Chapter 16
It's been two years since the vacation, and I am currently in my final year, preparing for the finals. Being in my final year has been the toughest part ever. It's been a while since I saw my brothers. They came home only for the vacation break. Miles is currently in Scotland pursuing his degree, while Chad is still in Florida. The distance feels both close and far. I've been staying alone with my parents these days, and it's nothing but fun.
There are memorable days that make me smile whenever they come to mind. But it's time my parents understand that I'm no longer their little girl; I'm a grown woman now and will soon be leaving them to start my undergraduate studies. I've always wanted to become a doctor, and it will soon be a reality, but it all depends on my finals. Ever since the vacation, Cody and I have been good friends. I still like him, but I haven't had the courage to tell him about it. I'm planning on telling him during graduation day. I just hope he doesn't reject me during that time, because my heart won't be able to handle that trauma.
It keeps getting tougher with each passing day as we approach the final exams. I know I have lost weight because I couldn't bring myself to eat good food when there's a lot on my plate. Finals are officially here, and as I sit in the exams hall, ready for the bell to ring, I brace myself for what is to come. It's now or never.
Whew! Just like that, the first day of finals is over. The exams weren't that bad, but there are a lot more to come after today. I grab my bag and rush to the cafeteria to catch my lunch break. While I'm eating, I feel the seat beside me go down, and voila! Cody is sitting next to me with a beaming smile on his face. “I told you not to be around me on campus, didn't I?" I whisper and pop the cherry I was holding into my mouth.
“What are friends for?" There's a smirk plastered on his face. It's so typical of him. “Can you please leave me alone for today? I'm really tired," I plead with puppy eyes, and he chuckles. I know he won't listen, so I ignore his presence and eat quickly so I can leave for home on time to prepare for tomorrow's paper. “Where is that friend you walk with?" He asks, and I keep munching my sandwich.
“Easy, Millie. I'm not going to steal your food." I glare at him, and he smiles. “She left right after the exams, why? Do you like her?" I can't help but ask. “Oh no, don't get me wrong. It's kind of surprising she isn't around you these days." Why does Cody talk so much? It dawns on me that he won't stop talking, so I do what any sane person would do. I grab my bag, stand up from my seat, and head for the door.
“Were you this annoying all along?" I ask when he follows me out. He ignores my question and chuckles. “I could give you a ride home, Millie. We can talk about how the exams went?" He offers, and I politely decline. “No, thank you. You do realize I have my own car, so getting a ride with you is impossible. Anyways, I'm open in the evening for text messages if you don't mind." I give him a wave and sit in my car.
Did I forget to mention that Isabella transferred to a different school in the second year? It's a serene environment without her presence. Hailey, Gianni, and Giselle have turned over a new leaf, which was unexpected. It probably has something to do with Isabella transferring schools. Miles is dating Alicia, and it has made our relationship awkward. We pretty much avoid each other. It has ruined our friendship entirely, and Miles is responsible for it. I don't want to be in a situation where I have to mediate their relationship trials, so I stay away from that part. She actually thinks I'm jealous that she gets to date my brother.
I had to select colleges today with my parents. On my way, I stopped by an ice cream shop to get some ice cream. I arrived home a few minutes later. I dropped my bag on the island and plopped down on the couch. My mom was watching her favorite opera show. She didn't notice I had arrived, so I just stayed silent, observing her every movement. My mom looks really gorgeous when she's serious. She's been glowing these days. As soon as the opera show ends, she turns in my direction and freaks out.
“You look like a ghost these days," my mother says, and we both burst into laughter. “Is it that bad, mom?" She nods and holds my hands. “Let's start selecting the college you will enroll in. You can talk about your day while we go through the procedure, but first things first. I'm going to fix lunch, so why don't you go upstairs and freshen up? I'm pretty sure your father will be home by the time you're done." I raise my eyebrow in question. “No arguments, Millie. Quick, hurry and change." I grab my bag from the island and reluctantly head to my room.
Once I come downstairs, my father is already seated, and lunch is ready. “How are you doing, my little princess?" my father asks, and I smile. “Dad, I'm a big girl now. Can you please stop calling me princess? It's a bit embarrassing." My dad chuckles and ruffles my hair. “You will always be my little princess, even when you're married and have kids." I groan. We talk about a few things over lunch. I help with the dishes, and Dad sets the table in the living room. “Have you thought about the schools you want to apply to?" my mother asks.
“Yale University, George Washington University, and Leicester University," I reply, and my mother looks puzzled. “Why are you all running away from home? I can't get over the fact that you're grown now." My mother wipes away a stray tear that has escaped her eyes. “I'm sorry, honey. I just can't help it." My mother quickly apologizes. I hug my mother really tight.
In a blink of an eye,we were officially done with school but the graduation was scheduled for a month later. In that moment those who failed could rewrite and reapply for college the next year while those who passed which I bet I'm among will be graduating. I was super excited I was officially done with high school. I could only anticipate the outcome of the exams when my results is sent. I literally can't wait for graduation as well.