Mini GTS Fiction

The sun was just beginning to rise as the Tsai family busily loaded up Klara’s SUV for the road trip to Herovia. Packed bags, snacks, and a mix of excitement and bittersweet emotions filled the air. Kelly and Nadira, both ready for their new chapter at Penelope Exeter Academy, had been counting down the days to this journey.

Jake struggled with one of Kelly’s large and heavy trunks, dragging it along the ground as he strained to make it move. He only made it halfway to the SUV before his wife spotted his difficulty and came over to help. Klara, who had been hitting the gym with Kelly all summer to regain her pre-pregnancy fitness, was now noticeably muscular and lifted the trunk by the handle effortlessly with one hand and slid it easily into the back of the SUV.

“Let Kelly and I handle the big heavy stuff,” she told her husband.

Jake looked up at his wife appreciatively and nodded. At some point during the summer, Klara’s fitness journey had ceased to be about losing the baby weight; she clearly enjoyed how muscular she was becoming and wanted the world to know it. The green tank top she was wearing for the trip showed off her impressive biceps, while the skintight workout pants showed off her powerful legs.

 When Jake had suggested that she wear something more appropriate for visiting their daughter’s new school, Klara had shut him down immediately. She had to dress professionally all week, she told him, and she was damned if she was going to wear her professional attire on a day off. When he had suggested jeans instead, Klara had just complained that her legs were too muscular now to fit into her jeans, and that Jake hadn’t been proactive enough about ordering new ones to fit her bulky frame. At that point, he’d let the matter drop.

As Kelly brought out an oversized suitcase and slid it into the SUV next to the trunk, Klara exchanged a knowing look with her daughter, a silent acknowledgment of the bond they’d strengthened through physical exertion and mutual support leading the family. The mother-daughter duo, with their newfound strength, shared a camaraderie that had further divided the family along gender lines.

Jake, with Kristina in his arms, marveled at the sight of the two strong women in his life. They possessed a strength and vitality that he and Kyle couldn’t hope to match. Fortunately, they were able to find their own ways to contribute to the family dynamic.

As the SUV was loaded with luggage and snacks, Kyle emerged from the house with a box of his own belongings that he would be lending to Nadira for the school year. His timing was uncanny, because just as we walked down the front steps, Ms. Reed pulled up in her own luxury SUV, packed to the brim with barely enough room for her and Nadira in the front seats.

Ms. Reed stepped out of her vehicle with a warm smile, her appearance immaculately polished despite the early hour. She approached Klara and Kelly, shaking Klara’s hand and giving Kelly a quick hug in greeting.

“Good morning! I hope you’re all ready for the big day,” Ms. Reed said, her eyes scanning the packed SUV. “Looks like you’ve got everything but the kitchen sink in there.”

Kelly nodded toward Ms. Reed’s vehicle and chuckled, “You’re one to talk!”

Ms. Reed laughed ruefully. “True, true. But between you and me, I’m convinced the kitchen sink would fit if I rearranged a few things.”

Nadira got out of the passenger’s side of her older sister’s vehicle, a mix of excitement and nervousness in her eyes. She exchanged pleasantries with Klara and Kelly, and as her eyes met Kyle’s, a subtle blush crept onto her cheeks. The two teenagers shared a brief, awkward smile, both aware of the changes in their relationship and the challenges that awaited them trying to handle long distance.

The group engaged in small talk, the air filled with a blend of anticipation and farewell. Jake, holding Kristina, observed the interactions, a mix of emotions swirling within him. As the conversation continued, he couldn’t shake the unease he had been feeling about Ms. Reed and Mark at work. Still, today was about the girls, so he tried to put the drama at work out of his mind.

“My parents should be arriving shortly to watch Kristina while we’re gone,” Jake explained. “We’ll hit the road once they get here.”

“I can’t believe how big she’s gotten!” Ms. Reed observed, starting down at the squirming baby in his arms.

“I know!” Jake replied. “Infant girls grow so fast! Soon she’ll be too big for me to carry like this.”

In his peripheral vision, Jake caught Kyle eying his baby sister warily. Nadira seemed to sense his unease, and placed a protective hand on his shoulder.

“I wish I could ride with you and your sister,” Kyle told her.

Nadira smiled, and crouched down to be closer to Kyle’s eye level. “With everything I’m bringing, there just isn’t enough room. But I’m so glad you’ll be there to help me move in.”

“Me too,” Kyle replied, his voice thick with emotion.

Their tender moment was interrupted by the arrival of Jake’s parents, pulling up in their reliable sedan. Gran and Grandpa Mitty greeted their family, beaming with joy at the sight of their grandchildren and eager to watch Kristina for the day.

Jake handed Kristina over to his father, who cradled the baby with practiced ease. “Don’t you worry, Jake. We’ll take good care of her,” his mother assured him, her eyes filled with grandmotherly affection.

With the baby in capable hands, the rest of the group gathered for a final round of hugs and well-wishes. Since Ms. Reed was a Penelope Exeter alumna, she knew the drive well and would be leading the convoy with Klara following closely behind. The atmosphere in both vehicles was a mix of excitement, trepidation, and anticipation. This would be the longest Kelly had ever been away from her family, and it would be a big change for both the Tsais and the Reeds.

The two vehicles winded along the scenic route, with bursts of animated conversation punctuated by contemplative silence as the reality of the upcoming separation settled in. Shortly after crossing into Vermont from Matripolis, they decided to stop for breakfast at the Pink Peggy, an old railway car diner in Margareton. The diner, a charming establishment with its long counter and small old fifties jukeboxes at each booth, offered a cozy respite from the road. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee filled the air.

As they settled into a corner booth, the atmosphere lightened. Ms. Reed shared stories about her own experiences at Penelope Exeter Academy, mixing funny anecdotes with useful practical advice. Both teenage girls absorbed the conversation with a mix of fascination and nervousness, eager to create their own memories at the prestigious boarding school while feeling a little intimidated by such a major change in their lives.

They weren’t seated for long when the waitress, a tall middle-aged woman with broad shoulders and a friendly demeanor, approached the Tsai family’s booth with a notepad in hand. She smiled warmly at the group as she introduced herself.

“Good morning, folks! Welcome to the Pink Peggy. My name’s Darlene, and I’ll be takin’ care of you today. Ready to order?”

Klara, Ms. Reed, Kelly, and Nadira quickly placed their orders, but when Darlene turned her attention to Jake and Kyle, her tone and choice of words took an unexpected turn.

Darlene’s gaze shifted to Jake and Kyle, her smile widening as she addressed them in a tone that carried a hint of condescension. “And how about you, boys? What can I get for my two handsome little fellas here?”

Jake and Kyle exchanged awkward glances, taken aback by the unexpected shift in tone. Kelly stifled a giggle, and even Ms. Reed couldn’t hide a smirk. Nadira, sensing her boyfriend’s discomfort, tried to suppress a smile but found it difficult.

Jake cleared his throat, attempting to regain some semblance of dignity. “Uh, I’ll have two eggs over easy with bacon, please.”

Darlene looked skeptical. “Are you sure? That’s a lot of food for a little guy like you.”

“I’m sure,” Jake replied, crossing his arms out of frustration.

The waitress just shrugged, and turned her attention to Kyle. “And what can I get for you, little boy? Perhaps a kiddie menu and a coloring book?” she suggested, her eyes twinkling with amusement.

Jake and Kyle exchanged incredulous glances, the discomfort growing more palpable.

“No thank you,” Kyle responded, trying to maintain his composure. “I’ll have a Belgian waffle with strawberries.”

Darlene just rolled her eyes. “You’re as stubborn as he is. I sure hope your eyes aren’t bigger than your stomachs.”

“I love her sense of humor!” Kelly exclaimed as the waitress walked away to put their order in with the kitchen.

Klara and the Reed sisters nodded in agreement. Jake and Kyle fumed silently.

As breakfast progressed, the women at the table continued to be amused by Jake and Kyle’s growing embarrassment at the way Darlene kept speaking to them.

Noticing the guys’ discomfort, the other waitress working the shift made a brief discreet stop at their table. She was a lot younger than Darlene, only a couple years older than Kelly and Nadira.

“I wouldn’t take it personally,” she told them. “Darlene’s like that with all of the men who come in here. Just be glad you’re not her poor husband!”

Jake and Kyle continued to feel awkward as Darlene’s banter persisted, but the younger waitress’s reassurance helped them take it in stride. And when the food arrived, everybody agreed that their breakfasts were excellent. By the time they finished, even Darlene had to admit that she’d underestimated the appetites of the “little boys.”

While Klara settled the bill at the register and Ms. Reed left a generous tip on the table for Darlene, Jake headed outside with the girls and Kyle to wait. He soon found himself shivering, the first brisk hints of autumn in the September air. When Klara finally came out of the restaurant, she saw the goosebumps on his arms and shot him a scornful look.

“You guys get cold so easily with your skinny little limbs,” she observed. “I told you should have worn a jacket.”

“I know”, Jake mumbled in response, looking down at his feet to avoid the weight of his wife’s stare.

Klara turned to Kelly. “I think I saw one of your old plaid shirts in the back when we were loading up the car this morning. See if you can fish it out for your father.”

When Kelly yanked it loose and brought to Jake, he recognized it as one his daughter had outgrown years ago. But while it was now far too small for his daughter, it was comically oversized on him. The short sleeves came down past his elbows and the bottom hem came down nearly to his knees. His wife and the Reed sisters were all giggling at the sight of him, and even Kyle was struggling to stifle a smirk.

Still, Jake was willing to bear this latest indignity because his daughter’s old shirt did help with the chill. Once the ladies got their laughter under control, the two families returned to their respective vehicles and resumed the road trip to Herovia. The scenic drive continued uneventfully, passing through picturesque landscapes as they headed to the elite school.

As the two vehicles crossed over the Connecticut River, leaving Vermont behind and entering Herovia, the quaint charms of downtown Brattleboro made way for the rolling hills and lush greenery along the Harriet Kendrick Highway. The anticipation in the air was palpable, both for the girls embarking on their new chapter at Penelope Exeter Academy and for the families accompanying them.

The last 170 kilometers across southern Herovia passed quickly, and soon enough a road sign along State Route 27 announced that they were entering the town of Exeter. Ms. Reed, in the lead vehicle, navigated the familiar streets with ease. The Tsai family followed closely behind, trying to take in the community that Kelly and Nadira would be living in for the next four years.

The academy itself, nestled within a vast expanse of manicured lawns and historic buildings, appeared like a scene from a postcard as they approached. The sight of Penelope Exeter’s grand entrance, flanked by towering oak trees, left an indelible impression on both girls. The sprawling campus, with its ivy-covered red brick buildings and manicured lawns, exuded an air of tradition and excellence.

At the top of the hill, Ms. Reed and then Klara spoke through the driver’s side window with a girl from the upper grades who was helping coordinate things. Impeccably dressed in school colors, the helpful young woman indicated where they could park to unload their vehicles. As everyone climbed out, they were greeted by the crisp air of the early September afternoon.

The Tsais and the Reeds joined the hustle and bustle of other families, unloading luggage and belongings from their vehicles. The student volunteers, identified by their matching shirts and friendly smiles, offered assistance and guidance. The air was filled with a mix of nervous excitement and the sense that something significant was unfolding.

Kelly and Nadira took in their surroundings with a mix of awe and trepidation. The reality of leaving home began to set in. At a folding table set up near the unloading area, they learned that their request to be roommates had been approved. The room they had been assigned  was on the third floor of Bancroft Hall. They were introduced to their floor’s resident assistant, a friendly and welcoming upperclassman named Sophie, who led them towards their assigned dormitory.

As Sophie led the two families across the campus, she explained the history of Penelope Exeter Academy as they walked. The town had been founded in 1638 by Mary Exeter, a Coven of England priestess who fled England when her liberal theology conflicted with Queen Elizabeth VI’s hardline views. Nearly a century and a half later, merchant and banker Penelope Exeter returned to the town her grandmother had founded and used her vast wealth to establish a school which would instill in the region’s most promising young women the virtues of goodness and knowledge. Early in the twentieth century, oil baroness Florence Caldwell made a sizable donation to the school under the condition that it adopt the “Caldwell method” of instruction, an educational framework that is student-driven rather than teacher-driven.

When they reached Bancroft Hall, Sophie held open the heavy wooden door for the group to enter. Jake was grateful for her assistance; he could barely reach the door handle, and he doubted he had the strength to open it. Inside, the spacious foyer had an air of timeless elegance, with a sweeping staircase leading to the upper floors. The walls on both sides were adorned with portraits of distinguished alumnae, creating an atmosphere steeped in tradition and academic excellence.

Upon reaching Bancroft’s third floor, the air was filled with the hum of anticipation and the shuffle of students settling into their new homes. Shuffling through her purse, Sophie took out two keys. She handed one to Nadira and used the other to unlock a door at the end of the hall. The door to Kelly and Nadira’s room swung open, revealing a bright and cozy space with twin beds, twin desks, an old fireplace, and a large window overlooking the campus.

Sophie smiled warmly, her helpful demeanor shining through. She handed the second key to Kelly and waved them inside. “Here you go, Room 314. Make yourselves at home!”

Kelly and Nadira stepped into their new shared space, the excitement and nervousness evident in their expressions. The room, though smaller than their bedrooms at home, radiated a sense of possibility and independence.

As they began unpacking, Sophie lingered in the doorway, offering guidance and answering questions about dorm life and the academy’s traditions. She encouraged the girls to get involved in extracurricular activities and assured them that the initial homesickness would soon be replaced by a sense of belonging.

While the girls settled into their room, their mothers engaged in friendly conversation with Sophie in the hallway. They discussed the changes in Penelope Exeter Academy since Ms. Reed’s time as a student. Ms. Reed seemed to enjoy reminiscing about her youthful experiences at the school, and Sophie seemed genuinely interested to hear more about the school’s past.

Meanwhile, Jake and Kyle stood on the periphery, observing the interactions. Sophie, maintaining a professional demeanor, turned her attention toward them. “So, Jake and Kyle, if you have any questions or need assistance, feel free to ask. I’m here to help.”

Jake appreciated the offer but felt a bit out of place. “Thank you, Sophie. We appreciate your help getting them settled in. I guess we’ll let them unpack and get acclimated.”

Sophie’s mouth tightened at the little man’s words.

“One thing though: Here at Penelope Exeter, students are seen for the leaders they will become. As such, it is tradition for men to address us more formally here on campus. Accordingly, I would prefer it if you call me Ms. Sacco while you’re with us here on campus.”

Sophie’s polite insistence on the formal address caught Jake and Kyle slightly off guard, but they nodded in understanding.

“Of course, Ms. Sacco. We appreciate your help,” Jake responded with a friendly smile.

“Thank you for clarifying, Ms. Sacco,” Kyle added, trying to match his father’s amicable tone.

Sophie nodded appreciatively, her demeanor softening. “You’re welcome, boys. And like I said, if you need anything, don’t hesitate to ask. The transition to academy life can be an adjustment for families too.”

As she made her way down the hallway to assist other students and families, Jake and Kyle exchanged bemused glances. The practice seemed a bit antiquated and stuffy, but they recognized that traditions were important at a place like Penelope Exeter Academy with such a long and storied history.

Soon enough, it was time to head back downstairs and unload the remaining items from the SUVs. The division of labor was evident—the women and girls effortlessly carried the big, heavy stuff, while Jake and Kyle handled smaller, lighter loads.

“Kyle, grab those pillows and blankets. We’ll need them to make the beds cozy,” Klara instructed, as she and Kelly carried a heavy wooden dresser.

Kyle nodded and quickly gathered the bedding, maneuvering his way through the crowded hallways. The dormitory’s atmosphere buzzed with excitement and nervous energy as families worked together to create comfortable living spaces for their daughters.

Meanwhile, Jake followed behind juggling a collection of smaller items—clothing, toiletries, and various other lightweight personal belongings. He marveled at the efficiency with which the women handled the larger furniture, admiring their strength and endurance. The division of labor based on traditional gender roles played out with the other families all around him too. Jake and Kyle were satisfied with their smaller contributions, recognizing that every little bit still helped.

After a dozen or so trips, all of the girls’ stuff had made it up into Room 314 and it was starting to take on a bit of their personalities. As Jake and Kyle worked together to make the beds, Sophie returned with two men. One was in his early twenties, while the other was even older than Jake.

“Bert and Ernesto, I’d like to introduce you to Ms. Tsai and Ms. Reed. Kelly and Nadira, Bert and Ernesto are the domestic assistants for our floor. They’ll be doing your laundry, emptying your trash, and vacuuming your floors.”

The two men peered up at Kelly and Nadira, but didn’t say anything.

“Bert and Ernesto are here to ensure that you can focus on your studies,” Sophie continued. “They’ll take care of the things your fathers and brothers probably did for you back at home. They’ll stop by to drop off your clean clothes Wednesday mornings, and you can let them know then if there’s anything else you need assistance with.”

Kelly and Nadira bent down to offer the two men polite hellos. Bert and Ernesto nodded in acknowledgment, their expressions deferential and reserved.

As Sophie ushered the domestic assistants to the next room, Kelly and Nadira turned their attention back to Jake and Kyle, instructing them as they unpacked the remaining trunks and suitcases.

Once everything had been unpacked, a touch of preemptive homesickness crept into the dormitory’s atmosphere. The families were adjusting to the new reality of separation, and the girls were navigating the unfamiliar terrain of dorm life.

“Maybe we can find a good spot for a group photo before we part ways,” Klara suggested, as it became clear that everyone was reluctant to say their goodbyes.

Kelly and Nadira, not yet ready for their families to go, agreed enthusiastically. The Tsais and the Reeds set out to explore the picturesque grounds of Penelope Exeter Academy. Sophie, with her knowledge of the campus, offered to guide them to a scenic spot that would serve as the perfect backdrop for a memorable photo.

As they strolled through the manicured lawns and admired the historical architecture, the families chatted about the experiences that awaited Kelly and Nadira. Ms. Reed and Sophie compared and contrasted their experiences at Penelope Exeter, pointing out things that had changed while highlighting other things that had remained the same.

Jake and Kyle had to jog to keep ups with the ladies’ longer strides, and they were just starting to feel a bit winded when the group reached a charming courtyard framed by brick campus buildings with a fountain in the center. The families agreed that it was an ideal location for the photo. Sophie offered to take it for them, and Klara handed Sophie her phone.

Sophie expertly positioned everyone, with the much smaller guys in the middle, the far taller ladies flanking them on either side, and the elegant architecture of Penelope Exeter Academy perfectly framed in the background. The families gathered close, creating a tableau of mixed emotions—excitement, pride, and the unmistakable tinge of bittersweet farewells.

“Say cheese!” Sophie called out with a friendly smile. The camera clicked, immortalizing the Tsai and Reed families on the cusp of a significant chapter in their lives. “And just to be safe, let me get a few more.”

As the families lingered in the courtyard, emotions ran high as the families exchanged hugs and well-wishes.

Kelly pulled her brother into a tight hug. “Be good while I’ve gone, Kyle. Listen to Mom. And look after Dad and Kristina, okay?”

Kyle nodded, not one to openly display his emotions. But his voice definitely caught as he surprised everyone with a heartfelt, “Take care, sis. I’ll really miss you.”

When Klara pulled her oldest daughter into a tight embrace, Kelly started sobbing. Nadira was a bit more reserved as she hugged her big sister goodbye.

“I wish Mom and Dad were here, Imani.”

Ms. Reed looked back at her sympathetically. “I know. They wanted to be here, but Mom had a work commitment that she couldn’t get out of, and there was just no way to make the travel work.”

“I’m so grateful that you’re here, though. You’re such a great big sister.” And now it was Ms. Reed’s turn to start sobbing.

After everybody had said their goodbyes, Klara gave the two girls a few parting words of wisdom.

“Take care of each other, and remember, we’re just a call away,” Klara advised, her eyes reflecting both pride and a touch of maternal concern.

“We believe in you and your ability to do great things,” Ms. Reed added. “And I promise you that soon enough it will feel like you have a second family here at Penelope Exeter Academy. Just give it a little time.”

Both girls nodded, still clearly very emotional.

As Jake and Kyle followed Klara and Ms. Reed back to the SUVs, the mood was a mix of nostalgia, pride, and a sense of loss. The scenic surroundings of the academy’s campus seemed to echo with the sentiments of the families navigating this significant transition.

They had just made it back to the parking lot when a girl’s voice suddenly shouted out, “Kyle!”

Turning around, they watched as Nadira raced toward them.

Before Kyle could say anything, she pulled him into a tight hug that lifted him right off the ground. Still suspended off the ground in her arms, Kyle gave her a passionate kiss.

“Don’t forget about me,” Nadira made him promise when their lips finally parted.

Kyle, a tear running down his cheek, just smiled. “Forget you? Impossible.”

Nadira, lowering him back down toward the ground, found herself laughing even as she was crying. “We’ll get through this. It’s just a few months until the holidays, right?”

“Yeah,” Kyle replied, squeezing her hand as he looked up into her eyes. “We’ll make it work.”

As two teenagers exchanged a final wave, the adults got back to their respective vehicles, each carrying a mix of emotions. Once Kyle had buckled himself into his booster seat, the two SUVs took off for home.

The drive back to Matripolis was subdued. The sun had begun its descent, casting a warm glow across the landscape. Jake occasionally glanced at Klara, a silent understanding passing between them. They were proud of their daughter but couldn’t shake the pang of emptiness that came with leaving her behind.

“I don’t know what I’m going to do without them,” Kyle said as Klara pulled into their driveway. “Kelly’s been at my side since I was born, and Nadira was my best friend long before she became my girlfriend.”

Klara shot him a sympathetic glance via the rear view mirror as she parked the SUV in the driveway. The atmosphere inside the vehicle was heavy with the weight of recent goodbyes. Jake unbuckled himself from his own booster seat, turned back toward Kyle, placed a reassuring hand on his son’s shoulder.
“It’s a big adjustment, Kyle,” Jake acknowledged, his voice filled with understanding. “But remember, it’s not about doing without. It’s about finding new ways to grow and connect, both with your sister and with Nadira.”

“Yeah, Dad,” Kyle sighed, looking out of the window as the memories of the day played in his mind. “I know. It’s just… different.”

Klara turned off the engine, and the quiet settled over the car. The reality of the changed dynamics in the Tsai household sank in. Kyle, so carefree and easygoing over the summer, was grappling with the sense of loss. Jake and Klara exchanged a glance, silently acknowledging the complexity of the moment.

“We’ll find our new normal, buddy,” Jake reassured, squeezing Kyle’s shoulder gently. “And hey, you’ve still got Kristina to keep you on your toes.”

But Kyle looked more disconcerted than comforted. “She’s still staying over with Gran and Grandpa tonight, right?”

“Yeah,” Klara replied, misunderstanding the tension in his voice. “But don’t worry, she’ll be home in the morning.”

As the Tsai family entered the house, they all felt Kelly’s absence keenly, as the quiet halls echoed with a newfound sense of space. Still, the familiarity of their home felt comforting and the unusual quiet somehow poignant. Klara immediately headed into her den to respond to the work emails that had piled up while they were dropping the girls off. Jake, sensing the mix of emotions, suggested that he and Kyle fix a late dinner together, deciding that some father-son time and a nice meal would bring some warmth to the family’s suddenly emptier home.