Settling

It's been 3 months since Elena left Britney's home. She now had the job at Liam's uncle's restaurant to work as a waitress. It was tough since she had never done this kind of job before. Liam's uncle Troy made it easy for her and gave her more time to study for her exams which were in less than 2months. Liam as usual always comes to visit and made sure she wasn't feeling alone. "How are you preparing for the exams, well I know you make the best grades in school." He teased. Elena laughed. "So Prom is at the corner, any plans?" Liam said and winked. Elena told him she wasn't sure if she would attend and besides she's not really into attending things like that. "It's the one time you've to attend before leaving High school, you should come," Liam said to her. Liam kneeled before her with smiles on his face. "Lia, m what are you doing?" Elena said shyly. "Will you go to prom with me?" Liam asked her. "Please?" Liam continued. "Okay okay fine, I'll." Elena smiled and said. Liam got up dancing as Elena covered her face in feeling embarrassed. Prom came and was over, Elena was still working at the restaurant. She was loved by all and people admired her a lot which was the more reason customers came in a lot. Elena was comfortable working there, she made plans on saving more money so she could be comfortable in college. Liam already applied at Yale University and he was accepted. Elena was happy for him although she was sad at times because she couldn't tell her fate. Liam came to the restaurant to see Elena and tell her about his leaving for Yale. "Hey dear," he said to her as he reached the counter. Liam has had feelings for Elena for years now but was scared to tell her because he wasn't sure if she felt the same way. He kept praying no one will take her from him. He would try to bring up topics like that and she would wave it off. Liam felt Elena wasn't cut out for relationships and he had not been in one.

Liam gave her a gift. "What's that Liam?" She asked, smiling. "Take a look" Liam replied with excitement and anxiety. "Oh my God, oh my G, I can't believe this" Elena shouted and looked at Liam with shock. "You got me a camera, Liam. This must-have cost you a lot. Why?" Elena asked. Liam got closer to her and held her hands "hey you deserve this and more. You've been an amazing friend and I always want to see you happy. I'll miss you but I'll try to always come visiting." Liam assured and hugged her.

It was 6 months already, and Elena was still at the restaurant. Although Elena was tired of working there, she wanted something different and she hoped for something better. Elena was denied entrance to Harvard where she dreamt of schooling. She was a minority and needed an adult to represent her. It was pretty hard. , she had no one to turn to. she worked and saved up till she turned and tried her best to make sure she did well. Elena was at work when two pretty ladies walked in. They were both dressed in exotic and expensive trending wear. One was a white girl with black short ponytail hair, dressed up in gold pants and a strapless top with black heels, the other dark-skinned with blonde hair wearing a blue dinner gown. You could tell they are from a rich city. Elena was impressed with their outfits as she couldn't stop staring at them. They both ladies took their seats as they looked around to take orders. Elena left the counter and went to where they were seated. "Good afternoon ladies, welcome to Toast meals, Can I take your order?" Elena said to them. They both smiled at her. "Well yeah, we would love to have pizza and smoothie," the dark-skinned said. Elena came back with what they ordered. Elena kept admiring and in love with their accents. "I guess the dark-skinned is London-based. Elena was at the corner of the counter when she overheard them talk about the art on the wall and how beautiful it looked. After some minutes, Elena came back to clear their table. "I'm sorry but this art on the wall is beautiful, do you know who photograph this?" The white girl asked. "I did" Elena replied as she gave in a broad smile. They were both impressed to know Elena was good at photography. "But what are you doing here if you're so good at photography?" The dark girl asked curiously. Elena was quiet. "Okay there's an art show coming up, you could come. Maybe it will help you advertise your work to a larger audience.... oh please forgive my manners. I'm Sarah and this is my friend Wendy" she continued. "Nice to meet you, I'm Elena." She greeted with a bright smile as she nodded. "This is my card, you give me a call and I'll tell you when the art show will come up," Sarah said as she handed over the card to her and then paid for the bill. They all waved and said goodbye. After a few days, Elena gave Sarah a call and they both spoke about the date of the art show and what was expected of her. After she hung up. Liam called her immediately and asked how she was doing. Elena told about the art show and how she met the ladies at his Uncle's restaurant. Liam was happy and promised to help her the best he can.

The big day came, Elena went to the art show. Elena got there, she was nervous. The room was beautifully designed with artwork, photographs were taken, Elena was shy when she met top celebrities and role models she knew and looked up to. Finally, Elena saw Sarah. Elena walked up to her, "Hi Sarah!" Elena called from behind. Sarah, who was talking to one of the girls from the show, turned to see who it was. "Oh... El..ena right?" Sarah asked. Elena nodded with delight. "I'm glad you could make it.... this is my manager Mrs. Jules Mrs. Jules met Elena, she's a photographer," Sarah said. Elena and Mrs. Jules replied with a smile. Sarah got a call, she left them both. "So what's your photography genre?" Mrs. Jules asked "I take pictures of arts, nature and people basically" Elena replied. "Do you have any pictures on your phone or something?" Mrs. Jules asked. Elena showed her a couple of pictures she had on her phone, Mrs. Jules was quite impressed. She asked if she was working for any company, Elena told her she was currently working at the restaurant and was hoping to get into college but she is open to new challenges. "There's a competition coming up for photographers... you can give it a try, you never can tell" Mrs. Jules informed her. Elena was excited and promised to partake. Sarah got back to meet them, still conversing. "I see you guys are getting along," Sarah said. They all laughed. The anchor of the program called for their attention as they were about to start with recognizing dignitaries of occasion. After which auctions were made for the artworks. Elena was surprised with the way people paid huge amounts for works like these. She thought people never showed interest in things like this. Elena heard some people speak about their passion, achievements, and advice to people. Elena was happy she could make it. The day was finally over. Elena said her goodbyes to Sarah and Mrs. Jules and left with the excitement of the competition still on her mind.