CHAPTER 5

　　Sunday morning I found myself still feeling overwhelmed by the fact that I got a satisfactory amount of money from a man that didn't know me, a man who didn't owe me anything.

　　The feeling lingered as the day went by. Of course, I was happy; $1,000 was a lot of money, and I got it easily, for no apparent reason. Yet, along with that happiness with that feeling that all was not lost because I know Mr. Xander was concerned and it would be a mistake to give up. I was more certain now that if he heard my story and got to know me better, he would be even more generous.

　　The week-long wait I planned was more difficult than I had imagined. I couldn't stop thinking about Mr. Xander. Yes, he instructed me to lose his number and never to call but I doubted if he truly meant it.

　　Come Saturday, he will hear my story

　　And forget all he had said in restaurants. I was going to take the bull and horn, eliminate fear, and ask for help directly. It could be either right or wrong. I figured that I have nothing to lose except for a few days of nursing a bruised ego, and I was willing to take that risk.

　　Andrea called me to scold me. I told you not to tell him your real age, yet you went and told him 19. Forget your baby face with your boobs and ass you could have passed 22 or 23. How could you blow up a perfect chance like this? It was a simple instruction for goodness' sake, Maddison.

　　Mr. Xander got to her. What could I say, then, to agree with her that telling her real age has been a bad idea? I didn't tell her about my plans for the coming weekend, I just thanked her for her help, and promised to return her wig the following week.

　　"There's no need, just keep the wig," she said. "It is the latest I can do now that we're out of options."

　　"Thank you, Andrea, you have been so kind to me and I will repay your help."

　　"After her call, I was even more determined to salvage the situation. The long-awaited day eventually came, and I decided to wait till 4 pm,4 pm to increase my chance of catching Mr. Xan. der at a good time.

　　I chose that time because it was his free time on a Saturday we met, and hopefully, it would be so again. I was home alone as the Twins had gone with mum to her shop, and my dad had attended a "business meeting" attended, which usually meant that he had gone to ask someone for a loan. My siblings had lost a week at school already.

　　At 4 o'clock on the dot, I. called Mr. Xan. der. At the sound of the first ring, I found myself unable to sit still, so I stood and began walking around the sitting room. He answered on the third ring.

　　"Hello."

　　"Hello, good day sir," I said softly.

　　"It's Maddison sir. I know you asked me not to call. I'm deeply sorry, but I just had to. Please can we meet for drinks? There are some things I have to discuss with you please."

　　"No," he said emphatically. "We can't, don't ever call me again."

　　"Sir…"I started, only to hear the line cut right on my ear.

　　I could not believe that he hung up on me, but not being one who would back down easily, I called him again.

　　"Say what you want to say over the phone," he said, the tone becoming authoritative. I have just five minutes to spare, I'm listening.

　　It was my chance to make a strong impression. My life and education moving forward Now depend on me and how convincing I could sound. I started by telling him I had an excellent high school result.

　　I'm impressed," he said.

　　I then proceeded to tell him about my parents' financial struggles. My younger one dropped out of school because my parents had no money, and how my mum already settled for a mediocre life by getting me a form to learn to tailor.

　　"I'm very sorry to hear all this," he said

　　I could hear the compassion in his voice, and it encouraged me to press on. I explained how I went to Andrea for help and how desperate I wanted to leave California for Los Angeles. I'm going to study medicine and work in a multinational someday, just like you."

　　"Now that's interesting."

　　"I'm serious sir. I want to be like you and I will be very grateful if you can agree to be my mentor. If you invest in me now, I promise I will pay back every bit of it in the future."

　　At that he laughed out loud, it was the first trace of humor I had glimpsed in all our interactions.

　　"I don't need your payback for doing the right thing, Maddison. You have $1,000 with you now. Apply to two private universities. If you meet the entrance requirements and get admission, I will sponsor your education. I gasped, unable to believe my ears.

　　"Sir? My entire education?"

　　He laughed again. "Of course, I don't intend to abandon you halfway. I have just begun.

　　I'm so grateful sir. Thank you so much! May God bless you and reward you. How can I ever repay you?" I didn't have enough words to express my gratitude. This was beyond what I could have hoped for.

　　"You are welcome. I have just one thing to ask you."

　　At that point, I was ready to give him anything that he asked for. I could not be when he was about to bring my most p00recious dream back to life.

　　"Anything sir, "I said eagerly.

　　"Don't take advantage of me, I'm helping you simply because I can afford it, and I like that you are transparent and honest. Those are rare traits to find in human beings in this generation. Do what you have said you will do. Don't let me down."

　　"I won't take advantage of your kindness sir, and I won't fail you, I promise. Thank you so much for your time, sir." "O, no, more thing," he said.

　　"Yes sir?"

　　Drop the sir and call me Xander. Please don't make me ask again."

　　I smiled. "Thank you, Xander. I'm truly grateful."