My Lawless Husband

The beginning 2

**The Beginning**

After working in the kitchen for three hours, my mom and I head to the sitting room to relax and watch some television.

As we both watch our favorite program, my mind wanders to thoughts about university. Although I've visited the university countless times with my parents, I still feel anxious about what lies ahead for me there.

"Are you okay, Stella?" my mom asks, noticing that I'm not paying attention to the program.

"Yes, Mom, I'm fine," I say with a smile. "I'm just so happy that I can't believe I'm going to be a university student. Officially, I am one."

"I can see you can't take your mind off university," my mom says as she relaxes back on the sofa.

"Mom! How did you know that's what I'm thinking?" I ask in surprise.

"You don't have to tell me for me to know. It's written all over your face," she replies.

"Mom, it's going to be fun, right?" I ask with a smile, feeling so happy.

"Yes, it will be, but you mustn't let the fun take hold of you. If you do, you might lose sight of why you're there," she advises.

I think about what my mom said. She's right, but no one goes to school without having fun. From my past school experiences, I know that fun is essential in education.

"But Mom, there's no way someone wouldn't have fun. I believe it's part of the educational pattern," I argue.

"I understand what you said about fun and education, and I'm not disputing that you can have fun in university. But you need to remember not to lose focus," my mom says.

She's right. Back in primary school, I was never a dull girl. I played a lot and believed that fun is part of life, but it didn't interfere with my education. Whenever it came to schoolwork, I did what was right. My parents' words have always played a significant role in my educational life.

But now, I'll be going to a place where I'll have to decide for myself. I've always wished for this, but here is my mom telling me what I need to look out for.

"I understand, Mom. You know I've never failed you," I say with a smile.

"Yes, I know you've never failed us, but I need you to understand that the university is going to influence you, and it's up to you to choose how it influences you," she says.

"I'll keep a positive attitude, Mom. I won't let the school influence me negatively," I say with full confidence.

My mom nods, and we continue watching the show, but I keep thinking about what she said. The university influences one; I can't wait to see how it influences me.

My dad is a little late today. As he comes in, my mom and I rush to meet him. I hug him and carry the things he brought while my mom takes a good look at him.

"You look stressed, hun," she says.

"It's been a long day," he replies, trying to force a smile.

"You don't have to fake it with me every time. I've always told you to try getting an excuse from the school. You might wear yourself out if you continue like this."

"Don't worry, dear. I knew about the stress before I accepted the post of Dean. Just give me some time; the workload will reduce soon," he says.

"I hope so," she replies.

After an hour or two, we gather as a family as usual, though tonight is a little later than usual.

"So, you're now a university student," my dad says.

At first, I don't know what to say. I'm so happy and joyous that I can't think of the right words. After a while, I give a positive nod.

"I know you're very happy about it, and we are proud of you, but we need to talk about some things you need to know while going to this new place," he says.

Not again, I think to myself. I can't say it out loud because I don't want my dad to hear it. He's a man who believes everyone needs to be fully informed about what they want to do and why. For him, information is power. Yes, we all believe that, but not to the extent he does.

"I would have said your mother and I should do this tomorrow, but we'll be attending a week-long program hosted by the Minister of Education. We won't be available this week, but we'll be back next week," my dad says.

"I understand, Dad. I'll wait patiently for your lectures," I say, but deep down, I know that's a lie. I don't feel like sitting down and listening to everything my dad has to say. I just hope school starts soon so I can get out of this place. I can't wait to be a university student and walk in pride like all of them do when they come back from school.

The next morning, my parents leave very early. Although they say some words to me before they go, I can't hear them because I'm too sleepy to comprehend what they're saying.

I fully wake up at half past eight and realize I haven't called someone very dear to me. He's the love of my life, and I've withheld such great news from him. Maybe I'm beginning to forget him, I think, but then I laugh. I can't forget him; he's very dear to me. I pick up my phone and dial his number. As if he was waiting, he picks up immediately.

"Hello, darling," I say with a blush.

"You can say that again. Where have you been all this while?" he asks.

"I'm sorry, dear. I've been around, just really overwhelmed with happiness about what's happening to me now," I say.

He pauses, thinks about my words for a while, then continues, "You seem really happy about this, but I guess you didn't tell me about it."

"Yeah, I know, and I'm sorry. But it's a great thing... I'm going to university!" I say with great excitement. Every time I think about it, I feel really happy. But I tell myself to try reducing the excitement that overwhelms me every time I remember I'm a university student.

"Wow! That's a big joy for you, dear. I'm really happy for you."

"Thanks, darling. Don't worry, I'll make it up to you. My mom and dad aren't around, so I'll come over, and we can have a cool time."

"Oh, yeah, that will be good."

"Hey, are you okay?" I ask, finally noting the hesitation in his voice.

"Uh-hmm, you know, when you come, we'll talk," he says and ends the call.

What's wrong with him? I ask myself.