After much deliberation and argument, my family and I settled on a small two-bedroom cottage that didn't need much work done. The cottage also happened to be surrounded on the left and the right by other cottages 'just in case'.

I wasn't too fussed with it though as it was detached and I had quite a bit of private property so none of my future neighbours could see anything. Perks of living in the countryside, I guess.

Work was due to start in around a week or so and I had yet to see my new house as my parents had decorated it as a 'surprise' which caused me a lot of stress and sleepless nights especially as I was a simple plain white walls kind of girl whereas my parents were the over-the-top kind.

Picking up my last box, I crammed it into the boot which was already stuffed to the brim and tried not to wince when I forced the door shut with a slam. I was all set to go. I just needed to say goodbye and grab my pesky cat from whichever corner of the house she bolted to when she saw the cat carrier.

Wiping the sweat off my forehead, I walked back inside the house. Mum was stood in front of the cooker, adding the last touches to one of the many curries that she made for me in case 'I starved' even though I was a pretty good cook. I didn't mind too much though as I was also a lazy cook.

Dad on the other hand, well he looked devastated. He looked as though his business had gone bankrupt and as if his whole family had died.

"Dad, please. Don't overreact. What on Earth are you going to do when I get married?"

He looked at me incredulously. "What do you mean 'get married'? That's at least ten years away! With who anyway?!"

"Realistically speaking, I might just end up finding the love of my life pretty soon, and if he wants to propose, who am I to say no," I replied teasingly trying to keep out the humour from my voice.

My mum hummed in agreement. "A nice Indian boy".

I sighed inwardly. Not this again. "Yeah, sure Mum. If you say so".

"Yes, I do say so. Charles help me pack up the last of the curry and rice, Arya, go find that bloody cat of yours. There is no way you're leaving that little demon here for me to deal with".

I laughed and went upstairs in search of her.

After searching through every corner of the house, I finally found her on top of the cupboard in my room. She hissed at me as I grabbed the scruff of her neck and pulled her towards me.

After a few scratches, I managed to get her down. Holding her securely in my arms, I half-ran towards the cat carrier and quickly put her in and zipped the carrier up. She glared at me so I glared back at her refusing to give up eye contact first. My eyes began to water like crazy and I gave up. There was no way I could have won a staring match with Satan.

I placed the carrier in the passenger seat of the car and buckled it in.

Mum had just come out of the house smirking, carrying a small bag of presumably food whilst my dad was struggling behind her with several massive bags.

I opened the back door and with a huff, he dumped the bags in the seat.

"Be careful, you don't want it to spill, you idiot!" Mum exclaimed, swatting him on his back.

My dad rolled his eyes behind my mum's back as she re-arranged the bags neatly in annoyance.

Dad grasped my shoulders tightly. "Be safe, okay? Don't let anyone into your house, no food from strangers etc. Also, call at least once a day at a minimum".

"Once a day? Don't be ridiculous, Dad. It will probably be once a week at most".

Before he could protest, I wrapped my arms around him tightly. The familiar smell of his cologne washed over me and I felt my eyes tear up. I blinked profusely to get rid of any tears and squeezed him tighter and closer. Mum also joined in on the hug from behind and I knew immediately I was going to miss them, badly. I could feel my dad tearing up whereas my mum would have probably kept some composure. If an onlooker were to see this, they would most likely assume I was leaving forever with how Dad was over-reacting. I patted his back awkwardly. I really would miss his terrible dad jokes and his failed attempts at trying to make my mum laugh at them. But knowing him, he would find a way to tell me said jokes even miles away.

-

Waving out of the window one last time, I pulled out of the driveway.

I watched as my waving parents grew smaller and smaller in the rear-view mirror, eventually fading away into the horizon.

Thinking about my future, a small smile crossed my face. I had got my dream job and was moving to a cute cottage in the countryside. A double win.

I would also be alone, away from most people. Another win.

Thank God Colsens was too far for my family to come every day but knowing my dad, he was bound to make excuses to come over so I needed to be firm with him from the get-go. I did love my family to bits, I just loved the feeling of peace and quiet a little more.

I had at least three hours on the road with only KK for company who didn't look too pleased to be in the car or the carrier.

She would definitely like the new house with all of its space and its big garden. I hope.

-------------

So,

This is somewhat short, but the next update will be longer and will be happening soon. I realised if I update too often (as in 3x a week), my story is going finish in a few months so, after this week, my schedule will be once (or maybe twice) a week.

BTW KK is the cat. Any cat lovers here? (✋)

What's your favourite animal?

Mine is cats. If life doesn't work out I don't mind being the local crazy cat lady. I'm thinking about what she (KK) should look like (as in what breed). Suggestions are welcome.

With the Black Lives Matter protests going on right now, I wanted to make a little contribution to any current and future readers who are affected by the systematic racism in many countries.

Although I've experienced a little racism before, I know that other people have it far worse than me. The song I've included means a lot to me as it's very well worded and highlights some key issues with society. It's really beautiful and I hope you like it as much as I did.

I've added it at the top, please give it a listen.

Last thing:

I changed my profile pic. That wolf was pretty cliche, but I couldn't think of anything else, so I had used it. I think the new one - even though its pretty lame - is more original and funnyish. I'll upload a picture of it here so you can revel in its goodness up close.

Yeah, it's pretty lame but it's funny (for me but I have a weird sense of humour). I called the drink 'Alphahol' lol. And I wrote under that -  Warning: Very addictive (from personal experience of course. I'm a recovering alphaholic 😓)

Okay that's it for today

Don't forget to vote, comment and share.

Ask any questions as well.