It's been two days since I've tried to convince my dad to let me enroll in high school. Two days of begging, failed strategies, and sad puppy eyes… but nope, he didn't budge. And now this morning, Mr. Fernandez is coming again for another home lesson. Huhuhu. Lord, I pray every day, so please help me!
Okay, enough crying, Hiyas. Before Mr. Fernandez arrives, I decide to march straight into my dad's office. Today, it's the final battle.
I stop at his door and knock.
Knock, knock, knock.
— Come in!
I push the door and enter with the most serious look I can muster.
— Good morning, Mr. Corazon.
He frowns.
— What are you doing?
— I've tried everything, Dad. The beaten puppy act, the crying kitten, the abandoned lamb… but nothing worked. So here I am, not as your daughter, but as a seventeen-year-old girl. A girl who has no friends, who doesn't know the meaning of friendship, who has never set foot in high school, and who is always locked up at home. And with all that… how do you expect this girl to grow?
He sighs.
— Listen, Miss Corazon, you…
— No, you listen, Jul Corazon! This teenager just wants to be like everyone else. So try to understand her and enroll her in high school!
Silence. Then…
— Very well.
I blink.
— Huh? Really? No joke?
I jump on him and cover him with kisses.
— Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!
— Yes, but on one condition, he says.
— No problem! I promise I'll study, improve in math, in calculations, in everything! That way, I'll get a good job in the future!
He looks at me tenderly.
— My condition is that you take care of yourself. That you take your medicine. As for the job, that doesn't matter. Everything I do is for you.
I hug him tightly.
— Thank you so much, Dad, I love you.
— I love you too.
At that moment, there's another knock at the door.
— I heard someone rejoicing in here?
It's Mom.
— Mom! Dad agreed to let me go to high school. No more home lessons!
She hesitates.
— I don't think that's a good idea… but if it makes you happy, then why not.
I smile from ear to ear.
— Thank you guys, you're the best!
The three of us hug.
It's 9:10 when Mr. Fernandez arrives, right on time. But my father announces the news: he decided to enroll me in high school.
To my surprise, Mr. Fernandez smiles.
— I think you made the right choice, Mr. Corazon. Every teenager should experience senior year and understand what it means to finish high school. It allows them to grow and learn a bit about life.
That evening, while I'm in the living room researching different schools, Dad walks in.
— Here! You're already enrolled at MIHS. You start next week.
I jump up.
— Thank you, Dad, thank you, thank you!
— You're welcome, sweetheart.
---
The days pass, and my impatience burns. I've waited so long it felt like eternity. And finally… the morning arrives: my first day at MIHS.
In my room, I stand in front of the mirror and twirl to check my school uniform. I've never had one before, lol. But wow… it looks amazing. Blue and white, so pretty. Even prettier because it's mine. My hairstyle? Perfect, done especially for the occasion by Nina, the employee who takes care of my clothes and hair. Thank you, Lord, I look so classy.
My phone vibrates. Oh my God, it's Grandma—my only real friend… who happens to be fifty-seven.
Grandma: Hey baby, sweetie! How do you feel on your first day of school?
Me: I'm okay, a little nervous, but okay. Oh my God, Grandma, I'm so excited!!
Grandma: That's great. Go to school, make some friends your age. I'm not saying I don't love your company, but have fun. This is your last year!!!
Me: Yes yes, I will.
Grandma: But don't replace me either, okay?
Me: Promise, Grandma.
Grandma: Perfect. Good luck and tell me everything later. Bye bye.
Me: Okay, bye bye!
I put down my phone and head to the living room.
— Did you take your medicine? asks Mom.
— Yes, yes.
— Very well, come have breakfast.
Dad adds:
— Don't you dare forget your medicine, understood?
— Yes yes, I got it.
I nibble two or three bites and jump up.
— Dad, hurry, I'll be late!
— Take your time, kitten. Classes start at 8:30.
I glance at my watch. 7:15.
— But it's my first day, I have to get there early! Come on Dad, hurry up!
He chuckles.
— Alright, alright.
We finish quickly. 7:45.
— No way, I'm already late!!!
— Calm down, sweetheart, says Mom. Here, take this, you can eat it at lunch.
— There's a cafeteria there, right?
— Yes, but home food is the best, Dad replies.
— Tss… okay, fine, let's go!
Oh, I almost forgot… on my first day, both my parents are coming with me. It's kind of cool, but honestly… super embarrassing. Huhuhu.
After more than twenty minutes on the road, we finally arrive at MIHS High School. And then…