Goodluck

Elena was so happy after she attended the art show. She made sure she registered before the deadline. The big day was here, and Elena was anxious and nervous. She didn't know what to expect. She couldn't sleep throughout the night because thoughts of the competition clouded her mind. She stood up after being woken up by the alarm set for 5 am. the location for the competition wasn't so close and a lot needed to be put in place before the event, she ran to the bathroom, took a shower, She got out and wore her dress already prepared the previous day carefully folded on the bedside chair "I need to dress in my best" she said to herself. Elena put on a red dress with a boot, the one Britney got for her on her birthday. Elena made her way to the kitchen, she wasn't so hungry but she ate something. She made pancakes with milk to go along. After having breakfast, Elena took a cab to the event. Elena got there and saw expensive cars parked outside, artists of all genres, art collectors, movies and music stars as well as social media celebrities. Chill ran down her spine, "wow" she muttered. Elena wasn't sure of herself anymore. She became more nervous. She got to the event center, she was checked before she was let in. When she got into the hall, she almost lost her cool when she met her favorite photographer, Christian Mendel, the official photographer for Vogue magazine. Elena didn't know how to react. She got to him and told him she was his biggest fan. She kept mentioning his works and his big achievement. Christian was impressed. Elena asked for his autograph as he signed it on her jot down. Elena knew this was a big thing for her. She didn't know how to express herself but she kept smiling all along. It was time for the competition and Elena was still in search of Sarah or Jules but she couldn't find anyone of them. But she still went ahead to participate. All the rounds in total were 5. In each, they were asked to capture the runway of the models for each fashion line presented. And Elena made it to all of them. After the session. The world's best photographers were asked to speak to the rest of the people who came too. An announcement was to be made later. But Elena was still happy she came.

Days after days, months after months Elena kept trying Sarah's number to know what the result of the competition was, but it won't go through. Elena stopped trying and just gave up on it.

April 6th, Elena's birthday she's finally 18 and now has access to her accounts. she woke up relieved and excited finally she could live a little bit comfortably and maybe stop working in the restaurant. she wished her mom could see her, how much she's grown, "I'm 18 now mum your baby is grown" she said with a smile.

The doorbell rang "who's there ?" she asked puzzled. , no one has come to her place since Liam left. Tired, she got up, packed her hair, dressed, and headed curiously to the door. " is Liam here? maybe he wants to surprise me for my birthday". Getting to the door she checked but no one was there just an envelope at the foot of the door. Puzzled at who dropped it, she picked it and looked both ways to see if someone was watching then stepped inside.

She got a proper look at the envelope and her heart skipped a beat. it was Harvard and it was unmistakable this was the reply for the new application she did. She was nervous, this letter can contain either good or bad news. She calmed herself and opened the letter. " Dear Elena,

your application to studying arts at Harvard University has been accepted" the letter read. Elena screamed in Joy, finally, she got accepted into one of the most prestigious schools in the world. Her birthday started well

Liam called her to wish her a happy birthday, and she told him about the exciting news. He celebrated with her. " Hey, Elie I've got something for you outside the door," Liam told her. " Whatcha got for me, Liam? hope you're not being mischievous¿" Elena responded as she walked to the door. she opened the door and her phone dropped from her hands. She was greeted by Liam's Charming smile. She's never thought she'll miss Liam's smile this much. She hugged him tightly. " Oh my, he smells so good and he feels so warm," she said in her head. " you can let go now " Liam whispered in her ears. Only now did she realize she's been hugging him for too long. She let go, blushing and feeling a bit embarrassed. "I missed you Liam " " I missed you too Elie," they said to each other as they walked inside. Liam had taken an excuse from school to come to spend time with Elena, he knew she didn't have anyone to celebrate with and she was happy he was here. Elena's day was getting even better. They spent the entire day together, Elena was given a day off at work. She hosted a few colleagues After their day's work and they partied till dark.

it's 10 pm Elena and Liam were alone, the part was over, everyone had left and it was quiet once again. They sat on the balcony Liam noticed she wasn't so happy. "What's wrong dear?" Liam asked. There was a little silence before Elena spoke. "I miss my mom. She wished she was here. She wished she didn't leave like that, '' Elena replied as tears rolled down her cheeks. "I'm sorry Elie but I'm sure she's proud of you and all you've been able to accomplish on your own wherever she is. I want you to be happy that you made it this far." Liam replied. His voice was so calm and reassuring "Thanks Liam for today and every other day " she said as she leaned on his shoulder. Liam caressed her hair ever so gently, he had a way of making her forget everything, he knew how to make her happy. "I'll do my best to always stand by you Elie '' he said as he tipped her head forward-looking into her eyes to affirm his statement. Elena got lost in his gaze, her mouth dried up and her heartbeat heavily. You could almost hear it from her chest. "what's this feeling? I can't control it, it feels strange but I want it more" she thought as she leaned forward and kissed Liam. "damn his lips are so soft, this feels good and he kisses good " it was Elena's first kiss and Liam was the perfect person to have it with. They slept in each other's warmth and embraced all through the night.

Elena spent the next few weeks preparing for school, she planned on opening a studio in school and the thought of juggling both school and photography worried her.

She missed Liam more now, she thought about him more often, he's smiling, charm, and how he always was cool and in control but she was scared she didn't want to make the mistakes her mother made the memories of Nick beating her mother still hasn't faded from her memory and she promised herself she would never be a man's punching bag, but Liam made her feel so go and wants to see her grow and become better, unlike the other guy she's come across. just as she was in her thoughts, Liam called

Liam; "Hi Elie where are you"

Elena; "I'm home " She replied

Liam; "I'll be over at your place in a bit"

Elena; "you're in town?"

Liam; "yea I missed you so I dropped in to say hi see you soon"

the call ended.

Liam arrived at Elena's home with a bouquet of white rose flowers, her favorite. He knocked and Elena opened the door looking as beautiful as always with her captivating eyes full of red lips and smooth skin. He handed her the flowers, she loved them and hugged him. Just as she continued admiring the flowers Liam went on his knees, took Elena's hand, and, staring into her eyes, asked her to be his girlfriend. Elena was at first startled and rushed to lift him on his feet. She already liked him, if there's anyone she would like to date Liam was the perfect guy. He knew her and still loved her with all her flaws. She smiled and pulled him inside, closed the door, hugged gave him a deep passionate kiss. "Wow, was that a yes?" he asked, breathing heavily. "what do you think" Elena replies with a smile just as then a call comes in, it was an unknown number. "Oh please, can I take this call" Elena excused herself?

(Phone ringing : )

"Hello, it's Sarah !" Elena's eyes widened when she heard her voice. "Hello, I've been trying your number for months now. Elena said with a little worry. "I'm sorry, I was out of the country" Sarah apologized. "My manager, Jules called me yesterday, she said you've been selected as one of the three best winners for the competition which you participated in. They loved your work. The competition is worth 25,000 dollars. Not only that, the contract deal will be made, You'll be among the new Vogue photographers, and also you'll have a part-time deal with the Prada fashion line. Congrats girl" Sarah informed with excitement. "Are you serious?" Elena asked, she couldn't contain her happiness "(Laughs out loud) yes I'm serious. I'll be around by next week. So I'll call you to meet me, then we could go meet them to sign the deal. Congrats dear, Bye" Sarah said and hung up. Elena kept staring at thin air, she had forgotten Liam was with her. "What is it?" Liam asked, bringing her back from her thoughts. Elena looked at Liam, gasping for air as she told him the good news. "This calls for a celebration...I'm so proud of you." Liam said and kissed her deeply.