Chapter-1

...Rosalia carter ...

Putting my luggage into the car trunk was the most tiring part of the day. Suitcases were everywhere, and my arms ached, but my heart felt strangely light.

I had completed my high school with the best marks, and now I was on my way to my dream college for physics, in my dream city-Paris. The city of love. Just thinking about it made everything feel unreal, like I was standing at the edge of a life I had only imagined until now.

We were loading the luggage because l am moving to Paris. my younger brother, Jamie, who was just two years younger than me and kept asking endless questions about Paris, especially whether the Eiffel Tower could be seen from everywhere.

I smiled at his questions, even though my mind was somewhere else. This wasn't just a move. This was the beginning of everything I had worked for.

Paris wasn't just a city to me. It was a dream I had carried quietly for years.

At the same time, I felt nervous. A new city. A new culture. Everything was unfamiliar. Even though I knew French very well-because of how deeply I was in love with Paris and my university-the fear was still there. Excitement and nervousness mixed together in my chest, making it hard to tell which one was stronger.

Once the luggage was finally settled into the trunk, everything went quiet for a moment. My parents stood there, looking at me like they were trying to memorize my face. My dad checked the car keys again, even though he had already done it twice. My mom adjusted my jacket, her hands lingering a little longer than necessary.

Jamie stood beside her, hands in his pockets, pretending to be calm. He was only two years younger than me, but in that moment he looked smaller somehow.

"You're really going," he said, like he was still hoping I might say no.

"I am," I replied softly, forcing a smile.

My mom pulled me into a tight hug. "Call us when you land," she said. "And don't skip meals."

"I won't," I promised, even though my throat felt tight.

This was it. No more planning. No more waiting. Just goodbyes, deep breaths, and the quiet understanding that life was about to change.

As I looked at my family one last time before leaving, I realized this wasn't just a goodbye to them-it was a goodbye to the girl I used to be.

Just as my family and I were about to get into the car, I heard a familiar voice shout,

"Rose, wait!"

I turned around, my heart skipping a beat.

It was Lilly Jane.

My best friend. My only childhood friend. We had known each other since we were two years old.

Living next door to each other had turned into shared toys, shared secrets, and a friendship that grew quietly with us.

She stood there, slightly out of breath, her hair messy like she had run the whole way. The moment our eyes met, I knew she couldn't let me leave without saying goodbye.

And honestly, neither could I.

She stood there with her arms crossed, her eyes fixed on me but filled with something that wasn't anger-more like hurt. She hadn't talked to me ever since she found out I was leaving. Me going away had clearly pissed her off.

I took a step toward her. "Lilly..."

She looked away immediately.

We had been neighbors since we were two. Best friends before we even understood what that meant. And now, this silence between us felt heavier than any goodbye.

I knew she was upset because I was leaving. And that somehow made it hurt even more.

She finally spoke.

"Bitch, are you literally insane?" Lilly snapped, her voice shaking. "Did you just forget me or what?"

I stared at her, shocked.

"I know I'm pissed," she continued, her eyes glossy, "but you're leaving. You're actually leaving. I just-" She paused, frustrated, then sighed. "I can't just stand there and let you go without seeing you off."

She walked toward the car and knocked lightly on the window.

"Come on," she said, softer now. "We'll adjust. I don't care how. I'm coming to the airport. At any cost."

My chest tightened.

That was Lilly Jane. Angry, dramatic, honest-and always there when it mattered most.

My mom exchanged a look with my dad, then smiled gently. "Of course," she said. "There's always space."

Lilly didn't wait for another word. She opened the back door and slid in beside Jamie, already buckling her seatbelt like she belonged there. Jamie raised an eyebrow but said nothing.

As the car pulled away from the curb, I looked back at our house one last time. Everything felt familiar, safe-and suddenly very far away.

Lilly leaned her head against the window, arms crossed, still pretending to be mad. But when our eyes met in the reflection of the glass, she gave me the smallest smile.

The drive to the airport was quiet, filled with unspoken thoughts. With every mile, reality settled in deeper.

I was really leaving.

And this time, there was no turning back.

The airport was crowded, loud in a way that made everything feel more real.

Announcements echoed above us, wheels of suitcases rolling past like everyone was rushing somewhere important.

My dad helped pull my luggage out of the trunk. My mom stood beside me, holding my hand tightly, like letting go would make this feel final.

Lilly finally turned to me. "So," she said, forcing a casual tone, "Paris. Physics. City of love."

She paused. "You better come back as the same person. Or at least call me every day."

I smiled, my eyes burning. "Every day," I promised.

Jamie pulled me into a quick hug. "Don't forget us ," he said, trying to sound serious.

"I won't," I laughed softly. "Ever."

My mom hugged me last. Long and tight. "Be careful. Be brave. And be happy," she whispered.

As I walked toward the entrance, I turned back one last time. They were all standing there-my family, my best friend-watching me take my first step into a new life.

I took a deep breath and walked forward.

Just then, I dropped my luggage where it was and ran back.

Lilly barely had time to react before I wrapped my arms around her, hugging her as tightly as I could. She froze for a second, then hugged me back just as hard.

"I promise, sunshine," I whispered, my voice breaking. "I'll call you every day. Take care of yourself. I love you. I'll miss you so much."

She didn't say anything at first, just held on like she didn't want to let go.

And in that moment, leaving felt harder than ever.

"Bye," I said quietly.

I picked up my luggage, took one last look at Lilly, and then turned away. I walked toward the check-in counter without looking back again, afraid that if I did, I might not be able to leave at all.

With every step forward, I felt the weight of the goodbye settle in.

And just like that, my journey began.

As I settled into my seat on the plane, I took a deep breath. The journey I had always dreamed of, the one I had craved for so long, had finally begun.

Hey guys hope you all loved the chapter 1 please support and vote see you guys soon with the next chapter -lasenoritaoriginal love you ✨✨✨💞💞💞💖💖💖

***Download NovelToon to enjoy a better reading experience!***