proudly at my handiwork.

'Perfect!'

Most of the items were already in their place in the living room. Thank God I had arranged my bedroom before I went to sleep last night, otherwise I would be in a huge mess. Just arranging the kitchen was stressful enough.

"Emily dear, are you finished?"

"Yes mom, all done."

"Great! Looks like we're done with everything." I fell onto the couch, letting out a deep sigh.

"So, what is next?"

"Nothing, at least for you. I still have a ton of things to settle. Like adjusting to my new job…"

"You have a job already?" I asked, perplexed.

"Yes, did I forget to tell you?" She asked.

"Yes you did. How did you find one so quickly? It's only been two days since the news about dad's transfer broke out." I asked her with a raised eyebrow.

"No honey, it hasn't. Your dad and I knew about it two months earlier that he would be transferred. We just didn't know exactly when."

"What! Why didn't you tell me then!" I yelled. Literally, my voice had gone up a bit over an octave.

"We didn't want to ruin your plans."

"They are already ruined. You could have just done it much sooner, at least I would have started getting used to the thought by yesterday."

"'I'll take note of that."

"So, since you and dad will be out working. What will I be doing?"

"I believe you'll find something useful to do. And you can even make new friends."

"Courtney said the exact same thing. You two make it seem like it's so easy to make friends."

"Well, that all depends on you sweetie. You can spend your time researching for schools."

"I could do that." I said thoughtfully. I would need to know everything about the school. Their clubs, activities and most especially, how the students are. Even though information like that is not readily available. I saw my mom put on her coat.

"You're heading out?"

"Yes, I just have to take care of a few things. Will you be ok by yourself?" 

I looked around the unfamiliar large house. 

'Of course I'll be alright. I mean, this is only my first time in a new country and an extremely large house.'

"I'll be fine, don't you worry." I gave her a smile to put her at ease 

"Alright, call if you need anything." And then she was gone. I let out a deep sigh. I looked around the house, trying to get used to the fact that this was my new home for the next two years?

"What can a girl do in a new country?" I headed to my room and started to look through my wardrobe.

"You remember what I told you right? Go out there and conquer!" Courtney's voice rang in my head.

"Well if I want to conquer, then I'll have to dress properly, right?" I peeled off my oversized shirt and slipped on a pair of blue jeans. I pulled on a normal fitted peach off shoulder blouse. I looked at myself in the mirror.

'When was the last time I dressed like this?' I wondered to myself. It's not that I don't wear skinny jeans, but I always resisted wearing them because they seemed to show off my body too much. 

Like seriously, I had more curves than most female teenagers. Wider hips and rounder butt. Thicker thighs and ample chest. I wasn't fat, and if I was, I shouldn't feel bad about my body. But I just didn't like wearing fitted clothes. It made me uncomfortable. Courtney said that I have low-self esteem, but I don't call it that. I just don't like showing all of my curves.

I stood in front of my mirror, contemplating if I should change into something less revealing. I didn't have any makeup on so my face was all natural. I guess I could be considered to be pretty, at least I try to see myself to be. My eyes then darted to my revealing clothes.

'Girl what the hell is revealing in this!' Those would be Courtney's exact words, if she were here.

"It's about time I try something different." I pulled my hair out of its binds and ran my fingers through it.

 My favourite body asset, my beautiful hair. Long, had the right amount of curls and was dark. It was just perfect.

'Let's see how this goes.' I put on my pair of white canvas and picked up my backpack. I always take it anywhere I go. As I was looking at my reflection one last time, I heard the doorbell.

Mom doesn't need the doorbell, she could just use her keys, and the same was for dad. So it was a stranger!

'Oh God no!'