Chapter 5: A New Beginning (and Goodbye)

4.

That night at dinner, Dad cautiously brought up the idea of quitting his job to start a small business.

He was uncharacteristically quiet, pushing his peas around his plate. Finally, he cleared his throat, voice softer than usual. "Lilly, your mom and I have been talking…" I looked up, heart pounding.

He gently asked for my and Mom’s opinions.

He never made big decisions without us—something I’d always admired. "If I start a business, life won’t be as stable as it is now. We don’t have much saved up, so I’d want to sell our current house and buy one in the suburbs. What do you both think?"

Mom frowned:

She set her fork down, brow creasing with worry. "Mark, maybe just let it go? Lilly’s about to go to college. After she graduates, we’ll need to help her get started in life. What if… We’re not young anymore."

They both knew about me and Caleb, so over the years—even though plenty of people tried to recruit Dad away from Preston Industries—he was never tempted. Caleb was an only child, so Dad worked especially hard for the Preston family and felt even more awkward about leaving.

I could see the weight of his loyalty pressing down on him—an invisible chain he’d carried for decades. The house was full of echoes of old choices and missed opportunities.

Dad pressed his lips together:

He stared at the table, shoulders slumping. "That’s true, then…"

I suddenly spoke up, interrupting him:

I couldn’t keep quiet any longer. "Dad, I support you starting your own business."

I knew my father’s abilities. He had experience, deep roots in the industry, and plenty of contacts.

I reached for his hand, squeezing it. "You’ve always looked out for us. Let us look out for you now."

These years, because of Grandpa and Grandma’s health, our savings weren’t much. He must have really thought this through, or he wouldn’t have brought it up now.

"Do what you want to do."

My voice was steady, stronger than I felt. I wanted him to know we trusted him.

Dad’s eyes reddened.

He wiped at them, laughing it off. "You girls… always getting me choked up."

Mom nodded too: "Lilly’s all grown up now. Mark, go for it."

She smiled, her eyes glistening. I realized then how much she wanted him to find his own happiness, too.

……

Once the decision was made, Mom immediately contacted a real estate agent. Although our house was old, its central location and Dad’s fair price meant it sold quickly. The new owner agreed to let us stay a few more days.

I wandered through the empty rooms, trailing my fingers along the chipped paint and worn carpet. Every corner held a memory—birthday parties, sleepovers, late-night talks. It was bittersweet, but it felt like a new beginning.

My parents went house-hunting in the suburbs after work every day.

Some nights, they came home tired but hopeful, arms full of brochures and cheap takeout. We’d sit on the floor, sharing fries and stories about the houses we’d seen.

Until my birthday arrived.

I woke to the smell of pancakes and the sound of Mom humming in the kitchen. A tiny gift bag sat on my pillow—a pair of silver earrings shaped like little lilies. Mom’s hands were still dusted with flour from making pancakes as she fastened the earrings for me. I blinked back happy tears.

Mom got off work early and asked me to bring some birthday cake to the Preston family.

I hesitated, my hand hovering over the cake box. The thought of facing Caleb made my stomach twist, but Mom’s hopeful smile left me no choice.

I hesitated for a moment, but under her urging, I walked over to Caleb’s house.

The late afternoon sun cast long shadows across the familiar sidewalk. I paused at their front steps, bracing myself, then rang the bell.

She didn’t know that Caleb was the one who forced me to transfer. After all, he always claimed it was my own decision. Although she didn’t approve, when she saw the transfer paperwork was already done, she just sighed and said nothing more.

I wished she knew the truth, but some things were just too messy to explain.

5.

Aunt Karen opened the door. When she saw me, she was delighted:

She threw her arms wide, pulling me into a quick, warm hug. "Lilly, you’re here!" Her perfume smelled like vanilla and fresh laundry, instantly comforting.

"Yeah, Mom asked me to bring over some cake."

I handed her the box, careful not to drop it. "It’s chocolate—your favorite."

Just as I finished speaking, laughter came from Caleb’s room. It was Aubrey’s voice.

Her laugh rang through the hallway, high and bright. I flinched, pulse racing. The sound reminded me I didn’t belong here anymore.

Sure enough, the door opened and Aubrey, wearing a short skirt, came out of Caleb’s room.

She strutted into the hallway, head held high. Her lip gloss sparkled under the light, and she shot me a smug little smile.

Aunt Karen looked embarrassed: "Lilly, she’s someone Caleb brought home…"

She shifted from foot to foot, clearly uncomfortable. I forced a polite smile, pretending I didn’t care.

I understood what she meant and shook my head:

"It’s okay, Aunt Karen. I’ve dropped off the cake, so I’ll head home."

I took a step back, eager to escape the awkward scene. My heart pounded, but my face stayed calm.

After saying that, I turned to leave.

As I walked down the porch steps, the sky was tinged with pink and orange. The air was warm, but I shivered anyway.

Behind me, I heard Aunt Karen scolding:

"Caleb, aren’t you being a little much? Didn’t you used to like Lilly? If you treat her like this, she’ll be hurt. Lilly must be angry."

Her voice was sharp, cutting through the quiet house. I paused, just out of sight, listening.

Then came Caleb’s lazy voice:

"Let her be."

His words were flat, emotionless. For the first time, I realized he’d let me go long before I’d let go of him.

……

Early the next morning, my parents and I moved into our new place with the help of a moving company.

Cardboard boxes stacked by the door, pizza boxes on the counter, and my dad cursing softly as he tried to get the couch through the front door. The truck rumbled down our old street at sunrise. Neighbors waved goodbye, and I tried not to cry. The new house was smaller, but it felt like a blank slate—a place to start over.

Because of the price, Dad chose a nicely renovated second-hand house.

The paint was fresh, the kitchen cabinets new. I picked the smallest bedroom, grateful for the sunlight streaming in through the window. For the first time in months, I felt hopeful.

Coincidentally, it was especially close to Maple Heights High.

The school loomed just a few blocks away. I told myself it was fate—one last test before college.