The school year ended like a blissed. I finished high school with no friends but I was more than grateful by having Aunt Vera and Uncle Silas all throughout. They supported me with every choice that I made.
I don't know how much they have spent for me and somehow I felt guilty even though I shouldn't. Although, I am happy all through my years and days with Uncle Silas and Aunt Vera.
After finishing high school, I was ready to settle down and looked for jobs to help them but they refused. I really wanted to continue my studies but I knew that there were things more important than that. However, they insisted that I should enroll for college. I knew that we couldn't afford a university and they are getting older. How could I enroll myself for college and let them suffer for me? They needed someone who would take care of them.
I can't let them work for my tuition, they have done more than enough for me.
Still, they insisted. I refused and refused but in the end, I accepted their decision. I had no choice and I couldn't win against them. I don't know why they insisted that I proceed to college but maybe they're just too kind and as they said, they wanted me to have a good future.
During summer break, I traveled for hours to go to the university and they insisted on me taking an exam. It was far from our home and I am not sure whether I really wanted to be there. The only reason that I could see to study at that University was that it is where Tobias is studying.
The day I took an entrance examination, Tobias met me near the university and guided me inside. I was in awe of the beauty of the school and even at the entrance gate I saw the name of the University, ASTRID UNIVERSITY.
It was big and attractive that everyone could notice the moment they step in front of the gate. To be honest, the Astrid University seemed like a majestic academy I only see in movies. It was like only VIP's could get in, the buildings were transparent in glasses. Modernize and very presentable in the eyes.
I was guided in a room and then the exam started. After I finished taking the examination, I decided to get out of the examination room including the rest of the takers who decided to go home with smiles on their faces.
Tobias told me that he has classes during summer so I did not bother to call him or I might disturb him in his class. I am already glad that he guided me here inside the school for entrance examinations. I could help myself get out of the campus since I have memorized the direction we took earlier.
While walking I couldn't help but keep on looking around. My eyes were still not tired after seeing a lot of beautiful views in this school. On my way, I could see a field with trees at the side, I don't know what field it was, it couldn't be a soccer field, probably just a plaza since there are benches near some trees.
With the tiredness from walking around and a lot of thinking from earlier during the exam, I decided to take a seat at one of the benches since I could see no one in here, probably, they were having a good time playing somewhere while the others were having their classes. I surely could get my freedom for a peaceful rest here. I looked at my watch and saw that it was still 2pm. The examination finished early, it was two sets though, one in the morning and next was in the afternoon. Although I finished my exam early in the afternoon.
I closed my eyes and took a deep breath, taking a lot of fresh air from the surroundings. I then opened my eyes as I exhaled, but then, my heart beat so fast with unexplainable feeling when I saw someone on a distant tree. A man was leaning there while facing my direction, it was far that I couldn't see his face or whether he was looking at me. Only thing I could see was a man with a good figure and well posture.
I stood up from my seat looking at him but when I took a step, he stood straight and walked away.
"Hey! Wait!" I called as I ran to him but with just a blink of an eye he suddenly disappeared.
I stopped on my track when I could see no one. No one except me is here in this plaza.
How could he disappear? Is there really someone standing there or was I imagining things?
Damn, this is just one of the many mysterious things that happened to my life.
I sighed and decided to go home. Maybe, I was just tired. I really needed to take a rest.
Weeks after taking an entrance exam, a letter was sent to our home addressing that I was able to pass with a full scholarship. I jumped out of joy when I read the last line congratulating me for a full scholarship. Life seemed to be favoring me.
I must have done good during the examination.
Aunt Vera and Uncle Silas were happy knowing that I passed. However, the night before the day that I will be traveling for the university, I felt that they were down because I will be away for some time.
"You've grown fast, Maive," Aunt Vera got sentimental during our dinner. I saw a tear fall from her eyes which she immediately wiped.
"Soon... you'll forget about us," she added.
What is she saying? How could I ever forget their kindness? No, I would never forget them in this lifetime.
I immediately stood up and went towards her for a hug. I then caressed her head, "That will not happen, Aunt Vera..." I reassured. I will never forget the kindness and love that they have given me.
Tears began to fall from her eyes and so I hugged her even tighter. She acts like I will not come back, I know that I will be back because they are my only family left.
When I looked at Uncle Silas, his eyes were also starting to water.
"Do you want me to not go, Aunt Vera? I'll cancel the scholarship." I said, ready to leave everything for them. After all, they are my family.
Aunt Vera immediately shook her head and lightly slapped my back, "You idiot..."
I laughed as the tears began to fall through my eyes too.
That night ended up pretty much in that scene. I got sentimental knowing that I would leave them... the couple who has given me a new life.
I couldn't sleep that entire night thinking that I will be gone for so many nights and face a new life. I will leave here and stay in the dorm provided for us by the school.
The morning went pretty fast and I just found myself leaving our home to go to Astrid University.
I waved my hand at Aunt Vera and Uncle Silas who were both tearing up.
"I'll come home often!" I shouted when I was at a distance from them.
They nodded, still crying.
When I was far away and they were out of my sight, I sighed in sorrow with a tear falling on my cheek, but I knew that I have to be independent and brave.
I knew that I will be facing the unknown and I will be needing a lot of strength.