Something new.

Sally’s POV. 

I felt slightly different, like I could take on the world! 

I didn’t go home with Justin today; after his game, I insisted on taking the bus home. 

I greeted everyone who looked my way with a wide grin. 

Today was fun. I couldn’t remember the last time I laughed so hard. 

I kept replaying the afternoon in my head.

The girls.

The music.

The stupid games.

The lake.

Even the way Cole had dragged me away from my bag like I was some child who needed supervision.

For once, I hadn’t spent the entire day worrying about what time I needed to be home.

I hadn’t checked the clock every thirty minutes.

I hadn’t wondered if Mom would be angry.

I had just… lived.

I liked it a little too much. 

The sky had darkened. I plugged my AirPods in throughout the ride home. It has never been easy for me to make new friends, but today, I met Mitchelle, Amber, and Claris. 

The bus pulled up at the bus stop, and a little sadness crept up on me. 

I had to face what I ran away from earlier this morning. 

At the front door, I took in a deep breath and exhaled before pushing the door open. 

The house seemed oddly quiet when I stepped in. Too quiet. 

The smell of fried chicken filled the entire house. I made my way towards the kitchen and peeked through the door. 

Mother stood casually, leaning on the counter, peeling some onions. 

She moved mechanically, like her mind wasn’t here. 

I backed away slowly. 

“Sally?” 

I froze. 

“Is that you, Sally?” 

I pushed the door open and walked in. 

“Hi, Mom." 

She didn’t turn around. "How was school?” 

“Well, it was… something.” 

She nodded slowly. 

I studied her. She looked tired. Stressed even. I didn’t know if I hadn’t been paying attention or if this was a new development, but she looked older somewhat.

There was something, and I couldn’t just place my finger on it. 

“Are you okay, Mom?" 

She sighed and dropped the knife on the counter. 

Then she walked to the tap and rinsed her hand before finally turning to me. 

“A lot has been going on, Sally, a whole lot.” 

I swallowed, hoping this wasn’t going to be another argument. 

“I am sorry for my outburst last night; it’s just…” 

“It’s fine." 

“What?” I glanced at her. 

She dried her hands with a kitchen towel and leaned against the counter.

“I know I’m hard on you, Sally.”

I remained still. 

“I just…” She paused, looking down at the counter. “I remember being your age. I remember thinking I knew everything. I made mistakes too.”

My mind wandered to a plethora of mistakes my perfect mother could have made, but none came to mind. 

Her lips pressed into a thin line. 

“But I can’t stop you.” She continued. 

My eyes widened slowly, and a glimmer of hope rose in my chest. Was she saying what I think she’s saying? 

“Your dad and I, we talked, and we have decided to let you move to the dorms.” 

A grin slowly spread across my face.

“The dorms?”

“Yes, Sally. The dorms.”

“Oh my God.”

I practically bounced on my feet.

“Thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you!”

I rushed forward and wrapped my arms around her.

She stiffened for a moment before letting out a small laugh and patting my back.

“Alright, alright. Don’t suffocate me.”

I pulled away, still grinning.

“You’re serious?”

"Mmhmm."

I couldn’t stop smiling. Excitement bubbled in me. Today was a great day after all. 

“There’s a condition.”

My smile faltered slightly.

“Of course there is.”

She pointed her index finger at me. 

“Your grades stay exactly where they are. I don’t want to hear about you failing classes because you’re too busy having fun.”

“I won’t.”

“You stay out of trouble.”

“I will.”

“And you come home to see us. You’re not going to move into a dorm and suddenly forget you have parents.”

I laughed.

“I won’t forget you.”

“You’d better not.”

She gave me a look.

“And if your grades start slipping, you come straight back home. No arguments.”

“Yes, ma’am.”

She narrowed her eyes.

“I’m serious, Sally.”

“So am I.”

I hugged her again.

“Thank you.”

She sighed, but I could hear the smile in her voice.

“Go and wash your hands. Dinner is almost ready.”

I pulled away.

“Where’s Dad?”

She turned back toward the onions.

“He hasn’t come home yet.”

I frowned.

“Oh.”

I glanced toward the kitchen clock.

That was strange.

Dad was usually home by now. I pushed the thought away. I just received the best news ever! 

I rushed the stairs two at a time. 

I had to tell someone, anyone. 

I pulled out my phone, and the first name that popped up on my screen was Justin. 

My fingers hovered over it for a second.

“No, I would rather tell him in person." 

I scrolled through again, and my eyes landed on Cole. 

A smile spread across my face, but I paused mid-click. 

What the hell are you doing, Sally Bennette? Why should Cole of all people care that you were moving to the dorms? 

I dialed Nora’s number instead. 

“Hey Nora…”