Chapter 1:

"Karina! Come on sweetie! It's time for school. You don't want to be late on your first day do you?" I call out to my 5 year old daughter. It's weird being back in Austin. I honestly thought I'd never be back here but life threw me some unexpected changes. Now, here I am, back in my hometown getting ready to take my daughter to her first day of Kindergarten. She's growing up so fast.

"Coming, Mommy." She runs down the stairs, smiling brightly.

"Are you ready? You have your backpack?" She nods excitedly. "Okay then. Let's go!"

The drive to the elementary is a familiar one. It's the same elementary I went to. The same one I met.. No, I won't go there. That life is long gone, and it won't be coming back anytime soon. It's been years since I've last talked to her, lest even seen her. She made her choice and I've made mine. And no matter how much I regret losing her, that choice led me to having Karina and I do not regret that.

"Okay, we're here honey." I quickly unbuckle her and lead her by the hand into the school, looking for her classroom. "Here we are. Room 120, Ms. Swanson's class."

"Why, hello there." A woman about 30 years old walks up to us. "And what is your name?" She squats down to get to Karina's level.

"My name is Karina. And this is my mommy!" She squeals in excitement. I just chuckle as well as the woman.

"Well Karina, it's very nice to meet you. My name is Ms. Swanson, and I'll be your teacher. Is that okay?" Karina nods excitedly.

"Okay sweetheart." I also bend down to Karina's level. "I want you to go and have fun. Learn a lot okay? But most importantly, go find new friends. Can you do that?"

"Yes mommy!" She leans in and gives me a big hug. I hug her back tightly. Breaking apart, she takes Ms. Swanson's hand that was extended to her.

"So, Karina, we'll be meeting everyone today and then we'll color! Do you like that?"

That's the last I hear before they enter the classroom and the door closes. I get lost into my thoughts as I head back to my car, and before I know it, I'm in front of Lauren's house. Since everything that had happened in high school, we've gotten closer and are now very close. She has become my best friend.

"Lauren! Are you here?" I call out as I open the door and walk in.

"Hey! Yeah, I'm in the kitchen." I walk in to see her finishing the dishes. "Hey, how was it?" I just shrug. "That hard huh? It's okay Aims. She's just growing up."

"Yeah I know. How are you? Where's Theo?" After the drama that happened in high school, Lauren and Theo eventually got back together and later married. Lauren is now 7 months pregnant with their first child, a son.

"I'm okay. This little guy is pretty feisty but it's nothing I can't handle. How are you though? You know, being back here and all."

"It's weird. I mean, it's great being back, it's home. But at the same time, it's weird because of all the memories this place holds. Especially the memories with her."

"Yeah, I know. I figured it would be. But why don't we just take your mind off of it for a while and watch some Netflix? We haven't done that in a while, and once you start your new job next week, we won't have as much time." I nod as we head into the living room.

Five hours and two movies later, I bid my farewell as I head to go pick up Karina from school.

"Mommy!" She runs into my arms.

"Hey! How was it? Did you make any new friends?" She nods excitedly.

"Mommy, you have to meet Audrie. She's so great and fun!" She drags me over to a young girl with light brown hair. "Mommy, this is Audrie."

"Hello there Audrie. Nice to meet you." I smile and shake her hand.

"Nice to meet you too. Mommy! Come meet Karina!" She calls out to her mother somewhere.

"I'll be right back okay sweetheart? I'll go get your backpack." As I head back to the girls, I see them talking to a woman, whose back was toward me.

"Hi, you must be Audrie's mother..." The lady turns around, and my jaw drops. No. It can't be! Not here, not now.

"Amy..."

"Karma..."

A/N: So what did you think? This is my first story, so hope it's okay. Please review and if you have tips or suggestions, I'd love to hear it.