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A New Day

Mr. Gilbert savored his breakfast, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee and toasted bread filling the air, when the sound of a car horn pierced the morning calm. Angelica pulled back the curtains, revealing a sleek black sedan waiting outside their apartment.

"Honey, the driver is here," she called, her voice tinged with a hint of excitement.

"Okay dear, I have to go now. Is Lucretia still sleeping?" Mr. Gilbert asked, his eyes scanning the room as he grabbed his briefcase.

"Yes, she is," Angelica replied, her voice softening.

"Okay dear, tell her I love her," he said, planting a gentle kiss on Angelica's cheek before rushing out the door.

"I will, sweetheart. Take care," she called after him, her voice fading as he disappeared into the morning bustle.

The driver welcomed him with a warm smile. "Good morning, Mr. Gilbert."

"Good morning," he replied, settling into the plush leather seat as the car glided smoothly into the morning traffic.

"How was your night, sir?" the driver asked, his eyes meeting Mr. Gilbert's in the rearview mirror.

"It was great, thank you," Mr. Gilbert replied, his eyes scanning the passing scenery. "My family and I are still getting used to our new surroundings, but we're excited to be here."

"I'm glad to hear that, sir," the driver said, his smile broadening. "I hope you enjoy your stay in America. We're happy to have you."

"Thank you, I'm sure we will," Mr. Gilbert said, his voice filled with optimism. "I'm looking forward to starting my new job and exploring the city."

"Yes, sir, it's a great city," the driver agreed. "There's always something to do or see. If you need any recommendations or have any questions, feel free to ask."

"Thank you, I appreciate that," Mr. Gilbert said, his eyes returning to his briefcase as he began to review his notes for the day.

The driver nodded, his eyes refocusing on the road ahead. "We'll be arriving at your destination shortly, sir."

"Great, thank you," Mr. Gilbert replied, his mind already shifting to the day's tasks ahead.


Angelica walked into Lucretia's room, the soft morning light streaming through the window. She smiled as she gazed at her daughter's peaceful form, her dark hair spread out like a halo on the pillow.

"Wakie...wakie...sleepy head," Angelica whispered, her voice like a gentle breeze as she stroked Lucretia's hair.

Lucretia stirred, her eyes fluttering open like petals unfurling from a flower. "Okay, mum," she replied, her voice husky with sleep.

Angelica smiled, her heart swelling with love. "Good morning, sweetie. Did you sleep well?"

Lucretia nodded, rubbing her eyes. "Yeah, I did. What time is it?"

"It's time to get up and start the day," Angelica said, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "We have a big day ahead of us. We need to find you a new school and get you settled in."

Lucretia's face fell, and she snuggled back under the covers. "Can't I sleep a little longer, mum? Just 10 more minutes?"

Angelica chuckled and gently pulled the covers back. "No, sweetie, we can't be late. Besides, you'll be excited once you see the school and meet new friends."

Lucretia pouted, but eventually threw off the covers and sat up. "Okay, mum. But can I at least have a cup of hot chocolate before we go?"

Angelica smiled, relieved that Lucretia was cooperating. "Of course, sweetie. I'll make you a cup while you get dressed."

Lucretia's face brightened, and she swung her legs over the side of the bed. "Thanks, mum!"

A few minutes later, Lucretia joined her mother downstairs, looking fresh and alert in her yellow sundress. "Mum, where's dad?" she asked, looking around the room as if expecting him to pop out from behind the couch.

Angelica smiled and poured Lucretia a cup of hot chocolate. "He's already gone, sweetie. He had to leave early for work."

Lucretia's face fell, and she pouted. "Oh, I wanted to say goodbye."

Angelica handed her the cup of hot chocolate and gave her a reassuring hug. "I'm sure he'll call us later, and you can talk to him then. By the way, he told me to tell you that he loves you."

Lucretia's face lit up with a smile. "I love him too, mum. But it would have been nice if I could have said that to him myself."

Angelica nodded understandingly. "I know, sweetie. But he had to leave in a hurry."

Lucretia took a sip of her hot chocolate, looking thoughtful. "I wish I could have seen him before he left."

Angelica smiled and put her arm around Lucretia. "We'll see him tonight, and you can tell him all about your day. Now, how's your hot chocolate?"

Lucretia smiled, taking another sip. "It's yummy, mum. Thanks."

As they continued their conversation, Angelica asked Lucretia about her thoughts on starting a new school. Lucretia chattered excitedly about making new friends and learning new things. Angelica listened patiently, smiling at her daughter's enthusiasm.

Angelica left Lucretia to her meal while she got ready for their day out. She headed to her bedroom, closing the door behind her. Soon, Lucretia's voice was heard calling out to her mother.

"Mum, we're running late!"

Angelica heard her daughter's voice and replied, "Give me two minutes, sweetie!"

Lucretia headed to her parents' room, standing in the doorway as she watched her mother putting on makeup. "Mum, you look beautiful," she said, admiring her mother's elegance.

Angelica smiled, looking up from the mirror. "Thank you, sweetie."

Lucretia walked into the room, standing beside her mother. "I love your dress, mum. It matches your eyes."

Angelica chuckled, putting down her makeup brush. "Thank you, Lucretia. You always know how to make me feel special."

She turned to pick up her bag, checking to make sure she had everything they needed for the day. Lucretia watched her, feeling happy to be spending the day with her mother.

"Okay, sweetie, let's go," Angelica said, smiling at Lucretia. "We don't want to be late for your school appointment."

Lucretia nodded, following her mother out of the room. She felt excited and a bit nervous about starting a new school, but with her mother by her side, she felt like she could handle anything.

Angelica and Lucretia headed out of their apartment, closing the door behind them. They walked to the curb, where Angelica hailed a cab. When it pulled up, she opened the door and smiled at the driver.

"Good morning! We're new to the area and we're looking for a good school for my daughter. Can you recommend one and drive us there?"

The driver, a friendly-looking man with a warm smile, nodded. "Of course, ma'am. I know just the place. Lillies International School is one of the best in the area. I'll take you there."

Angelica smiled, relieved. "Thank you so much. We appreciate it."

Lucretia climbed into the cab, followed by Angelica. As they settled in, the driver asked, "So, where are you from originally?"

Angelica replied, "We're from Europe. We just moved here last week."

The driver nodded, "Welcome to the States! I'm sure you'll love it here. Lillies International School is a great choice. My own kids went there and they loved it."

Angelica smiled, feeling reassured. "That's great to hear. Thank you for recommending it."

As the cab drove through the streets, Lucretia looked out the window, taking in the new sights and sounds of their adopted city. Angelica watched her, feeling a sense of excitement and possibility. This was a new chapter in their lives, and she was grateful to have her daughter by her side.

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At around 10 am, they pulled into the school's premises. Lucretia's eyes widened in awe. "Wow, mum, look at that!" she exclaimed, taking in the beauty of the school.

Lillies International School was a stunning campus, with modern buildings surrounded by lush greenery and vibrant flowers. The main building, a sleek and contemporary structure, stood out with its large windows and gleaming glass facade. A beautifully manicured lawn stretched out before them, dotted with tall trees and colorful gardens.

Angelica smiled, pleased with the school's appearance. "It's lovely, isn't it?"

As they stepped out of the cab, Angelica asked the driver to wait for them. "We'll be about an hour or so. Can you wait for us?"

The driver nodded, "Of course, ma'am. Take your time."

With that, they strolled into the school, taking in the sights and sounds of the bustling campus. They approached a friendly-looking receptionist, who greeted them with a warm smile.

"Hello, welcome to Lillies International School! Can I help you?"

Angelica smiled, "Yes, please. We're here to see the director. Can you direct us to their office?"

The receptionist nodded, "Of course. The director's office is just down that hallway, second door on your right. You can't miss it."

Lucretia's eyes sparkled with excitement as they made their way to the office. She couldn't wait to explore this beautiful school and meet the people who worked here. Angelica smiled, feeling a sense of pride and hope for their new life in this new city.
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