CHAPTER 3: COLLEGE NEAR HOME
1378 Words
DENNY'S P.O.V..........
I woke up to the sound of my alarm.
The sound was loud in the quiet morning. For a few seconds I just lay in bed and looked around. This was my room. We had finally arranged it yesterday. The boxes were gone. My clothes were in the closet. My books were on the shelf. It still felt new, but it was starting to feel like home.
Yesterday was a busy day. My mom and I worked all day. We arranged my room first. Then we arranged my mom’s room. We were both tired at night, but we were happy because the house was finally in order.
Today my mom was going to her new workplace. She told me she needed to go there to sort some things out. Papers, meetings, and meeting her new team. I was staying home to finish the rest of the arrangements. There was still cleaning to do. Still things to put in place.
I got up, washed my face, and went downstairs.
When I reached the dining area, I saw my mom there. She was setting the table for breakfast. She looked nice. She had that calm look she gets when she is getting ready for something important.
"Hey sweetheart," she said when she saw me. She smiled.
"Good morning, Mom," I replied with a smile.
We sat down and ate breakfast together. It was peaceful. Just the two of us. The tea was warm. The bread was fresh.
While we were eating, my mom started talking about college.
"Denny," she said, "I want to talk to you about your college."
I nodded and listened.
"I know it wasn’t the school you applied for," she said. "But I pulled some strings and I got you accepted into this one. I think it’s better for you. It’s near home. You won’t have to travel far or stay in a hostel. You can come home every day. I will feel better knowing you are close."
I didn’t say anything for a while. I understood why she did it. My mom always wants what is best for me. After we moved, she just wants me to be safe and comfortable.
"Thank you, Mom," I said finally. "I know you did this because you care about me."
She smiled and reached over to touch my hand. "You are going to do well there. I believe in you."
After breakfast, my mom got ready to leave. She kissed my forehead. "I will be back in the evening. If you need anything, call me, okay?"
"Okay, Mom. Good luck at your new workplace," I said.
She left, and the house became quiet.
I started my work. First I cleaned the living room. Then I arranged the kitchen. Then I went back to my room and organized my desk. Little by little, I felt like I was making progress. The house was coming together. My life was coming together too.
I was in the middle of arranging my books when my phone rang.
I picked it up. It was Maya.
"Hey girl!" she said. Her voice was cheerful, like sunshine.
"Hi girl," I said, smiling. "I’m doing great. And you?"
"I’m good too," Maya said. "So how’s everything? How’s the new house? How’s your mom’s new job?"
"Everything is good," I told her. "We arranged the rooms yesterday. Today my mom went to her new workplace to sort some things out. I’m at home doing the rest of the arrangements."
"That’s great," Maya said. "And what about college?"
I took a deep breath. "I’m going to college."
"Really?" Maya sounded excited. "When?"
"Soon," I said. "My mom got me accepted. It’s not the school I applied for. It’s near home. She thinks it’s better that way."
"Oh," Maya said softly. "But that’s okay, Denny. What matters is that you’re going to college. That’s a big step."
"Yeah," I said. "I’m a bit nervous. But also excited."
"You’ll do great," Maya said. "You always do. Just be yourself. Make new friends. Study hard. And call me every day and tell me everything."
"I will," I promised and laughed.
We talked for a little longer. About normal things. About her day. About mine. Talking to Maya always makes me feel better.
After we hung up, I went back to work. I finished arranging my room. I made my bed properly. I put my books in order. I even put a small plant on my window sill to make the room feel alive.
In the evening, my mom came back home. She looked tired but happy.
"How was your day?" I asked her.
"It was good," she said. "A lot of work, but good. How was your day?"
"I finished a lot," I said. "The house looks much better now."
She looked around and nodded. "Yes, it does. I’m proud of you."
We had dinner together. It was simple food, but it tasted good because we were together.
After dinner, my mom sat with me in the living room.
"So," she said, "are you ready for college?"
I nodded. "I think so."
"The classes will start this week," she said. "I already submitted all your documents. You just need to go and attend. I will help you with anything you need. Books, uniform, fees. Don’t worry about anything."
"Thank you, Mom," I said. My voice was a little shaky. "I know it wasn’t what I planned. But I’ll try my best."
"I know you will," she said. "That’s my girl."
That night, I couldn’t sleep right away. I lay in bed and thought about college. New teachers. New students. New classes.
The school I applied to was far away. I had imagined living in a hostel, making new friends, being independent. But this school is near home. I will come back every day. I will see my mom every night.
Maybe that’s not so bad.
it's been two days now and today I start college.
My mom made breakfast again. "Big day today," she said with a smile.
"Yeah," I said. I was nervous. My stomach felt funny.
"Wear something comfortable,ur Uniform will be ready by next week" Mom said. "And don’t forget your bag and your ID."
I got ready. Plain clothes. My bag. My notebooks. My ID card with my name and my new college’s name on it.
Before I left, my mom hugged me tight. "I’m so proud of you, Denny. Go and learn. Go and grow. I’ll be here when you come back."
"Thank you, Mom," I said.
I walked to the bus stop. My heart was beating fast. When the bus came, I got on and found a seat by the window.
The college was not far. 15-20 minutes. When I reached, I saw the big gate. Students were going in and out with their beautiful uniforms. Some were laughing. Some looked nervous like me.
I took a deep breath and walked in.
The campus was nice. There were trees and benches. There was a big building for classes.
I found my classroom with the help of a teacher. I sat down at an empty desk. Other students came in. Some sat alone. Some sat in groups.
A teacher came in and introduced herself. She welcomed us. She said this was the beginning of a new journey for all of us.
The class started. We took notes. We listened. We asked questions.
It was not easy. It was new. But I listened carefully. I wrote everything down.
When the class ended, I walked out with the other students. I stood in the courtyard for a minute and looked around.
This was my college now.
I took out my phone and sent a message to my mom:
I’m in college, Mom. First class is done.
She replied immediately:
I’m so proud of you, sweetheart. How do you feel?
I typed back:
Nervous. But okay. I’ll do my best.
Then I sent a message to Maya:
Day 1 of college done. I’ll tell you all about it later.
I put my phone back in my bag and started walking towards my next class
Today I started college.
It wasn’t the plan I had. But it's my plan now
and the most important thing to make mom proud
- Writer
