Her constellation of scars.

I wasn't sure of what to say when he screamed at me, pointing out of what has been wrong over this times I was back from college, I was just there zoomed out and calculating what I have done, but to my surprise I did not see my fault but just took it as one of the way for him, my father to vent his anger and work stress on me. He said that I'm now a young lady and was about to come out of university. He said that I needed to up my grades, although I am a high average student and not a top notch or bookworm but my father is not satisfied with that, he's the kind that wants one to aim high and of course same as I. I was snapped back when he called my name loudly. "Yes Dad" I answered with a dull look, he told me to move to my room and I did so. Closing the door behind me, * gasps * Nobody understands me and my father just talks about education all the time and I understand him but I need my world. My name is Sherry Olive and I am a full African but live in the United States of America. I'm a girl who loves personal space and my lonely times more than outdoor events. Rather than spending more time with people who judge you, I hardly make friends. What's I have some friends who are very close and understanding, we are like the 3 Musketeers, bounded by secret, tears and jokes. Clara Madison is the picture-perfect American girl — blonde hair, slim figure, brown eyes with that sharp hunter gaze, standing at about 5’4. She’s what everyone calls “the It girl,” born into an elite family, living a life many dream about. She’s confident, flawless on the surface, but I know she hides her own battles beneath that perfect smile. Then there’s Mia Ling Ava — Chinese-American, proud of her culture, with sleek jet black hair, a pop idol’s figure, doe eyes framed by thick lashes, and standing taller than me at 5’6. She’s got an energy that’s contagious and a heart as big as the city we live in. And me? I’m just me. Slim, round-faced, almond eyes, and brown skin. I’m 5’4, caught between cultures, trying to find my place. Sometimes I wonder if I’ll ever really fit anywhere. That evening, alone in my room, I stared out the window at the city lights. The world outside seemed so big, so full of possibility, yet I felt small and trapped. Why did everything have to be about grades and achievements? Why couldn’t anyone see that I’m more than just a student? I wanted to scream back, tell my father that I’m trying my best. That sometimes, good enough should be enough. But instead, I sat silently, the weight of his disappointment pressing down on me like a heavy fog. The truth was, I was scared. Scared that I wasn’t enough. That no matter how hard I tried, I would never live up to the expectations stacked on my shoulders. A soft buzz interrupted my thoughts — a message from Mia. “Hey, movie night at my place? You need a break.” I smiled faintly. Mia always knew when I needed to escape, to breathe. I grabbed my phone, fingers trembling slightly as I typed back: “I’ll be there.” --- The next day at college, I tried to lose myself in classes, notes, and study groups, but the tension from home lingered like a shadow. I kept stealing glances at Clara and Mia, hoping for a distraction, a moment of normalcy. Clara was radiant as always, chatting animatedly about her internship plans and summer trips. Mia was quieter but her smile reached her eyes, steady and warm. Between classes, I confided in Mia about last night. She listened without judgment, offering only a gentle squeeze of my hand. “You’re doing amazing, Sherry. Your dad just has his own way of showing he cares. But you have to remember—you’re not alone,” she said softly. Her words were like a balm on my bruised heart. I wanted to believe her. --- Later that week, things at home didn’t improve. Dinner was tense. My father barely looked at me, instead scrolling on his phone, lost in emails and meetings even after hours. My mother tried to keep the peace but was caught between him and me. I wanted to talk, to explain how suffocated I felt, but the words stuck in my throat. Instead, I excused myself and went back to my room, locking the door behind me. --- That night, as I lay in bed, I thought about my dreams. What did I want beyond university? Beyond my father’s expectations? I wanted freedom. To explore, to make mistakes, to be myself without fear. Maybe I wasn’t the perfect daughter, the top student, or the ideal young lady. But I was me. And that had to be enough. --- Chapter Two: Focused on the Finish Line The campus was buzzing with excitement. Spring was in full swing, flowers blooming along the walkways, and the air carrying the unmistakable scent of freedom and celebration. Finals were still weeks away, but students were already talking about parties, road trips, and making the most of their last semester before graduation. But for me—Sherry Olive—it felt like the world was moving too fast, and I was standing still, focused on something else entirely. --- “Sherry! Come on, you can’t just sit in the library all day,” Clara called out, her blonde hair bouncing as she weaved through the crowd towards me. Mia followed close behind, her dark eyes sparkling with laughter. “Yeah, girl! We’re about to have the best semester of our lives. You don’t want to miss out.” I closed my textbook slowly, trying to keep my calm. “I’m good,” I said, my voice steady. “I’ve got to keep my grades up this semester.” Clara raised an eyebrow. “Seriously? It’s your last semester! You should be living it up, not stressing over grades like it’s the end of the world.” I shook my head, feeling a little defensive. “Grades are important. I’m not just trying to pass — I want to do well. Besides, I’m starting to look for jobs soon.” Mia’s face softened. “Jobs? Already? We just want to enjoy college, Sherry.” I gave a small, determined smile. “That’s just it. I want more than just fun right now. I want to be ready for what comes next. I want financial freedom. I want to make money, build a life where I’m not worried about bills or pressure from home.” Clara looked skeptical but didn’t push further. “You’re really serious about this, huh?” I nodded. “I have to be. I’m not here to waste time. The party scene can wait.” --- The library had become my second home. While my classmates sometimes drifted to dorm rooms and loud gatherings, I buried myself in textbooks, notes, and research papers. The steady rhythm of studying gave me a sense of control I craved. Sometimes, I’d glance out the window and see groups of students laughing, dancing, and living in the moment. I’d miss it, but only for a second. Because I knew where I wanted to be. --- Between lectures, I’d meet Mia or Clara for quick coffee breaks or study sessions, but mostly, we talked about the future. They dreamed about spontaneous summer trips, new relationships, and wild nights. I dreamed of paychecks, internships, and a bank account that wouldn’t keep me up at night. --- One afternoon, Mia nudged me as we walked across campus. “You should come to the spring fling party this weekend. It’s gonna be epic!” I smiled but shook my head. “Thanks, but no. I’m hitting the books. Plus, I’m applying for internships. I have to get this right.” Clara sighed. “You’re such a grown-up sometimes. We get it though. You want that luxury life.” “That’s exactly it,” I said. “Money means freedom. Freedom to live on my own terms, to take care of myself, to travel. It’s not just about the grades or the job — it’s about what comes after.” --- I knew they wanted me to join the fun, to let loose before we all went our separate ways. But I couldn’t shake the feeling that every moment wasted now was a missed chance for the future I wanted to build. As much as I loved my friends, my path was different. The party could wait — the finish line was calling, and I intended to cross it strong.