She sank into the couch, her gaze welded to the laptop screen, her eyes frozen in a stare, so intense that time itself seemed to hold its breath, refusing to blink, refusing to look away, as if the secrets of the digital universe were about to reveal themselves to her alone. In her mind, she was utterly paralyzed with the thought of nervousness, anxiety and probability. Her heart raised restlessly, as if she was about to witness a bloodshed scene. Indeed, she was tortured by this feelings itself, but she choose to hold onto a grip.
And then the cursor began to move on its own. Her heart skipped a bit as the screen flicked on its own, and a single word appeared.
" Congratulations"
Seeing this, she let out a shriek of unbridled joy, her eyes widening in disbelieving excitement as she leapt off the couch, laptop still open in her grasp, and erupted into a chaotic dance of triumph, tears of elation streaming down her face as she bounced around the room, squealing "I DID IT! I'M GOING TO YALE!!" to the top of her lungs, her world suddenly feeling limitless and hers for the taking!.
"OH MY GOD!!" The scream pierced the air, shattering the silence like a broken glass, as her hands flew to her mouth, her eyes wide with a mix of shock and elation. The laptop screen seemed to glow with an otherworldly light, illuminating her face in a way that made her mother, Mrs. Erica, to drop the pot she was holding in the kitchen.
Cluttered footsteps echoed through the hallway as Mrs. Erica rushed out, her face etched with worry, her voice calling out, "What's wrong? What happened?" She burst into the room, her eyes scanning wildly, taking in the scene: her daughter frozen in a mixture of horror and excitement, the laptop screen still glowing with an eerie light, the word "CONGRATULATIONS" still pulsing, like a heartbeat.
Mrs. Erica's gaze snapped to the screen, and her breath caught. "What is it? What does it say?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper, as if she feared breaking some sort of spell. The air was thick with anticipation, the only sound of ragged breathing of the two women, waiting... and waiting... for the next thing to happen.
" Luna what's wrong?" She raised her voice in concern. " Finally!!, mom finally!!" Luna said as she tossed her laptop aside and went straight to her mom to give her a hug.
" Can you tell me what wrong with you, already?" she said as she still don't get Luna.
Completely left in the dark.
" Okay fine, I'll tell you mom" she said while she tried to pull her self together and calm down to breath. " Mom, I finally got into the new school" she said as she jumps around in happiness and threw her self on the couch.
" Wait a minute, Luna are you being serious or are you pranking me again like before" Erica said, trying to get through, with what her daughter was saying.
" Mom, why on earth would I be joking about things like this. I'm serious. Just check this out". Luna said while she took the laptop that was next to her and went straight to her mom, to show her the acceptance letter.
" Congratulations, miss Luna Grey, you have been admitted to the Yale University...." Erica couldn't finish what was written on the laptop screen, that she screamed too loud and hugs her daughter in disbelief.
Erica's eyes widened as she stared at her daughter, her voice barely above a whisper. "Luna, are you serious? You've been accepted to Yale?"
Luna nodded, a beaming smile spreading across her face. "I wouldn't joke about something like this, Mom. I'm really going to Yale!"
Erica's face crumbled as she burst into tears, embracing her daughter tightly. "Oh, Luna, I'm so proud of you! You're going to do great things, I just know it!"
Luna laughed and chuckled, pulling her mother closely, as she embraced her with warmth. "Thanks, Mom. I couldn't have done it without you."
As they hugged, Erica pulled back, her eyes shining with tears. "We need to celebrate! Let's call Alfred and the family over, dinner is on me tonight!"
Luna grinned, knowing exactly what that meant. "Pizza and ice cream?"
Erica nodded, a mischievous blink in her eye. "The works!"
The two of them erupted into squeals of excitement, the news of Luna's acceptance to Yale University sinking in. As they calmed down, Erica pulled out her phone, her fingers flying across the screen as she texted Alfred.
Luna watched, a sense of pride and accomplishment washing over her. She had done it. She was going to Yale.
But as she glanced at her mom, she noticed something - a faint tremble in her hand, a hint of sadness behind her smile. Luna's heart skipped a beat. What was her mom not telling her?
The celebration continued, with pizza and laughter filling the air. But Luna couldn't shake off the feeling that something was off, that her mom was hiding something from her.
And as they both raised their glasses in a toast, Luna made a silent promise to herself. She would make her mom proud, no matter what it took.
Alfred is like a family friend to Ericas'. Though Erica's husband, Andrew had been bestfriend with Alfred, since high school, till he passed away, years ago on car accident. alfred had married to Eucharia, Erica's best friend. so taking each other as a close family friend, was something they can't undo, because of the strong bond.
Erica was this single mom who owned a small time business. At least, she is not too rich, neither she is poor, but can at least provide her needs for the family as well.
On that note,
Yale University, a bastion of excellence and a symbol of prestige, it stood tall as one of the most elite institutions in the country. Its hallowed halls were graced by the children of the rich and famous, the cream of the crop, and the best of the best. With a price tag to match its reputation, Yale was a school that only the most affluent could afford, with tuition fees that rivaled the GDP of some small nations.
The admissions process was rigorous, with only the most exceptional students gaining acceptance. The university's stringent requirements dictated that parents have a net worth of at least $500 million to even be considered for admission. It was a school where privilege and power were woven into the very fabric of its existence.
But amidst the sea of designer labels and luxury cars, there was one student who stood out - Luna Grey, a bright and ambitious young woman who had defied the odds to secure a coveted spot at Yale through a scholarship. The scholarship program, which offered a limited number of spots to exceptional students who demonstrated academic excellence and financial need, was the only way for Luna to attend the university.
Erica, Luna's guardian, had encouraged her to apply, knowing that the scholarship would cover her tuition fees and provide her with the opportunity to pursue her dreams. As a small-time business owner, Erica had always struggled to make ends meet, but she was determined to give Luna the best possible start in life.
Luna's admission to Yale was a testament to her hard work and determination, and Erica was beaming with pride. She knew that the road ahead would not be easy, but she was confident that Luna had the talent and resilience to thrive in the face of adversity.
As Luna navigated the challenges of Yale, she would soon discover that the true test was not academic, but social. The elite students of Yale were not just competing for grades, but for power, influence, and status. And Luna, with her scholarship and humble background, was about to enter a world where she would be forced to confront the harsh realities of class and privilege.
The evening sun cast a warm glow over the small apartment, and the sound of laughter and chatter filled the air as Alfred, Stephanie, and Eucharia arrived at the doorstep. Luna's face lit up with a bright smile as she swung the door open, exclaiming, "Come on in!"
The group of friends exchanged warm hugs and congratulations as they made their way into the cozy living room. Alfred beamed with pride, saying, "Hey Luna, how are you doing? I heard you got admitted to Yale, I'm so happy for you!"
Eucharia chimed in, "I'm so proud of you, Luna! You're going to do great things!"
Sounds like my mom" Luna said within herself as she smiles.
Stephanie who came in with a bright smile hugging Luna so dearly, "girl.... I'm so so happy for you. your mom told me that you got into Yale" she said as she pulled back.
" yesssss" Luna replied as she giggled. " congratulations" Stephanie said as she stepped inside the house.
As they settled into the dining room, Erica called out, "Dinner is ready!" The table was a feast for the eyes, with a spread of mouth-watering dishes that made everyone's stomach rumble in anticipation.
As they took their first bites, the room erupted in a chorus of oohs and aahs. The flavors danced on their tongues, and the aroma filled the air, making it impossible to resist going back for seconds.
Erica beamed with pride, happy to see her loved ones enjoying her cooking. As they savored the meal, she suddenly spoke up, "I'm so proud of you, Luna. You've worked hard to get to this point, and I know you're going to make us all proud."
The group's eyes turned to Luna, and they raised their glasses in a toast. "To Luna, the Yale scholar! May your future be bright and full of possibilities!"
As they clapped and cheered, Luna felt a sense of gratitude and belonging wash over her. She knew that she wouldn't be here without the support of her loved ones, and she was determined to make the most of this opportunity.
Luna's face turned bright red as her mom dropped the D-bomb on her. "Date someone?. Mum!!!!" she shouted, her voice laced with embarrassment and a hint of horror.
Stephanie, who was busy devouring her food, couldn't help but sneak a peek at Luna with a sly grin. She was enjoying this conversation way too much.
Erica, unfazed by Luna's reaction, continued, "I'm saying the truth, Luna. You're not exactly the most social person, and it's time you started living a little. You're a grown adult now, and it's about time you started acting like one."
Eucharia chimed in, "She's right, Luna. You're always stuck to Stephanie, and while that's great, you need to branch out and meet new people. Maybe even... date someone as your mom said." She raised an eyebrow, as we see a glimmer in her eye.
Luna's frown deepened, and she looked like she'd rather be anywhere else. "You're supposed to be on my side, Eucharia! Not supporting my mom's crazy ideas!"
Alfred, who'd been quietly enjoying his meal, finally spoke up, "Hey, hey, let's not gang up on Luna. She's a smart girl, and she'll figure it out."
But Eucharia wasn't having it. "Sorry, dear, but your mom is right on this one. You need to get out there and live a little. And who knows, you might just meet someone special."
Luna threw her hands up in the air, defeated. "Fine, I'll try. But if I end up alone and miserable, it's all on you guys." she quickly said, trying to end the conversation.
The table erupted in laughter, and Stephanie cut in,in the moment. "Don't worry, Luna, I'll be here to pick up the pieces when it all goes wrong."
After dinner, Alfred and his family decided to stay for the night Stephanie sauntered into Luna's room, plumping herself down on the bed with a bright smile. "What's wrong, Lu?" she asked, noticing Luna's uneasy expression.
Luna sighed, her eyes drifting towards the ceiling. "I'm just nervous about Yale, I guess. New school, new people... it's all a bit overwhelming."
Stephanie's face softened, and she patted Luna's hand. "Hey, it's normal to feel that way. But you're going to kill it, Lu. You're smart, talented, and gorgeous. You'll be fine."
Luna raised an eyebrow, a hint of a smile playing on her lips. "You're just saying that because you're my best friend."
Stephanie's smile widened. "Maybe a little. But seriously, Luna, your mom was right about one thing – you do need to get out there and live a little. Date someone, have some fun. You can't stay coiled up in your shell forever."
Luna groaned, flanking her face with a pillow. "Ugh, don't remind me. I'm happy being single, thanks."
Stephanie chuckled. "Yeah, right. You've been rejecting guys left and right since freshman year of high school. I mean, I get it, they were all drowsy, but come on, Lu! You're going to Yale! You'll be swimming in hot guys."
Luna's face burned with embarrassment, and she tossed a pillow at Stephanie. "Shut up, Steph!"
Stephanie laughed, dodging the pillow with ease. "I'm just saying, Luna. You deserve to have some fun, and who knows, you might just meet Mr. Right."
As they chatted, Luna couldn't help but feel grateful for Stephanie's unwavering support. They'd been inseparable since their whole life and Stephanie knew her better than anyone. she was exactly the kind of sister she needed, a best friend and family for life.
As they continued to banter, Luna realized that maybe, just maybe, Stephanie was right. Maybe it was time to take a chance and put herself out there. After all, Yale was a whole new world, full of possibilities and opportunities. Who knew what the future held?