Novel : Hope & Heartbeats

a determined 23-year-old who dreams of becoming a doctor despite her family’s lack of support due to financial struggles.

CHAPTER 02

The argument started over dinner, as it often did. Kenna’s mother had been unusually quiet all evening, her lips pressed into a thin line as she stirred the pot of rice on the stove. Kenna knew something was coming her mother always got like this when she had something heavy on her mind.

“Kenna,” her mother finally said, breaking the silence. Her tone was sharp, cutting through the hum of the evening like a knife. “When are you going to stop wasting your time with these… dreams of yours?”

Kenna froze, her spoon halfway to her mouth. She had known this conversation was inevitable, but that didn’t make it any easier. “Mama, I’m not wasting my time. I’ve already applied to medical school. I might get in.”

Her mother slammed the spoon down on the counter, making Kenna’s younger brother, Sam, flinch. “Applied? With what money? Do you think we have gold hidden under our floorboards? You’re chasing something that will never happen!”

Kenna felt her chest tighten. She wanted to scream, to tell her mother that dreams weren’t just for rich people. But instead, she forced herself to stay calm. “I’ll find a way, Mama. Someone helped me with the application fees already. I can figure out the rest.”

“Someone?” her mother repeated, her voice rising. “Who? Who would help someone like us? No one gives away money for free, Kenna. What did you promise them in return?”

Kenna’s face flushed with anger and embarrassment. “It’s not like that! They just… believed in me.”

“Believed in you?” her mother spat, her eyes flashing. “And what about believing in this family? You think teaching is enough? We barely have enough to eat as it is. How will we survive if you leave for some fancy school?”

“I’m not leaving you!” Kenna shot back, her voice cracking. “I’m doing this so I can give us a better life. Don’t you see that? If I become a doctor, I can take care of all of us. I can fix things.”

Her mother shook her head, tears welling up in her eyes. “You’re too young to understand how hard life is. Dreams don’t put food on the table, Kenna. Hard work does. And right now, your hard work belongs here with us.”

Sam, who had been quietly eating his rice, looked between his mother and sister, his small face filled with confusion. “Kenna, why can’t you just stay home?” he asked softly.

Kenna’s heart broke at the sound of his voice. She loved her brother more than anything, but she couldn’t let go of her dream not even for him. “Sam, I promise I’ll come back. I’ll make everything better. Just trust me.”

But her mother wasn’t done. “Trust you? How can we trust you when you’re willing to abandon us for something that might never happen? You’re selfish, Kenna. Selfish!”

The word hit Kenna like a slap. She stood up abruptly, her chair scraping against the floor. “I’m not selfish,” she said, her voice trembling. “I’m trying to make something of myself for all of us. But if you can’t see that, then maybe… maybe I should just go.”

She grabbed her bag and stormed out of the house, slamming the door behind her. Outside, the cool night air hit her face, but it did little to soothe the burning in her chest. Tears streamed down her cheeks as she walked aimlessly through the dark streets, her mother’s words echoing in her mind.

“Selfish…”

Was she really being selfish? Was her dream worth the pain it was causing her family? Kenna didn’t know anymore. All she knew was that giving up wasn’t an option not yet.

As she sat down on a bench near the park, she buried her face in her hands and cried. For the first time in years, she felt truly alone.

Kenna sat on the park bench for what felt like hours, her tears slowly drying in the cool night air. The streets were quiet now, the only sounds coming from distant crickets and the occasional car passing by. Her heart still ached from the argument with her mother, but she knew she couldn’t stay out here forever. She had to go back home back to the family that needed her, even if they didn’t understand her.

As she stood up and wiped her face, she noticed a figure standing near the edge of the park. At first, she thought it was just a passerby, but as the person stepped closer, she realized it was Barron James.

“Miss Will?” he called out softly, his voice calm but tinged with concern.

Kenna froze, startled. “Mr. James? What are you doing here?”

Barron hesitated for a moment before stepping closer. “I… I saw you leave your house. I was driving by and noticed you looked upset. Are you alright?”

Kenna wanted to tell him she was fine, to brush off his concern and walk away. But something about the genuine worry in his eyes made her pause. Instead, she sighed and shook her head. “Not really.”

He nodded, as if he’d expected that answer. “Do you want to talk about it?”

Kenna glanced around, feeling vulnerable under the dim streetlights. “I don’t think so. It’s… personal.”

Barron took a step back, raising his hands slightly. “Of course. I didn’t mean to intrude. But if you ever need someone to listen… I’m here.”

His words surprised her. Why would someone like him care about her problems? She studied his face, searching for any hint of mockery or hidden motives. But all she saw was sincerity.

“Why do you keep helping me?” she asked suddenly, her voice barely above a whisper. “You’ve done so much already the money, the advice and now this. Why?”

Barron’s expression softened, and for a brief moment, Kenna thought she saw something flicker in his eyes something deeper than kindness. But then he smiled faintly and shrugged. “Because I believe in you, Miss Will. People like you… you remind me of why the world still has hope. You’re strong, determined, and you care about others. That’s rare.”

Kenna felt her cheeks flush, though she wasn’t sure if it was from embarrassment or gratitude. “But you don’t even know me,” she said, shaking her head. “You shouldn’t waste your time on someone like me.”

“I disagree,” Barron replied firmly. “Time spent on someone who deserves it is never wasted.”

His words lingered in the air between them, heavy with meaning. Kenna didn’t know how to respond. She wanted to believe him to believe that someone could see value in her when even her own family doubted her. But it was hard. Too hard.

“Thank you,” she finally said, her voice soft but sincere. “For everything. But… I have to figure this out on my own.”

Barron nodded, respecting her decision. “Of course. Just remember you’re not alone, Kenna. Even when it feels like it, there are people who care about you. Don’t forget that.”

Kenna swallowed hard, fighting back fresh tears. She wanted to ask him more why he cared so much, what he really thought of her but she stopped herself. Instead, she gave him a small, grateful smile. “Goodnight, Mr. James.”

“Goodnight, Miss Will,” he replied, watching her as she turned and walked away.

As Kenna made her way back home, she couldn’t shake the feeling that Barron’s presence in her life was more than just coincidence. He had shown up at the exact moment she needed someone even if she hadn’t realized it herself. And while she still didn’t fully understand his intentions, one thing was clear: he had given her something she desperately needed tonight a reminder that she wasn’t as alone as she felt.

When she returned home, the house was dark and silent. Her mother was asleep, and Sam lay curled up on the couch, clutching a blanket. Kenna quietly tucked him into bed, kissed his forehead, and whispered, “I’ll make it right, Sam. I promise.”

Then, sitting on the edge of her bed, Kenna allowed herself a moment of quiet reflection. She thought about Barron’s words about how she wasn’t alone and for the first time in days, she felt a tiny spark of hope reignite within her.

Maybe, just maybe, she could find a way to balance her dreams and her responsibilities. And maybe, someday, she’d understand why Barron James seemed so determined to help her.

Moving Forward....

The days that followed the argument with her mother were tense and heavy. Kenna tried to keep things as normal as possible, but the weight of her family’s expectations and her own dreams pressed down on her like a storm cloud she couldn’t escape. Her mother avoided eye contact during meals, speaking only when necessary, while Sam seemed confused by the sudden silence between them.

Kenna threw herself into her teaching, hoping that keeping busy would dull the ache in her chest. But no matter how hard she worked, the thought of medical school lingered in her mind like an unspoken promise she’d made to herself. She checked the mailbox every day, waiting for news about her application. Each empty envelope felt like another rejection not just from the schools, but from life itself.

One afternoon, after finishing her lessons at St. Mary’s School, Kenna stayed behind to tidy up the classroom. As she erased the chalkboard, Mrs. Patel knocked gently on the doorframe.

“Miss Will, do you have a moment?” the principal asked, holding a small envelope in her hand.

Kenna turned around, her heart skipping a beat. “Of course, Mrs. Patel. What is it?”

Mrs. Patel stepped inside, her expression unreadable. “This came for you today. It’s… well, I think you should open it yourself.”

Kenna took the envelope with trembling hands. The return address confirmed what she had been hoping and dreading for weeks: it was from one of the medical schools she had applied to. Her breath caught in her throat as she carefully opened it and unfolded the letter inside.

Dear Miss Kenna Will,

We are pleased to inform you that you have been accepted into our Pre-Medical Program…

Kenna stopped reading. The words blurred together as tears filled her eyes. She had done it. Against all odds, she had been accepted.

“Well?” Mrs. Patel prompted gently, her eyes shining with pride. “What does it say?”

Kenna looked up, her voice barely above a whisper. “I got in.”

Mrs. Patel clapped her hands together, beaming. “Oh, my dear! This is wonderful news! You’ve worked so hard for this. Your students will miss you, but I know you’ll make us proud.”

Kenna managed a shaky smile, though her mind was racing. This was everything she had dreamed of but now, the reality of leaving her family behind hit her like a wave. How could she celebrate when her mother still didn’t support her? When Sam needed her?

That evening, Kenna sat at the kitchen table, staring at the acceptance letter. Her mother entered the room, carrying a basket of laundry. When she saw the paper in Kenna’s hands, her face hardened.

“What’s that?” she asked sharply.

“It’s… it’s an acceptance letter,” Kenna replied, her voice wavering. “From medical school.”

Her mother set the basket down with a thud. “So you’re really going through with this.”

“Yes,” Kenna said firmly, though her hands trembled. “I have to, Mama. This is my chance.”

Her mother sighed deeply, rubbing her temples. “And what about us? Who’s going to take care of your brother? Pay the bills? Keep this family together?”

“I’ll send money home,” Kenna promised quickly. “Every penny I earn, I’ll share with you. And I’ll visit whenever I can. Please, Mama… trust me. I’m doing this for all of us.”

Her mother didn’t respond right away. Instead, she stared at the floor, her jaw clenched. Finally, she muttered, “Do what you want, Kenna. Just don’t expect me to cheer for something that might ruin us.”

The words stung, but Kenna nodded silently. She knew her mother wouldn’t understand not yet. But she also knew she couldn’t let fear stop her now.

Later that night, as Kenna lay in bed, she replayed the conversation in her mind. She wanted to cry, to scream, to beg her mother to believe in her. But instead, she whispered a silent prayer: Please, let this be worth it.

She thought about Barron then about how he had shown up in her life at just the right moments, offering help without asking for anything in return. Was he watching over her even now? Did he know how much his kindness meant to her?

For the first time in days, Kenna allowed herself to dream not just of becoming a doctor, but of proving to everyone, including herself, that she was capable of greatness.

The days leading up to Kenna’s departure for medical school were a blur of preparation and quiet tension. She spent her mornings teaching her students, trying to pour every ounce of knowledge she could into their eager minds before she left. In the afternoons, she packed her belongings a few clothes, her precious textbooks, and the small collection of notes she’d gathered over the years. At night, she sat alone in her room, staring at the acceptance letter that had changed everything.

But no matter how busy she kept herself, there was one person she couldn’t avoid thinking about: Barron James.

He had visited the school twice more since their last encounter in the park, always under the pretense of checking on Lily’s progress. But Kenna couldn’t shake the feeling that his visits were meant for her. Each time he appeared, he found subtle ways to encourage her asking about her plans, reminding her of her strength, and offering vague but meaningful advice.

“You’re going to do great things, Miss Will,” he had said during his most recent visit, his voice soft but firm. “Don’t let anyone make you doubt that.”

Kenna hadn’t known how to respond. She wanted to thank him, to ask him why he cared so much, but the words always stuck in her throat. Instead, she smiled politely and changed the subject, pretending not to notice the way his eyes lingered on her face just a little too long.

On her final day at St. Mary’s School, Kenna stood in front of her class, struggling to hold back tears as her students presented her with handmade cards and drawings. One by one, they hugged her goodbye, their tiny arms wrapping around her waist like warm reminders of why she had started this journey in the first place.

“I’ll miss you, Miss Kenna,” Lily said softly, clutching a bouquet of wildflowers she had picked that morning. “Will you come back someday?”

Kenna knelt down to meet Lily’s gaze, her heart swelling with emotion. “Of course I will, sweetheart. And when I do, I’ll have so many stories to tell you.”

Lily smiled brightly, then ran off to join her classmates. As Kenna watched them play together, she felt a pang of guilt. Leaving these children behind wasn’t easy. They had become her second family, filling the void left by her own fractured relationships at home.

When the bell rang, signaling the end of the school day, Kenna began packing up her things. She was almost done when she heard the familiar sound of footsteps approaching. Turning around, she saw Barron standing in the doorway, his hands tucked into the pockets of his suit jacket.

“Mr. James,” she said, surprised. “I didn’t expect to see you today.”

Barron stepped inside, his expression calm but tinged with something deeper something Kenna couldn’t quite name. “I heard today was your last day. I wanted to… say goodbye.”

Kenna nodded, forcing a smile. “Thank you. For everything. You’ve helped me more than you know.”

Barron shook his head slightly, his gaze steady. “You don’t need to thank me, Kenna. This is all you. Your hard work, your determination. I just… gave you a little push.”

His use of her first name caught her off guard. It felt intimate, personal, and for a moment, she forgot how to breathe. She looked away, focusing on the stack of books in her arms to hide the flush creeping up her cheeks.

“Well, I should get going,” she said quickly, avoiding his eyes. “My train leaves early tomorrow morning.”

Barron hesitated, as if he wanted to say something more. Then, with a small sigh, he reached into his pocket and pulled out a folded piece of paper. “Here. Take this.”

Kenna took it cautiously, unfolding it to reveal a neatly written address and phone number. “What’s this?”

“It’s my contact information,” he explained, his tone casual but his eyes intense. “In case you ever need anything advice, support, or even just someone to talk to. I’ll be here.”

Kenna stared at the paper, her chest tightening. Why was he doing this? Why did he care so much about someone like her? She wanted to ask, to demand answers, but instead, she simply nodded. “Thank you. Again.”

Barron smiled faintly, though there was a flicker of sadness in his eyes. “Good luck, Kenna. Don’t forget you’re stronger than you think.”

Before she could respond, he turned and walked away, leaving her standing alone in the empty classroom. She watched him go, her heart pounding in her chest. There was something about him something she couldn’t quite understand but now wasn’t the time to dwell on it. She had a future to build.

That evening, as Kenna packed the last of her belongings, she placed Barron’s note carefully in her bag. She didn’t know if she would ever use it, but having it made her feel… safer. Like she wasn’t completely alone in this daunting new chapter of her life.

As she lay in bed that night, staring at the ceiling, she whispered a silent promise to herself: I’ll make you proud, Mama. I’ll prove to everyone including myself that I can do this.

And somewhere deep inside, she hoped Barron would still be there when she finally emerged victorious.

Do you think Kenna will choose her career or follow her heart? What’s the biggest sacrifice you’ve made for your dreams?

Drop your theories in the comments!

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