“Julia, what’s wrong?” her voice was filled with concern and a worried look distorted her features.
Shaking my head, I tried to stop the flow of choking sobs that continued to erupt. It was all too much and I just wanted to hide away.
Sensing my need, Millie grabbed me by the arm and led me up the stairs to the privacy of her bedroom, closing the door firmly behind her. Then, sitting at my side on the edge of her bed, she put a comforting arm around my shoulders while she waited for me to speak.
“Oh, Millie!” I cried in between sobs, “My parents said we have to move. We have to move away to some random place in the country. It’s so unfair! I can’t go! I can’t leave my life here…change schools, leave you behind and leave Blake! I just can’t!”
Millie chin almost hit the ground, her mind gradually processing my words.
“What are you talking about? Julia, what are you saying?”
Clearly struggling to comprehend the full meaning behind my distressed state, she shook her head in dismay.
“I don’t understand!”
Breaking down into choking sobs once more, I spilled out the full story, one stilted sentence at a time. My dad was being transferred. He was being forced to relocate to another office in a town several hundred miles away. The transfer meant an increase in salary and it also meant that he would be able to keep his job. The office in the city where he currently worked had no further need for him and he had the option to take the transfer or lose his job altogether.
As I sat staring at the shocked expression on Millie’s face, I jumped to my feet, unable to remain still. And frantically pacing her room, I recalled in my mind, the moment my parents had passed on the news; the news that would turn my world upside down.
“What do you mean we all have to move?” I had asked, the hysteria in my voice quickly rising. “I don’t understand!”
That was when I had caught the hesitant look passing between them. It had only been brief but I recognized it immediately; that very expression I had seen so many times before. It was the look that said, “We’ve made up our minds!” The look that told me they’d already “discussed the issue” and there was no turning back.
“It’s a fantastic opportunity, Julia.” My mom’s attempt to sound convincing was not lost on me, and I had stared at her in disgust.
Her eyes then darted back towards my father, pleading for him to speak up, to support her in convincing me that it would all be for the best.
“It means more money for us! We won’t struggle financially anymore!” His tone had been adamant as he continued on with his argument, keen to persuade me towards his point of view.
“You can go to a new school and make new friends.”
And with my mouth dropping open even wider as the full meaning of his words sank in, Mom continued on, the smile growing wider on her face. Clearly she thought that her next comment would be the one to convince me, the one that would have me immediately excited about their plans.
“We will be able to move out of the suburbs and find a beautiful house in the country. And you may even be able to get a pony, Julia. You’ve always wanted your own horse. This is your chance! It’s going to be so exciting. A new start for all of us!”
As I listened further, an intense fear had taken hold. It was a deep nauseating feeling that caused me to gasp in despair. It was obvious they had made their decision. They hadn’t even consulted me and to make matters worse, according to them my brother, Matt was looking forward to the change. The promise of a country property with a motor bike was all it had taken.
I was the last to be told. And their decision was final. There was no “family discussion,” no asking me how I felt about the idea, no consulting me or any mention of possible alternatives. We were moving to the country and that was that, end of story!
As I shared every word of that dreaded conversation with Millie, I was abruptly hit with a wave of nausea that became worse with every passing minute. Feeling as though I were about to faint, I sat down on the nearest chair, the shock filling me with a mixture of anger and panic and I had to control the urge to throw up.
The overwhelming nausea in the bottom of my stomach had worked its way to my throat. I felt ill. Violently ill. My world was falling apart and I didn’t know what to do. The news was unexpected, out of the blue, thrown upon me in the blink of an eye without any regard, or so it seemed, for my feelings.
Right then, I hated my parents. I hated my dad, I hated his boss for making him move and I hated my mom for even considering that I’d be happy with the idea.
Apart from running away, or moving in with Millie, which I knew my parents would never allow, I was unable to come up with any other alternative. I did not know what I could do.
When I caught sight of the tears dripping slowly down Millie’s cheeks and onto her t-shirt, I was filled with an overwhelming sadness. But it was the words she uttered next that made me sadder than ever.
“Julia, you’re my best friend. You can’t move away! You just can’t!”
Reality…
We were given two weeks to pack. Two weeks and my world as I had previously known it would change.
There would be no more hanging out with Millie and Blake on weekends, no more band practices full of surprising new rap solos from Jack and no more talk of starting Senior High School with my closest friends the following semester.
Dad’s new job had been confirmed and the removalists had been arranged. All I had to do was get myself organized, pack up my room, make sure nothing was left behind and be ready to leave when the day arrived.
According to my parents that was all I had to do.
For me however, I had much more important things to focus on and although I did spend some time packing, every single spare minute I could find was spent with Millie and Blake. But even so, it was not enough and the two weeks passed way too quickly.
When the time came, they both wanted to wave me off but I stubbornly refused; that scenario would have been way too upsetting. Millie and I had already cried enough tears already.
Funnily enough, in the end, of the three of us it was me who had become the strong one.
When Dad reversed our car down the driveway and headed in the direction of the highway which would eventually lead to our new home in the country, I stared out at all that was familiar. But rather than allowing the tears to fall, I forced my thoughts in an entirely different direction.
After finally coming to terms with the reality surrounding me, I’d managed to turn my thoughts around completely. While I knew I would always resent my parents for the situation we’d found ourselves in, deep down I was aware that it wasn’t really their fault. I was also aware that I didn’t have any realistic alternative but to accept the plans that had been made.
And it was at that point I realized the choices in front of me.
There were only two.
Two choices.
Two decisions I could make.
It was just up to me to make the right one.
On the one hand, I could focus on every single negative thought that came to mind; thoughts of never seeing my friends again, thoughts of hating my new home, thoughts of hating my new school, thoughts of being permanently miserable.
Or, I could do the opposite.
At first I had chosen the easy alternative. It was so easy to be miserable, to hate my parents, to hate my life and continually complain to anyone would listen. After dwelling in self-pity and endless bitter tears that felt as though they would never stop, I was finally able to cease crying.
It was at that point, everything seemed to change; my attitude, my mindset, my outlook. It had taken monumental effort. But the positive frame of mind that I was eventually able to take on board, allowed me to see everything in a completely different light. And all that was left for me to do, was to convince Millie and Blake to feel the same way.
“I will call you every single day!” were the words I repeated to both of them, over and ove
r and over. “And as soon as we’re settled in, you have to come and stay!”
Of course they’d both eagerly agreed and amidst more promises, we had all hugged each other tightly.
After a tearful farewell from Millie, where I tried my hardest to remain strong, she had left me alone with Blake and it was that special moment with him that I kept foremost in my mind for the entire journey.
As our car sped along the highway, the vision of his beautiful face caused my mouth to curve in a wide smile. The thought of his strong arms wrapped tightly around me in a farewell embrace, created the familiar tingling sensation, the one that I had come to know so well.
He was one of the most special people in my life. And I was sure that regardless of where I lived, our friendship would last forever.
***
Find out what lies ahead for Julia and all her friends in a brand new series…
Mind Reader – Book 1: My New Life
OUT NOW!!
This book introduces Emmie, a girl who unexpectedly arrives in Carindale and meets Millie. But Emmie has a secret, a secret that must remain hidden at all costs.
What happens to Julia, Blake, Sara and all the others and how does Emmie’s sudden appearance affect Julia and her friends?
This fabulous new series continues the story of Julia Jones but has a whole new twist, one that all Julia Jones’ Diary fans are sure to enjoy.
***
If you love horses and would also like to read about Julia’s new life in the country, please click on the link below. It is another Julia Jones’ Diary book that all horse loving girls will enjoy…
Julia Jones’ Diary – Book 7
“My Dream Pony”
This book continues the Julia Jones Diary series.
Julia has been forced to leave all her friends behind in order to begin a new life in the country. It is a suspenseful roller coaster ride that will keep you on the edge of your seat wondering what is going to happen next.
My Dream Pony is a story for anyone who is looking for a great book for girls. Regardless of whether or not you love horses, it's definitely a book that you will love to read!
***
If you like reading about kids with special powers, I’m sure you’ll also love to read
The Secret – Mind Magic
The story of a boy with a completely different type of power. And when a very pretty girl moves in next door, his life starts to get REALLY complicated!
Available Now!
***
If you are a Harry Potter fan, you are sure to absolutely love my new series WITCH SCHOOL.
Imagine being 11 years old and discovering you are a witch! This story is full of suspense and drama. A fabulous book for girls!
Book 1 is Available NOW!
WITCH SCHOOL
***
TWINS – Book 1: SWAPPED!
Another awesome book for girls.
This is the exciting and suspenseful story of twelve-year-old Casey who unexpectedly finds herself face to face with a new girl at school who looks exactly like her. The events that unfold are a bizarre and unexpected mix of drama, school friendships, boy crushes and much more.
This is certain to be a favorite!
If you like FUNNY books then I’m sure you’ll enjoy
BODY SWAP
Find out what happens when 12 year old Jack Stevenson is forced to swap bodies with his dad. What will his girlfriend, Holly do? A hilarious adventure!!
Book 1 is Available NOW!
BODY SWAP
Book 1: Catastrophe
***
Announcing ANOTHER New Series!
Exciting News! Katrina Kahler has continued to tell the story of Julia Jones - 3 years on - yes, the Teenage Years. Julia is older, but is she wiser? Whatever happened to Blake and Sara?
Grab the first new book in the series now! You'll love it!
Julia Jones – The Teenage Years
Book 1: Falling Apart
Out NOW!
Julia Jones – The Teenage Years: Book 1 Falling Apart
This book is FREE!!
If you have a Kindle Unlimited subscription, you can read the entire Julia Jones series without paying another cent!
Don’t miss out!!
Follow Julia Jones on Instagram @juliajonesdiary
And please LIKE Julia Jones’ Diary Facebook page to be kept up to date with all the latest books in the Julia Jones’ series…
https://www.facebook.com/JuliaJonesDiary?ref=hl
To leave a review on US Amazon, please click here...
http://amzn.to/1RLEabC
To leave a review on UK amazon, please click here...
http://amzn.to/1GKQALC
Be sure to check out the exciting and suspenseful series…
Angel
Book 1
Guardian
Book 1 is FREE!!
Here are some other books that I’m sure you’ll also enjoy reading…
Diary of an Almost Cool Girl Book 1:
Meet Maddi “Oops!”
This book is FREE!!
Diary of Mr. Tall, Dark and Handsome:
My Life Has Changed!
Diary of an Almost Cool Boy
Diary of a Horse Mad Girl Book 1:
My First Pony
And be sure to visit…
http://diaryofanalmostcoolgirl.com/
This is where you’ll find all the bestselling books for kids!
Don’t forget to subscribe to our website
Best Selling Books for Kids
You can select any single ebook of your choice for FREE! We will also keep you updated on all our new releases, special deals and send you further free books from time to time, just to say thank you for being a valued subscriber.
Click Here to Get Started
This is where you’ll find all the bestselling books for kids
Julia Jones' Diary - Boxed Set - Books 2 to 6 Page 30