Chapter Two

Juniper

Why the sudden interest to move abroad? I’m completely okay with living in Barcelona. I have a life here and friends and my entire childhood is here. Moving to a new country to start over, doesn’t sit well with me at all.

“Where are we moving to?”

“New York America” my dad answered

“But why?”

“Juni, your father and I got accepted into one of the biggest cancer research institutes in the world. They’ve recruited us to help them out with a team of other specialists selected from around the globe for a very special research work”. My mum explained happily.

“Wow, that’s amazing and I’m really happy for the both of you but what about me? I’m supposed to be preparing for my medical outreach coming up this summer” I blurted out.

“What medical outreach?” My dad asked me confused.

“I signed up for the future young doctors program that help find cures to treat chronic illnesses in rural communities in the Caribbean” I answered finally letting them know.

“Oh sweetie that’s amazing. Why didn’t you tell us about it sooner?” My mum said

“I was going to when I turned eighteen, and I thought you would love it. Since I’m following in you and dad’s footsteps”

“Juni darling of course we love it, it’s a wonderful thing you want to do but it’s not possible right now. We already sorted out your transfer details to a new school in New York, you start in two weeks” my dad said calmly as my eyes widened in shock at the news.

“You what?! why didn’t you consult me first?! What school are you guys transferring me to? Mum?!” I yelled in annoyance slightly throwing a tantrum.

“It’s the school I attended when I was your age dear, Daleton Prep. It’s an elite high school with an amazing history for students who plan on attending Ivy League universities. You’ll love it Juni. That was where I met your father you know” she answered as her and my dads shared small knowing smiles.

I’ve always known that my parents were high school sweethearts but they never actually told me the school they met in. My dad is Spanish while my mum is American but my father moved to America when he was just a teenager before meeting my mum in high school. They fell inlove and had this dream of traveling around the world together. They both achieved this dream both of them touring cities together until eventually they had me during one of their trips to Spain and decided to settle here and it’s been like that ever since.

“So I have no choice in this? We’re really just going to pack up our stuff and move?” I said feeling really upset about this sudden change.

“Juni darling, I know it’s sudden and we’re so sorry we did all of this without telling you first but it’s something your mum and I have always dreamed about. I’m sure you understand right baby?” My dad said softly trying to convince me to give in.

“I just really wanted to go for the future young doctors outreach.” I said sadly.

“You’ll go on more outreaches once you transfer to Daleton prep. They have a wide range of clubs and charity programs, I’m very sure you can find someplace to fit in. You’re an amazing person Juni, I have no doubt that you’ll fit right in with those elite kids” my mum said encouragingly causing me to give a small smile.

“Thanks mum. When are we leaving?”

“Next week, we have this week to sort out everything. Your dad and I went out today to meet a potential buyer for our house.” My mum answered

“We’re selling the house?” I asked in surprise

“Yes dear, we’re not coming back here. Plus we need all of the money we can find. Moving isn’t going to be easy plus your transfer isn’t on scholarship. Your father and I need to pay for everything.”

“It’s just still so sudden to me that’s all. I’m scared of this new change” I blurted out feeling anxious about it.

“Aww Juni, there’s nothing to be scared of. Everything is going to be fine. We promise” my dad said giving me an encouraging look.

I heaved a soft sigh to that as I walked out of the living room giving them both a good night kiss so they can both rest.

******

The plane took off from Barcelona around five a.m in the morning and we landed in New York around six a.m the next morning. Throughout the plane ride I was anxious and nervous about our sudden move to America. I tried as much not to overthink everything but I couldn’t help it because my brain kept on replaying the bright smiles from the posh students I saw on the school homepage. The ride to our new home from the airport was oddly quiet, my parents didn’t say much and I was too distracted by the tall buildings and huge skyscrapers in New York to bother filling the silence with a conversation plus I was still upset with them. My mum mentioned us living in an apartment in downtown manhattan and she sounded really excited to be back in New York. She grew up here and her parents still lived here although I’ve actually never met them but I’ve spoken to them sometime ago on the phone. Although I can’t remember when that was.