Loving You

My name is Angel, I grew up in a simple family. My father is a farmer and my mother sells a different kinds of things like bracelets made of shells she got by the shore. And the money they got from their earning is enough to feed us for a day. I have a younger sister, her name is Jane and she’s in high school no. We’re still both studying and I am on my senior year in college one more semester until I graduate.   I always keep telling myself that this is not the life I wanted for me and my family. I want more than what we have. Just like my rich classmates have, I wanted the life they’re living and all the materials things they own. That is why, ever since I enter college I do everything even if it’s against my will.   And my story goes, the day I entered college. I only took entrance exams to those well-known schools. Luckily, I passed in one of elite schools in our town. Its an international school, and based on my research every student who passed and graduated in that school got a chance to work in different countries. I made it as my inspiration and motivation while taking the entrance test. I always think ahead seeing myself as a professional business woman and my family is in a good state of life and we’re happily together traveling around the world not worrying anything.   I know how my family will react when I tell the good news. Of course, they will be happy for me at the same time hesitant and worried in how they’ll support financially the tuition fee it requires. And even before I tell them, I’ve already come up with solutions. I am going to work while studying and applied for scholarship. Fortunately, I got a job in a coffee shop near the school so it would be easier for me to go to school after shift and I am also qualified for scholarship in exchange I have to work as student assistant in the school. I was assigned in the library to assist other students with books and do some inventory and checking.   I am smiling ear to ear as I went home and deliver some good news with them. I got home exactly dinner because I got stuck in a traffic and the long walk I have to take before reaching our house.   “I’m home!”, I shout the moment I entered the doorstep.   “You just made it in time for dinner Angel. Let’s go, come and sit while I prepare the food”, my mom answered.   I put my things down and went straight to the table and sit right beside my sister. I feel like crazy because I can’t stop smiling for the exciting news. I planned to to tell them after dinner. As we all sat down, we pray for all the blessings we have received and for the food we are about to eat. My sister weirdly glancing at me. Even my parents got noticed that I am in a good mood. After finishing the food, I take a deep breath before speaking.   “Angel, you seems like in a good mood ever since you got home”, said my sister.   “Yes, I even notice it when you sit in the chair, is there something you wanted to tell us?”, my mom asked.   “Come on Angel, go ahead and tell us, you’re spoiling the mood”, my dad added. “Okay, I have some great news to you guys. Hold on tight to your chair because it’s something big you’re about to hear”, I paused for seconds and look at them one by one. “I made it to Austin International College!”, I screamed like there’s no tomorrow.   “Austin? Like the most elite school in our town?”, Jane said.   “Yes! Yes! As in Austin International College Jane!”, I answered while my hands are on her shoulders.   “Angel, did you forget that we’re poor and even if you passed we cannot afford the fees”, Jane added and pouted.   “Your sister is right, we can’t afford to pay that school”, mom said and sigh.   “Angel, I know and I can see in your eyes the excitement but there are other schools there that provides same level of teaching”, dad said and grab my hands.   “Mom, Dad, Jane, you really don’t have to worry about the fees. I got a job and even qualified for their scholarship so everything was in place. All I need is your support”, I said.   “I am sorry my daughters, I wasn’t able to give you a better life. I am just a farmer. I am very sorry”, dad said sobbing. I got teary eyed and give him a hug and we all started to cry.   “Don’t worry dad, one day, you don’t have to work anymore as a farmer. You’ll have your own field and mom will have her own store and Jane will be able to study in a good school. I promise you all that I’ll study harder and graduate. This may never be going to easy and I will not give up. Everything I do is for all of you for our family.”, I said tearfully then we hug.   Later that night, while lying in bed I am still thinking what happened in dining area and how I look at them in the eyes. I know how my parents feel about how they can’t provide us a good life just like others. And I know they’re trying their best to give us what we need.   Because I can’t fall asleep, I went downstairs to drink some milk to help me relax and get a sleep. As I went down, kitchen’s light is still lit up I found my mom still awake budgeting the money from the crafts she sold and my dad’s pay. I felt sadness and a tear came down then I went to her back and hug her.   “Ugh, Angel my dear, why are you still up its late”, mom said.   “I went down just to get some milk because I can’t sleep then I found you here”, I hug her tightly. “I love you mom”, I whispered, the she kissed me on my forehead.   “I love you too my daughter”, she said.   I went upstairs and go to sleep. I have to wake up early tomorrow and prepare for my first shift in the coffee shop. I can’t be late in my first day at work. I set my clock’s alarm at 5 AM my shift is at 8AM enough time to prepare things and the travel.   I heard my clock’s alarm, I get up in bed and stretches my arms upwards and to condition my body. I took a shower and put some make-up on as number one requirement at work. We have to look presentable and charming in front of our customers even if mostly of them were students from Austin.   My parents and sister are all still asleep when I leave the house. I just grab a bread and have some coffee to make me fully awake and head outside. I reached the store early, it is still close so I waited outside until someone came. Someone is coming my way, she looks so beautiful and has fair skin. I first thought she’s a customer then she approach me.   “Are you the new crew?”, she said. She sounded intimidating so I just nod at her.   “Can’t you talk? By the way I’m Lisa I work here as well as part-time. I study here in Austin and on my second year. And you are?”, she said and take out a cigarette and light it up.   “Uhm, I am Angel and it’s my first day here in Austin Café and I am freshman in Austin”, I answered.   “Nice to meet you, hope we can be friends and get along well. Don’t worry I don’t bite my personality is just like this you’ll get use to it someday”, she said confidently.   “Ms. Lisa…”, she interrupts me speaking.   “Just Lisa”, she said.   “Oh sorry, Lisa… what time does this café usually opens? It’s almost 9 AM. We have to open the shop so we could prepare”, I said.   “Oh, here’s the key. Don’t worry the students usually come in here late. Everything in here were already prepared before hand so what we have to do is wait for them to order”, she explained.   Seems like she’s been here for a long time now. She already memorized everything how this café runs. Even if she has this kind of strong personality and aura, I can feel that she’s a good person and we will get along very well.   Exactly 11 AM, people starts coming in. I am in charge in taking their orders and Lisa is the one preparing it. She works fast and looks cool while getting the coffee and serve it to customer. How I wish to have that personality like her.   “Angel, what time is your class?”, Lisa asked.   I look at my watch and it’s only 1 hour before my class starts. I lost track of time that I have a class and I need to go first to the admin for my schedule in the library. My shift in café depends on my class schedule.   “Lisa, is it okay if I go ahead?”, I said with a worried face.   “No problem, you may go, Billy will take your shift”, she answered.   I quickly change my clothes and headed to the school admin. I am catching my breath because I ran just to get on time and not be late before I knock on the door. I heard a male voice answered the door. I open the door and went inside. I was in awe when I enter the room, it doesn’t seems like an office I feel like I am in a five star hotel. It has a high ceiling and in the middle there’s a big chandelier made out of crystals and it has a lot of mini light bulbs surrounding it. “Ehem”, I stopped staring when I heard him.   “I’m sorry I just can’t stop myself from staring at it. By the way I am Angel and I’m here to get my schedules as a student assistant in the library”, I said looking down the floor coz I got shy due to my reaction.   “Here, make sure to follow your schedules once you missed a thing you’ll be punish or worst kick out of scholarship so be careful”, he sound cold and no face reaction. “I am Kyle, student council president this is my office so if you have questions you know where to find me.”, he added.   “Yes sir, I’ll take note of that, thank you and nice meeting you Sir”, I answered briefly.   As I step out of door I sighed as a relief and shocked that I realized for a student council you’ll get this kind of office. It is indeed an elite school. I am now having a doubt if I’m really sure of my decision. But there is no stopping, I know I can do this for my family.