ARRIVAL TO THE REAL WORLD.

Alexa gazed out the train window. The raindrops splashing against it fitted her mood perfectly.

'I can't believe this is happening' she thought sadly.

It didn't take long for her life to turn upside down. Only a few days ago, everything had been normal.And then rug was pulled out under her feet, and she never found her footing again.

'I know I'm an adult, and I'm expected to make adult decisions now, but I could have used more preparations for this... I have to leave home for this and I feel so sad'. Alexa continued thinking.

'Why do bad things have to happen to good people? It's not fair. I hate how everyone is hurting now'. she winced in her thoughts.

She shook her head and bit her lower lip.

'It was silly of me to think my life would continue to be so carefree and easy like when I was a kid. It was childish to assume that aunt Deborah would continue to take care of me'.

Despite how difficult things might be, Alexander was filled with a new determination.

'Just like she took care of me the past few years, I am going to take care of her and the boys. It's time for me to be independent and strong'. she thought filled with determination to the brim.

A small laugh escaped her lips as she reflected on the family she loved so much, and the circumstances that brought her to where she is today.

***********

Few days earlier.

"Aunt Deborah I'm home"! Alexa called out to her aunt with a bright smile that was only in competition with the sun's brilliance.

She just returned from running some errands for the house. In one hand she held a bag filled with supplies, and under another arm is a stack of books for her cousins. She loved them dearly.

She set everything out on a nearby counter where it'll be out of the way.

Over the stove she saw her aunt making dinner.

"Smells good" Alexa said hungrily walking over to her aunt.

Her aunt greeted her with a smile and they exchanged kisses on the cheeks.

"Thank you dear, how was your entrance interview for college? Do you think you'll get into the journalism program?" Aunt Deborah asked her with a smile on hoping everything went well for Alexa.

"I'm not sure but I hope so! The professor liked me and my portfolio". Alexa replied.

"If anyone is worthy of entering this prestigious program , it's you". Her aunt Deborah said encouragingly.

"Thanks".Alexa said with eyes of hope.

They took a brief moment to hug one another before Alexa moved to the cupboard to get the plates and bowls out for dinner.

She set a stack next to the stove so her aunt could dish straight into them.

As she did so, she looked at what her aunt was making and smiled.

"It smells so good". Alexa said surprised at just how gooooood the food smelt.

"I probably made too much, but it's okay. What would you like to have?" her aunt asked smiling.

She took a moment to look at what her aunt was preparing.

There was baked chicken breast that seemed to call out to Alexa.

"I'll have this" she said.

"Coming right up". her aunt replied.

When her aunt finished up cooking, she dished up two smaller for Alexa to place down too. Alexa knew just who they were for.

While she did that her aunt moved to the doorway of the kitchen and called out...

" Harry, Jay it's time for dinner!"

Not long after, footsteps could be heard downstairs. The sounds grow louder until two young twin boys of age 7 showed up in the dining room.

"First" Harry announced.

"No, I was here first".Jay replied angrily.

"No, it was obviously me". Harry said.

"Nuh-uh"Jay replied hot with anger.

"Yes" Harry said heating up.

Just as they were about to resort to pushing each other Alexa stepped in.

She patted them gently on their heads. Instantly the boys looked up smiling. They seemed to have forgotten about their fight.

"Hey Alexa, will you play with us after dinner?" Harry asked.

"Please?" Jay added pleading.

Alexa nods.

"Of course. I'd love to. What should we play?" she asked.

"Hide and seek"The twins replied.

Aunt Deborah laughed. "Looks like you've got big plans tonight. Let's go eating".

One by one they sit at the dining table.

"Do you have to go for more school?" Harry asked sad.

"I do, going to school is important it'll help me learn the skill I need to acquire in order to get a new job". Alexa replied thrilled.

"Didn't you just finish school? I thought grown- ups didn't have to go anymore". Jay added curious.

"Yes but there's still more I need to know". she replied.

Alexa starts to eat, watching the boys get pensive for a moment. It's clear they don't quite get it.

"Alexa just graduated from high school. There are many different kinds of schools". The twins mother, aunt Deborah laughed.

"I don't want you to go". Harry said sadly.

"Me neither". Jay added nodding sadly.

"I won't go far, and I will write you letters and call you! When you come and visit you can have sleepover in my dorm, too!" Alexa said in an attempt to cheer them up.

"A sleepover?"

"Cool". The boys giggled. Alexa winked at her aunt.

"And then before you know it she'll be back for the Holidays". Alexa's sweet aunt said with tears glistening in her eyes as she smiled at Alexa.

**********

PRESENT DAY, IN THE TRAIN

Alexa sighs as she remembers those fond moments with her family.

'I shouldn't have taken them for granted. Those precious memories and the people in it.

I knew I'd had to leave them eventually, but I'd be hoping for more time. And for it to be on my time. Not like this!' Alexa thought.

She shakes her head.

'I'll never make the mistake of forgetting to count my blessings again!' she said in her thoughts.

'I have to hold on to hope. This is not the end of the world' she convinced herself.

************

BACK TO THE PAST

As promised, Alexa ran into her aunt's room with her cousins.

"You count first we'll hide Alexa!".

"Yes, count to 100".

"Okay, 100 it is. Come on boys go hide now". Alexa said.

She covers her eyes as she counts to 100. While counting, she could hear some bumping, and swooshing of fabric.

After the count, Alexa moves to search behind the curtains. But there was no one there. She moves to search under the bed but failed again.

Her eyes moves to the wardrobe and a smile curves on her face.

She leaned against the wardrobe and says"Hmm, I wonder if someone is in here?". Just then she heard some giggling.

She opened the wardrobe which was big enough for the boys to hide in.

She got hold of Harry and tickled him. He squirmed so hard. As he squirmed he knocked over a container. He gave Alexa a big hug and run off to find his brother. All of it's content fell to the floor. Most of them were paper works.

Over one paper, she sees "EXPIRED" written over it.

She bends to pack them up and picks the one with the expired written over it.

Her face turns blank with shock as she reads it's content.

"NO"!!!! she gasps.