A Change of Heart
Chapter 1: Tears and Memories
October 14, 2024
"Dad! You're home!" I knelt down as my three kids came running to hug me almost knocking me over.
"Hey guys! How was school?" I asked them.
"Oh, it was great!" a proud smile was on my face now knowing that my kids were doing well. But, an even bigger smile came when my wife walked in.
"Hey, Honey," I kissed her on the cheek.
"It's your sister's birthday next week. They called again. Said something about a family dinner." She told me. The smile was suddenly wiped off my face.
"Dad, I didn't know you had a sister!" my two youngest exclaimed in unison. "Can we go? Please, please please?" they jumped on my lap.
"I dunno... maybe.. I guess..." I shrugged.
"Wait, Dad, why did your smile suddenly go off when mom mentioned your sister?" My oldest daughter looked confused. The other two suddenly then stopped jumping on the couch and looked confused as well.
"Kids, let me tell you a story. A story about how I met your mother." they gathered round me on couch listening.
FLASHBACK
August 24, 2011
"Get down here!" a voice yelled from downstairs.
I sighed whilst stuffing socks in my suitcase. I'm finally 17. It's time to get away from home. Being free is kind of the main reason why I chose to go to NYU. Plus, they have an awesome institute of photography there. I can finally achieve my dream of being a photographer by myself. Without those help of my annoying brother and sister!
I was caught out of my fantasy when my sister barged in like she was the princess. (She kind of was … in our house) "Dad's getting really pissed,"
"Fine," I moaned and grabbed my guitar and suitcase. I ran down the stairs as if I wanted to get out of there as soon as possible. I wanted to but I couldn't.
My mom gasped as soon as she caught sight of me. Tears rolled down her face.
"I can't believe my baby's going off to college!" she sobbed with tears of joy. Not again. She already did this scene last night. For some reason, my family though that it was funny, especially my siblings, to invite all my enemies and none of my friends. Obviously, my parents had no clue on who my friends were. I was very secretive about my life. I still am.
After a few embarrassing pictures and tears all over my mom's face, it finally my time to go. To NYU! That was two states away! Thank God I lived in Maine. When I said my goodbyes, my parents led me out. Then I realised that I forgot something. Something that meant the world to me. So I suddenly rushed back up the stairs ignoring everything in my way and slammed the door open to my empty bedroom. There was nothing left but my bed, wardrobe and drawer. But I did notice one thing. The thing that I was looking for. It was there sitting on the top of my drawer. Its chrome, metallic lining reflected the sunlight coming from the open window which framed the whole room. It was my dog tag. For many of you who are reading this right now for you guys a dog tag is just a necklace which gives you a look to your style but to me it was a diabetes dog tag. Yes, I have diabetes. Type one, to be exact. After grabbing the dog tag and putting it on around my neck, I sprinted back down rushed to my car. Next stop, NYU…
AN: I know that the Russo's live in New York but it makes more sense here .. Plus, I did a bit of research .. :) Ch. 2 is coming straight after this .. Review pls ! :) Thnks in advance ..