Chapter 32: Back to school

Reyna’s P.O.V 

“She is right on that one,” Martins replied.

“She is always right though,” Matt remarked.

We all laughed at the boy’s sudden realization. The whole cafeteria suddenly went quiet when the speaker turned on.

‘Good Afternoon Students! I hope you all had an amazing vacation and spent lots of time with your family and loved ones. I wish you all a Happy New Year! I know you all have been waiting for this news. I am more than happy to announce that the Prom will be held on February 14. I hope this will bring you all encouragement to finish all your due projects on time. Have a wonderful day!’

Loud cheers erupted all over the cafeteria. Everyone was overjoyed to hear news about the Prom. Prom has always been the one thing that Seniors would always look forward to. I still don’t get what is so special about Prom.

The girls started planning about where they would go to shop. Becky wanted to drag me on a shopping spree, but I declined. I had an excuse, though - my parents were leaving. She begged me to go with them, but I was not really in the mood to shop. Besides, I can just go through my stepmom’s closet and find a dress that she wore to one of the hospital events they had. I didn’t really want to buy a dress that I would only wear for a couple of hours.

The rest of the class went by like a blur. Before I even knew it, the first day was already over, and I was already sitting in River’s car on the way home.

“Love, are you okay?” River asked.

“Yup. Why?” I replied.

“I am pretty sure that you did not decline Becky’s invitation earlier because of you at your Parents house. What is it?” he asked.

“You know I hate big parties and I hate spending hundreds and thousands of dollars for a dress that I would only wear for a couple of hours. Besides, it will take forever before they can even find the one they want. I am not in the mood to be dragged from one shop to another and have to try one dress after another either. I love them and all, but I am just in no mood. I just don’t see Prom the way they see it.” I explained.

“Are you saying you don’t want to go to Prom?” River asked.

************

“I’m fine with going to Prom, but I just don’t have the heart to go all out with it. If you know what I mean?” I explained.

“It’s okay, Love. Don’t worry about it. Besides, you will look gorgeous in whatever dress you will wear,”River said.

“You are sweet talking to me again. I told you they don’t work on me.” I replied.

“I am not sweet talking to you. I am simply stating a fact,” he replied.

Before I could even reply, we had already arrived at our driveway.

“Thanks for driving me home, Love. Drive safe. Let me know when you are home.” I said, giving him a kiss before getting out of the car.

I watched from the porch as he drove away. I opened the front door when his car was no longer in my sight. I went straight to my room, knowing my parents wouldn’t be home until later at night. I placed my bag on my chair and lay down on my bed.

I checked my email to see if I received any replies from GU. When I saw I did not receive any new emails at all, I took a quick shower. My quick shower became a half an hour bath. I filled my tub with warm water and literally fell asleep in my tub. I quickly got out of the tub and finished my bath. I changed into my favourite pyjamas and wrapped my hair in a towel.

Since I technically have nothing else to do, I made grilled Chicken for dinner. I went to the kitchen and prepared the ingredients. While waiting for the chicken to soften, I made brownies. I made a mental note to bake a lot of brownies over the weekend so that I can send them with Mom and Dad to Cambodia. Once I was done with cooking and baking, I cleaned up the kitchen and went back to my room.

I was going to take a short nap when I heard a ‘music’ from my phone. I searched for my phone and found it in the pocket of my bag. I immediately checked who the text was from and saw that I actually had a bunch of texts from Becky and River.

‘Just got home.’

• River

‘Sweetheart, I can’t decide on a dress! You are supposed to be here with me, helping me pick a dress!

‘Don’t you dare ignore me! 

‘Hello?’

‘Bitch seriously?’

‘SOS’

‘You are making me mad already!!!!!’

• Becky

I texted Becky before she went all crazy on me.

‘Sorry, babe. I was cooking earlier and left my phone in my room. Regarding your dress. I bet Jasmine would know what would look better on you to help you narrow down your choices. Remember, she is a fashion designer. You have 2 fashion designers with you. Don’t worry, you will look good in whatever dress you wear.’

I also sent a thumbs-up emoji to River before putting my phone away. Before taking my nap, I checked my email. Upon opening my email, I saw a new message sent by Oakwood University.

Dear Ms. Parker,

Congratulations on completing your first step towards your dream!

We are pleased to inform you that we loved your application letter and would love to know more about you. As part of the 3-step process for your application, we will be waiting for the recommendation letter and your introduction letter.

The recommendation letter should be sent by the school or an alumni from Oakwood University themselves. Failure to follow this rule would automatically disqualify your application. Your introduction letter should not be longer than 600 words. Make use of your words wisely.

The deadline for the said requirements is February 1st.

We will look forward to hearing from you again.

Sincerely,

Mrs Matthew 

Director of Admission

OH MY GOSH!! I could not believe my eyes. To say that I was happy is an understatement, I was overjoyed. I was jumping up and down on my bed doing my own happy dance. I was interrupted when someone knocked on my door.

“Sweety, you look like your 22-year-old self that got you all that giddy and jumpy?” my stepmother asked.

“Mom! Come here! Come here! Look at this!” I exclaimed, jumping down from my bed and pulling Mom from my door to my laptop.