Tessa ♥ 



---

Chapter 1: A New Beginning

The light drizzle outside created a gentle rhythm against the windows, the soft patter almost soothing as it mixed with the low hum of morning chatter in the kitchen. It wasn’t enough to spoil the day, but just enough to make everything feel fresh—like the air was washing away the last remnants of summer.

Tessa sat at the table, absentmindedly pushing her toast around as she stole glances at her brother, Liam, who was scrambling to get ready for his first day of residency. He was already dressed in a crisp white shirt and dark slacks, the sleeves rolled up to his elbows, and the hospital badge clipped to his pocket. His hair was still damp from his shower, a few unruly strands falling into his eyes as he tried to gather his things.

“Are you really going to leave your socks on the bathroom floor?” Tessa teased, folding her arms on the table and giving him an exaggerated, dramatic look.

Liam looked over at her and smirked, tossing his keys into the air. “You know you love me too much to hold that against me, Tess.”

She rolled her eyes. “Not true. You’re lucky I’m not throwing them out the window.”

“Please,” Liam chuckled, adjusting his shirt as he grabbed his coffee. “Like you could ever live without me.”

She snorted. “You wish. Anyway, someone has to keep you in line, right?”

Mom and Dad were already moving around the kitchen, finalizing their own preparations. Dad had his coat on, ready to head off to work, and Mom was pulling out a thermos for her long shift at the hospital. The morning routine was familiar, but there was something different in the air today.

If you spot this story on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

As Liam grabbed his bag and adjusted the straps, he shot Tessa a grin. “I’m really proud of you, you know,” he said, his voice light but sincere. “Starting your last year at a new school is no joke. But if anyone can handle it, it’s you.”

Tessa froze for a moment, surprised by the sudden warmth in his tone. She glanced up at him, noticing how his usual playful demeanor had shifted just enough to make her feel seen.

“You really think so?” she asked, her voice quiet, a little unsure.

Liam walked over, ruffling her hair affectionately. “Of course. You’re one of the most adaptable people I know. You always roll with the punches, Tess. You’ve got this.”

She smiled, the nervous knot in her stomach loosening a little at his words. “Thanks, Liam. I just… it’s a lot, you know? New school, new people. And I’m not even sure how I fit in yet.”

He leaned against the counter, taking a sip of his coffee. “You’ll figure it out. You’ve always found your place, no matter what. And besides, you’re going to kick some serious butt this year. Trust me, it’s going to be your best one yet.”

She couldn’t help but smile, feeling her confidence return. “I’m going to try my best. Just don’t expect me to forget that pep talk.”

“I’ll hold you to it,” Liam said with a wink, grabbing his bag and slinging it over his shoulder.

“Good luck, bro,” Tessa said as she stood up, walking over to give him a quick hug.

“You too, Tess,” he replied, squeezing her tightly. “And if you need anything today, you call me. Don’t hesitate.”

“Promise,” she said, pulling away.

With that, Liam grabbed his keys and headed toward the door, his stride confident as he made his way to his car. He gave Tessa one last smile before walking out, the sound of the rain growing louder as he closed the door behind him.

Tessa stood there for a moment, letting the familiar weight of her brother’s words settle in her mind. The worries still lingered, but they didn’t feel as heavy now. He was right—she could handle this.

Outside, the rain was light, but it still felt like the beginning of something new. Something big.

“Alright, sweetheart,” Dad said as he came up behind her, pulling on his own jacket. “Ready for your first day at the new school?”

She nodded, though her nerves hadn’t quite vanished. “Ready as I’ll ever be.”

“I know you’re nervous, but you’ve got this,” Dad said with a warm smile, gently nudging her toward the door. “And I’ll be right here for you, every step of the way.”

Tessa smiled back, her heart warming at the reassurance. It wasn’t much, but it was enough to make her feel like maybe, just maybe, this year would be alright.

.......

At the end of the school day, Tessa stood in the parking lot, leaning against the cool metal of the fence, her thoughts racing. The day hadn’t been as bad as she’d anticipated. In fact, Liam had been right—she really was good at adapting to change. It hadn’t been as overwhelming as she expected. The nerves that had gripped her that morning had dissipated slowly, replaced with a sense of accomplishment. She felt proud of herself.

She couldn’t wait to tell Liam how well it went. He’d been so supportive, and she hoped he knew how much she appreciated him. Tessa smiled, already excited to share the little victory with him. She’d even made a friend, which had seemed impossible just hours before. As her dad’s car pulled into the parking lot, she straightened up, a smile tugging at her lips. There was so much to tell him, so much to share. Today wasn’t just a good day—it was a new beginning.