New beginning

James's days blurred together as he continued preparing for Pinnacle Academy. His uncle remained distant, only interacting with James to discuss logistics.

One afternoon, while packing his clothes, James stumbled upon a photo album. He hadn’t seen it in years.

As he flipped through the pages, memories flooded back. His parents' smiles, laughter, and adventures.

James's eyes welled up with tears.

He missed them so much.

The doorbell rang, breaking the silence. James wiped his tears and answered the door.

A delivery person handed him a package.

"Sign here," they said.

James signed and took the package. Inside, he found a letter and a Pinnacle Academy uniform.

The letter outlined the school's rules and expectations.

James felt a shiver run down his spine.

This was really happening.

He was leaving.

That night, James couldn’t sleep. His thoughts swirled with fears and doubts.

What if he failed?

What if he was bullied?

What if he never found his place?

The next morning, James’s uncle knocked on his door.

"James, it’s time to go," John said.

James grabbed his suitcase and followed his uncle to the car.

As they drove, James felt a mix of emotions. Anxiety, sadness, and uncertainty.

After a 30-minute drive, John pulled over at a bus stop.

"This is where I drop you off," John said.

James looked around, confused.

"A bus stop?"

John nodded.

"The Pinnacle Academy shuttle will take you to school."

James felt a pang of abandonment.

"You’re not taking me to the school?"

John shook his head.

"I have business to attend to."

James sighed and grabbed his suitcase.

"Goodbye, Uncle," James said, trying to hide his tears.

John nodded curtly.

"Good luck, James." John said smiling

James watched as his uncle drove away. He wished he could turn back the hands of time to the time he was happy with his parents.

He stood alone at the bus stop, feeling lost and scared.

A large, navy-blue bus pulled up beside him, emblazoned with the Pinnacle Academy crest. James felt a gush of surprise he could not believe that he was finally going to leave his uncle and everything that reminded him of his family of his home to a place where he might or he might not be wanted. Everything felt lost to him.

"Pinnacle Academy Shuttle" was written in bold letters.

The bus door swung open, and a friendly driver smiled.

"Hey there, are you James? "

"Yes sir I am" James answered in a distorted tone.

"Then hop in" the driver replied smiling.

James boarded the bus, taking a seat near the back.

Other students, chatting and laughing, filled the bus.

As the bus pulled away from the curb, James felt a mix of emotions: anxiety, excitement, and uncertainty.

The bus ride took about an hour, winding through scenic countryside.

James watched the passing landscape, wondering what lay ahead.

Would he make friends?

Would he excel academically?