CHAPTER 6

　　Just like that, there was a glimpse in the air. It's true what they say:nothing good comes to the clothing comfort zone. I was so thankful that I decided to contact Mr. Xander again, and I followed through. The direction of my life would likely never have changed otherwise if I had listened to his scolding. I was beyond happy. I was ecstatic.

　　All I could think about was which school I could apply to. After devoting enough time to thoroughly research at the cyber cafe, I settled for two schools. I brought the form online and sent my appreciation. The admission process would take a month. I didn't even tell my parents anything about the process, but I knew I would have to tell them about the plans immediately if any school accepted me. They probably would not believe that someone decided to sponsor my education, so I know I would have to lie.

　　I called Andrea to tell her the good news. she was indeed overjoyed.

　　"Babe, I'm so happy for you! Xander can be very principled when it comes to certain things. But he's very good and that's why I thought of him when you came to my shop that day."

　　"I have you to thank, Andrea, because without you it wouldn't have happened. I'm so grateful, may God reward your kindness to me."

　　"The pressure is all mine, what are sisters for? But you are brave, after he told you to lose his number, you still ignored what he said and called…"

　　We laughed and chatted for hours, discussing our dreams and painting pictures of our future. Andrea still travels to Los Angeles often, and she promised to keep in touch.

　　The following week, my siblings were back in school, thanks to whoever had loaned dad money this time. Initially, I went to my mum's shop every day to assist her, but when she wouldn't stop asking me about the form of the tailoring course,

　　I stopped going. Instead, I enrolled in swimming lessons. I had always wanted to swim but that was not my main reason for going there. I wanted to start associating with rich and successful people I would eventually meet. I wanted to start leaving my old life behind me even before I got out.

　　My first time in the pool was an exhilarating experience. I love the water and the ambiance, and I relished rubbing shoulders with the wealthy. It was quite frustrating trying to fit in, not understanding most of what they were talking about as their reference to TV shows and travel sounded strange to me and I felt lost. Nonetheless, I had a nice time, and I remembered to myself that a journey of a thousand miles begins with a step. I knew I would get there in no time.

　　The month went by quickly and I got a call from the shop attendant at the cyber cafe who helped me with the admission process. Not only had I been accepted into both schools, but I was also admitted to study the exact course I applied for! Finally, my dreams were coming to life. I picked up my phone and called Mr. Xander to share the good news.

　　"I'm so happy for you!" He said genuine excitement was evident in his voice. He encouraged me to choose the private college as his friends had shared there.

　　"Thank you for all you have done for me, and all you are going to do. You have given me hope and a new lease on life. Thank you so much," I gushed.

　　The only thing left to face is my parents, and I pack my belongings into my new environment. I knew better than to tell my parents that a man I just met was sponsoring my education. They would not believe it, and it would only make them uncomfortable to accept the proposal. I sat down and told them the most reasonable lie I could come up with: that I won a scholarship and my full tuition and cost of living would be taken care of.

　　"So you're going to be a graduate?

　　I'm going to be a mother of a graduate? Glory be to God!" My mother said she stood and began to dance.

　　"My daughter, I must thank you for taking the initiative, for being brave and smart enough to apply for a scholarship," I said.

　　"This is a great miracle and a good example to your younger ones. Congratulations to my child."

　　"They were so happy and grateful. If only they knew that a divorced man was sponsoring their child's education.

　　The resumption date was September 15, and honestly, I couldn't wait to leave for Los Angeles. My fees were sorted and Mr. Xander sent pocket money to my bank account. When I mentioned traveling by road, he bluntly refused.

　　I will book a flight for you, please. My motorist, Mason, will pick you up at the airport in Los Angeles and take you to school."

　　I couldn't believe my good fortune. He had already sent me more than enough money to cover my needs as far as school is concerned, and now I would be traveling by air for the first time in my life. I felt so pampered and privileged. I decided to take Michael and Martha out before I left, this time without skimming the cash.

　　"Maddison, you want to finish your scholarship money?"

　　I laughed. "Mummy is not a snack and ice cream that will finish the money. I'm managing it well, so don't worry. I just needed to spoil them a little, and for the fact that it will be a while.

　　We went to a different eatery, where the Twins had donuts and meat pie, and egg rolls, with each getting their mini bowl of ice cream. They brought sausage rolls and drinks to take away. Happy and talking excitedly all the way. It wasn't just that my life was changing, theirs would never be the same either, and they knew it.

　　On the day of my departure, I got to the airport on time, and when we boarded I couldn't hold back my tears of joy. I was beyond grateful for the opportunity and blessings God had allowed me to enjoy. It was my first time on a plane, heading to a new city where I know nobody, and starting a new life. I couldn't wait to start living it.