Chapter 33: Preparation and excitement

Reyna Pov

I sat my stepmother on my laptop. I wish it was my mother, but I am satisfied with my stepmother. She is nice and friendly to me. 

“What is it, Sweety?” Mom asked, laughing at my childish actions.

“Sit here. Look!” I gestured to Mom, patting on my bed and giving her my laptop.

She looked at the opened email from Oakwood University.

“OH MY GOODNESS! Congratulations! My baby has grown up already. I am so proud of you, Sweety. Your Dad would be so happy when he gets to see this. Come here.” Mom exclaimed, pulling me into a hug.

“Thanks, Mom,” I replied.

“Why was I not invited into the family hug, huh?” Dad asked teasingly.

“Dad, come here. I want to show you something.” I exclaimed, pulling Dad to my table.

“Okay, kiddo. What’s up?” Dad asked.

I gave him my laptop and replied, “This!”

He took the laptop and read the email. Once he was done reading, he pulled me into a hug and turned me around.

“I am so proud of you, kiddo. You make me the happiest Dad alive.” Dad said.

“Well, that’s the goal, isn’t it? To make you and Mom proud.” I replied.

“I declare a group hug!” Dad exclaimed.

Mom and I laughed as we all huddled for a group hug.

”I have been blessed with an amazing family.” Dad said, hugging us tighter.

We hugged for a couple of seconds before letting go.

“Let me heat the food so that we can eat. I made brownies, Dad.” I said.

“Brownies? Ooohhh I can’t wait for dinner. Let’s eat.” Dad exclaimed.

Mom and I laughed at Dad’s reaction. He gets all giddy and childish whenever I make brownies.

“Let me just heat the casserole and we will be all set for dinner,” I replied.

I left my room and went to the kitchen. I heated the chicken casserole while setting the table. Mom arrived in the kitchen and made some fresh lemon juice. I took out some ice for the juice as we waited for the food to finish heating. Once dinner was ready, I called Dad, and he came running like lightning. He was more excited about the brownies than the dinner, actually.

We talked about my introduction letter over dinner. Dad gave me some pointers on how to make my introduction letter precise but will leave a lasting impression. Mom advised me to work on my introduction letter slowly. She said that I have to note the deadline but not rush my letter and lose the essence of the letter itself.

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After dinner, I helped Mom prepare the stuff that they would bring to Mexico. Dad was busy finishing up some work stuff in his office. After an hour of choosing and packing and repacking clothes and books, Mom sent me to my room to sleep. She said that we will continue tomorrow because I have to go to sleep - it’s a weekday. I am already turning 18 in 2 weeks but I feel as if I am still 8. LOL.

I did my evening routine before lying down on my bed. I checked my phone for any messages and saw a missed call from River. It was from an hour ago. I dialled his number and waited for it to ring. He answered after the third ring.

River: Hey Love.

Me: Hey. Sorry, I missed your call. I was helping Mom with packing and stuff.

River: It’s okay. I thought you were already sleeping.

Me: Nah. So what’s up?

River: I got an email from Harvard.

Me: Really? What did they say?

River: We regret to inform you that your application has been rejected. You are way too handsome for our University.

Me: Stop it! You gave me a scare! Seriously, what did they say?

River: I passed the initial screening. I am being invited for an interview.

Me: OMG!!! Congratulations Love! I am so happy for you!

River: Thanks Love. You know what would make it happier?

Me: Hhhhhmmmmm….. what? 

River: You - going to Harvard with me.

Me: I know. I am sorry.

River: It’s okay. I understand your decision and I actually am proud of you. You don’t let a man stop you from your dreams.

Me: Now you are making me feel bad for not applying to games.

River: Don’t be. We will make it work. Besides, the game is not yet final. It won’t be until I get accepted.

Me: I doubt you won’t get in.

River: You don’t want me that bad to study with you, huh?

Me: No! (laughing) I mean yeah… no. 

River: I am seriously offended, Ms. Parker.

Me: That is not what I meant!

River: Anyway, have you heard from school?

Me: Yup, I did.

River: And….?

Me: They want me to send the recommendation letter and my introduction letter.

River: That is great news, Love. We should celebrate!

Me: I have not yet gotten in. Besides, there is still the interview after this. That is if I pass the 2nd step.

River: Hey, I know for sure that you will get in. They would be stupid not to do so. And there is no such thing as celebrating only the big achievements. Every achievement, small or big, should be celebrated.

Me: I am just so scared, you know. I am not the only student applying for a scholarship to Oakwood. I have been dreaming of this ever since middle school, and it would break my heart if I were denied.

River: Come on, Love. Don’t think negatively. Don’t worry too much. It will all work out for the best. Now let’s get some sleep. We still have school tomorrow. Okay?

Me: Okay.

River: Good night, Love! Love you.

Me: Night. Love you too.

After the call, I plugged my phone into the charger and went to bed. I put on some music to help me fall asleep faster. After a few songs, I fell into a deep slumber.

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As I sat on my toilet seat, waiting for the 5 minutes felt like 5 years. To say that I was nervous would be a huge understatement, I was anxious. When I missed my period the first day, I did not worry at all. I thought it might just be late because I have been stressed from all the deadlines and exams the past week. A week had already passed by, and I still did not have my period. I double-checked my period tracker again just to make sure that it was already a week. I felt all the blood drain from my face when it said 9 days on my tracker.

‘How is it possible that I missed my period for 9 days already?’

I have never missed a period in my life. I was worried. I could not think of any reason for me to miss my period. Well, I can’t be pregnant. I am on pills and I never missed taking them. So that I can clear my mind from worrying if I am pregnant or not, I went out and bought pregnancy kits. I bought 6 sets. You can never be too sure.

As soon as I got back to the apartment, I hid the kits in the bathroom. I decided to do the test early tomorrow morning. I have read on the internet that morning pee works best with pregnancy tests. I was hoping that I would get my period within the day or tonight.

I was trying my best to hide my anxiousness while we were having dinner, but he knew how to read me so well.