Prologue

Teresa knew something was wrong when she heard Camila Cabello's 'Into It' blast through the apartment. Opal only ever put that music on, which was extremely old mind you, when she was distraught by something. Or when she needed to make an important decision and did not know what to do.

Teresa closed the door behind her which closed with an automated click, the screen next to the front door showing it was locked. Their apartment was small, but everything was small these days. With over 20 billion people living on Earth, and almost all natural resources gone... She did not have to draw out what she meant.

The rent they paid for the place was sky-high, and even than it was only one bedroom. They had a small kitchen that changed into their minuscule living room. Than they had their small bedroom where they had been able to squeeze a bunk bed and a drawer in, one they shared for their clothes and belongings. Their bathroom consisted of a small drawer, a sink, a shower and a toilet. It was not much, but it was still better than what some people called home.

'Opal?' Teresa asked, as she saw a figure sitting at their kitchen table, a plate of algae pasta before her. 'Opal? Are you allright?'

Her friend seemed to blink, finally looking up. A spark of recognition came into her friend's blue eyes, hence the reason for her name, a small distracted smile appearing on her lips. Opal scratched her head, some blonde hairs falling from the bun she made atop her head.

'I had a visitor today.' Opal said, her voice almost a whisper. 'From the RDA.' Teresa sputtered, sitting down on the chair next to her friend. 'The RDA?' Opal nodded, taking another bite from her algae pasta. 'Want some?'

'I'll take some in a second. What does the RDA have to do with you?' Opal let out a bitter laugh, her bracelet with charms tinkling as she moved her hand, biting her nails. 'That was what I thought as well. They want me to meet them tomorrow for more information.' Teresa took a breath. 'That is settled than. I will come with you.'

The silence at the table was becoming more and more awkward by the second. Opal blinked, Teresa taking a sip from her drink to hide her shocked reaction. 'Pandora? You want me to go to Pandora?' Opal asked, shaking her head in disbelief. 'Doctor Augustine has requested you, and specifically you, to be her personal assistant. She would not take no for an answer.'

Teresa and Opal both shared a look. 'But I do not have any kind of scientific background! Yes, my mother was a scientist, and a good one, and Auntie Grace was like family, but...' Her best friend squeezed her shoulder as Opal closed her eyes, still reeling from the news. 'Doctor Augustine has said only you will be accepted as her personal assistant. If not, she will not continue her research, and than the RDA will be in trouble.' One of the men said, for the first time showing the difficult situation they were in.

'You should do it, Opal.' Teresa said, as her friend sputtered with disbelief. 'The last year after your mother's death has been hard, and you have worked so hard to pay the remaining debts of your mother's treatments, that you have barely had any time to grief. If you go, your debts will be taken care of, and you will be paid a lot of money. You will be able to start anew and put money on the side. And if after five years you are tired of Pandora, you can come back to me. You know there will always be a place at home for you.'

Opal sighed, taking a sip from her drink. 'But even if I go, what about rent? You will not be able to pay that amount on your own, let alone have enough to survive the month.' Teresa threw her a sad smile. 'The RDA has offered to pay your part of the rent until I find a new roommate. I will be fine.'

'Maybe...You think I should?' Teresa nodded fervently, her dark curls bouncing up and down. 'You will be able to reconnect with the only family you have left. And you will see Pandora and the Na'vi, of which you are such a fan. You have read that book Grace Augustine wrote at least a thousand times.'

'Even if I would go, I do not even speak Na'vi.' Opal countered, as a last ditch effort to stop the hope in her stomach that was building. 'You will learn. And who better than to learn from the legend herself? You'll have one hell of a recommendation on your curriculum when you return.' Opal seemed to sink in thought for a moment and than looked back up, her face set in a determined expression. With an approving nod from Teresa, Opal's decision was made.

'I am ready. When do we leave?'

Opal waited for the bus which would take her to the meeting point where she would board the aircraft for Pandora, a small suitcase next to her. To think her life was able to fit in such a small suitcase, it was a bit saddening, really. She had a bunch of clothes with her, some make-up she had gotten from Teresa, some pictures of her and her mom, her favourite books and favourite stuffed animal.

Opal sighed as she closed her backpack, after checking one last time she had all she needed. Teresa threw her a smile, giving her her coat. 'Look after yourself.' Teresa muttered, not sure what to say. Opal did not feel like saying goodbye, because it felt way too final. 'I will. You as well.'

Teresa nodded, sighing and than taking a breath. She gripped her friend in a bonecrushing hug, a lone tear falling from her eye. 'When you see the sunset and breathe real air for the first time, think of me. It will feel as if I am there. And if you come back, I wil be waiting. No matter what age I am.'

'I will not say goodbye.' Opal threw her best friend a teary smile. 'Because that is way too final.' Teresa nodded, a smile breaking through also. 'See you soon, Opal.'

Opal grinned as she boarded the bus, sitting on a seat near the window. She kept on waving to Teresa until her friend disappeared from sight, focusing on the trip ahead. It was an unsure future, that was true.

But Opal felt a surge of excitement go through her, excited for the unknown. And that made the fact that she left her best friend behind better. Still hard and painful, but better.