C5

One year later...

-Loam! An order comes out—the shout of my beloved boss snaps me out of my thoughts. I curse under my breath and walk over to grab the dish ordered at table four.

"I heard," I told him when we got there.

"How much do you think about?" he reproached me.

I didn't answer him, I just took the tray and took it to the customers.

-Enjoy it.

My shift was almost over, so I took off my apron and left it on the bar.

"It's time to go," I told my boss who had stared at me.

—As you wish —he took some money from the box and gave it to me— See you tomorrow.

"Thank you, Jeymi." I took the money and counted it. Forty dollars, it was the only thing I earned in the week. I had been saving for almost a year. I would have to count how much I did. I grabbed my things and headed home.

It was the graduations again, I remember that a year ago I was in that same place.

When I get home I go straight up to my room and grab my piggy bank. I prayed that there would be enough money to leave. I took the hammer and broke it, there were several bills, but most of them were twenty. After half an hour counting I was surprised because there was more than planned, four thousand five hundred dollars and twenty cents. This would help me pay for registration and a few months of classes. The rent! Had not thought of that. I bit my fingernail a bit hesitantly as I racked my brain thinking.

At that, my computer beeps announcing incoming mail. I had applied to several California universities for scholarships or half scholarships, something that helps me reduce my expenses. I opened the computer and opened the mail. He was from Stanford University in California.

Dear Miss Margareth Hills, We are happy to inform you that you have been admitted to Stanford University, California with a half scholarship of fifty percent. We are waiting for you in a few weeks at our facilities.

Best regards,

Stanford University.

I was ecstatic before what I read. The emotion did not fit in my chest. At that, I stood up and screamed with excitement. So much so that my parents entered my room with a frightened face.

-What happened? Why are you screaming?

-I will go to university! I exclaimed to them.

"Ah… that's good for you." Mom scratched the back of her neck a little nervously. That made me hesitate a bit.

-What's happening? They're supposed to be happy for me.

"And we are, it's just…" He looked at Dad.

“We can't cover it, Marga.

I felt as if a bucket of cold water had been poured on me. All my emotions were shattered.

-What? But you told me that this year...

—I know what we said, unfortunately the situation is not the same.

I looked down.

"They gave me half a scholarship to college," I told them, even though I know it wouldn't do any good.

-That is incredible. The only option would be for you to find a job over there,” Mom commented.

—You saved for a few months' monthly payment and now with the half scholarship the enrollment will be less. In that time I don't think you won't get something. What do you say? dad insisted, are you taking a risk?

I looked at them. It was obvious that I would have to fend for myself from now on and if I didn't get out of here today I would never do it. So, steeling myself, I told them:

-I'll take the risk.

"That's my daughter," my father congratulated me.

"I have to pack, I'm leaving this weekend."

-As soon? And Nicki?

"I guess he must be getting news from the university, too." It will go too. I'll talk to him now.

—I'm going to miss you a lot —mom came over to hug me— it's hard to walk away from a son.

“There's Kara, Mom, and she's going to be a teenager fast.

-I already know it.

I hugged Dad as I thought about how I would have to look for a job in California where I don't know anyone and where I don't really know how things work. I was just hoping to find something quick and fixed.