Chapter 71 New Beginnings.
Chapter 71 New Beginnings
Mia’s POV
+25 BONUS
The scent of freshly baked apple pie filled my new apartment, wrapping around me like a warm hug from the past. Mom stood at the kitchen counter, her movements slower than before but determined as she crimped the edges of the crust just like she used to when I was little.
“Mom, you really don’t have to-”
“Hush.” She didn’t even look up from her work. “Let me do this for my baby girl.”
“You just got discharged from the hospital,” I protested, though my heart swelled at the familiar sight of her in the kitchen.” You should be resting.”
“I’ve rested enough for several lifetimes.” Her hands stayed steady as she sprinkled cinnamon sugar over the top. “Besides, Dr. Pierce said light activity would be good for my recovery.”
As if summoned by his name, my doorbell chimed. Gas bounded toward the entrance, his tail wagging furiously as Nate’s voice carried through: “Special delivery for the welcome home party!”
I opened the door to find him juggling several bags of takeout while Scarlett breezed past him in a whirlwind of designer perfume and clicking heels.
“Oh my god, it smells amazing in here!” She made a beeline for Mom, air–kissing her cheeks. “Mrs. Williams, you’re not supposed to be cooking! We brought enough food to feed an army.
“It’s just a simple pie, dear.” Mom’s eyes twinkled. “And please, call me Sarah.”
“A simple pie?” Scarlett peered into the oven. “Mia hasn’t shut up about your apple pie for years. I’m pretty sure she’d trade her entire shoe collection for one slice.”
“Hey!” I protested, helping Nate unpack containers of Thai food onto my small dining table. “I’m not that bad.”
“You kind of are,” Joe chimed in, appearing in my doorway with another bag of groceries. “Remember when you tried to recreate it last Christmas?”
“We don’t talk about that incident,” I muttered, but couldn’t help smiling at the memory of smoke alarms and burned crust.
The apartment felt full – not just with people, but with life and laughter. It was smaller than Kyle’s mansion, just a cozy three- bedroom with an open–plan living area, but watching my friends settle in like they belonged here made it feel more like home than any marble hallway ever had.
“No wine?” Scarlett’s voice held exaggerated horror as she inspected the drink options. “What kind of housewarming is this?”
“Doctor’s orders,” Nate reminded her gently. “No alcohol for at least six weeks.” He gestured toward Mom.
Scarlett pouted but brightened when I handed her a mocktail instead. “Fine, but only because it’s a special occasion. And because this place is actually cute.”
“It’s perfect. Just like my daughter.” Mom smiled.
Something in her tone made my throat tight. She’d been quiet when I first showed her the apartment, and I’d worried she’d think I was downgrading too far from the lifestyle she thought I deserved. But now she moved through the space like she’d always belonged here, arranging her favorite plants on windowsills and adding little touches that made it feel like the home I
remembered from childhood.
“To new beginnings,” Joe proposed, raising his glass. “And to having Sarah back.”
“To new beginnings,” everyone echoed. Mom’s eyes met mine over the rim of her glass, full of pride and something deeper.
The food was excellent – a feast of pad thai, green curry, and spring rolls that left us all groaning happily. But the real star was
Chapter 71 New Beginnings.
Mom’s pie, still warm from the oven and perfectly spiced.
“Oh my god,” Scarlett moaned around her first bite. “Okay, I get it how. This is worth burning down a kitchen for.”
“Just wait until you try her chocolate chip cookies,” I said, savoring each forkful. “They’re basically magic.”
+25 BONUS
“Speaking of magic…” Mom disappeared into her room, returning with a small wrapped package. “I have something for you.”
“Mom, you didn’t have to-”
“Open it.”
My hands shook slightly as I unwrapped the familiar paper – the same kind she’d always used for special occasions, covered in tiny silver stars. Inside was a leather–bound book I recognized immediately.
“Your recipe journal?” My voice cracked. “But this is
“Everything I ever learned about cooking, all your favorites from when you were little.” She squeezed my hand. “I thought maybe it was time to pass it on.”
Tears blurred my vision as I traced the worn cover. How many times had I watched her write in this book, adding notes and adjustments to make each recipe perfect? How many weekend mornings had we spent in the kitchen together, flour on our noses as she taught me the secret to perfect pancakes?
“I don’t know what to say.”
“Say you’ll actually use it this time,” she teased gently. “Instead of ordering takeout every night.”
“Hey, I cook!” I protested weakly.
“Microwave mac and cheese doesn’t count,” Scarlett stage–whispered, earning herself a playful glare.
The conversation flowed easily after that, punctuated by laughter and second helpings of pie. Mom held court from her favorite armchair – the one thing I’d splurged on when furnishing the place, knowing how much she loved to read by the window. She looked more alive than I’d seen her in years, her eyes bright as she traded quips with my friends and fussed over whether everyone had eaten enough.
“Your mom is amazing,” Nate said quietly as we cleared plates later. “You can really see where you get your strength from.”
I smiled, watching Mom teach Scarlett her secret pie crust technique while Joe took meticulous notes. “I’m just glad she’s here.” The manila envelope on my kitchen counter caught my eye – the divorce decree that had arrived yesterday, making everything official. Kyle had been more than generous with the settlement, dividing assets in a way that left me financially secure for life. I hadn’t touched any of it yet. Probably never would.
“Earth to Mia!” Scarlett’s voice pulled me back to the present. “Stop brooding and come help us convince your mother to share her cookie recipe.”
“Good luck with that,” I laughed, pushing thoughts of Kyle aside. “She wouldn’t even tell Dad that one.”
“Smart woman.” Mom winked. “A lady has to keep some secrets.
Later, after everyone had gone home and Mom had retired to her room with a kiss to my forehead, I found myself on my small balcony. The city lights sparkled below, so different from the manicured gardens I’d grown used to. Gas pressed against my leg, his solid warmth grounding me as always.
“What do you think, buddy?” I scratched behind his ears. “Did we do okay?”
His tail thumped against the floor in response.
The night air carried the lingering scent of Mom’s pie, mixed with the urban symphony of traffic and distant sirens. It wasn’t perfect – the neighbor’s music was too loud, the bathroom sink dripped unless you twisted the handle just right, and sometimes the elevator broke down. But it was mine. Ours.
Chapter 71 New Beginnings-
+25 BONUS
My phone buzzed with a text from Scarlett: “Ready to hit the town this weekend? There’s this new club opening and the owner is HOT ‘
“1
rolled my eyes, typing back: “Nice try. Remember Paradise? Never again.”
“Spoilsport! Fine, but at least let me set you up with James’s friend. He’s a lawyer, drives a Tesla…”
“GO TO SLEEP SCARLETT”
Her response was immediate: “Can’t blame a girl for trying! Love you!
I smiled, tucking my phone away. The memory of that night at Paradise still made me cringe – not just the drinking or the embarrassment, but what came after. Kyle’s hands, his mouth, the way he’d made me feel… No. That chapter was closed now.
Gas whined softly, bumping my hand with his nose. Time for his evening walk.
“Come on, boy.” I grabbed his leash, pausing to check on Mom one last time. She was already asleep, her face peaceful in the soft lamplight. The sight made my chest ache with gratitude.
The neighborhood was quiet at this hour, just the occasional couple walking home from late dinner or dog owners like me getting in one last outing. Gas trotted happily beside me, stopping to investigate every interesting smell.
Our route took us past the small park where kids played during the day. Maybe someday I’d bring my own children here – not the ones I’d lost, but new possibilities, new dreams. The thought didn’t hurt as much as it used to.
Back home, I got ready for bed in the bathroom I’d decorated myself, using the design skills that had once felt like just a hobby. Now they were my future, my independence. The children’s center was nearly complete, its success already leading to other commissions.
Mom’s voice drifted from her room – she was talking in her sleep again, something about needing more cinnamon. The familiar sound made me smile as I slipped under my covers.
Gas settled into his bed beside mine – a far cry from the luxury dog bed Kyle had insisted on, but he seemed happier here. We all
did.
“Goodnight, Gas,” I whispered into the darkness. He sighed contentedly in response.
I fell asleep to the sound of city life outside my window, dreaming of apple pie and new beginnings.
