st service," my mom called from the kitchen, dresse

ho had been trending nonstop ever since she got featured in a celebrity game. I guess all of he

at myself in the mirror. It seemed heavenly enough to me. "Please, mama, not now," I a

ed this recent behavior and I won't tolerate it, especial

y eyes, unlocking the car do

the radio. I listened silently as the song resonated with my bein

just stop,"

ul and blessed by my

espite everything, I admired my relationship with my mom. It

y mom fixed her appearance in the rearvie

that dress you're we

ded, stepping out of the car. My eyes caught sight of Mrs. Molly

I asked my mom as w

ords. Mrs. Molly was known for her quick tongue and gossip. "May I ask wh

arting next week, that is, if you've ever made the effort to attend any of the meetings

ng it amusing, but my mother shot me a deat

o the empty seats at the front. All eyes were on me as I scanned th

beside my parents as they greeted each membe

pirit truly resides in your home and this

my mom pinched me, brin

time I saw her. She must be causing quite a stir with

being," my dad replied, surprising me. "How is

are, but I'm sure he'll be eager t

g in the presence of God," my dad sai

r," she added bef

d's gaze shifted to my dress, giving m

rn?" my mother scolded before following him, lea

~~~~~~~****

d some good news. Feeling the need for support, I re

d them, hoping for s

cted again," Ivy's voice ca

let's be more posit

jection this year or somethi

her, trying to downplay the dis

xperienced setbacks and only had one option left - UCLA (University of California). I

il yet?" Pete asked,

" I admitted, fear c

raid. The Lord is your strength. Now, check that damn mail! Y

he mail icon. My eyes scanned the words on the screen, and

in suspense," Ivy's voice so

ent. I danced around my bedroom, the euphoria of success overwhelming m

py for you. You deserve it, bab

ds by my side. Despite the haunting memories of the horrible incident that had shaken me to t

uraging words always came to mind whenever I received those letters. "So, let me fill you in, UCLA is

aying, "Someone seems excit

replied, "Ho

gnorant, ask

happened?" Remembering how he had cal

was too good for him. He c

interjected, "Just say you messed

u're still single," he replied

nded us of our current

boys and relationships. I ju

Pete asked, genuine conc

ith a quiet

g and have the best day of your life," Ivy squeaked with excitement. "I h

living her best l

s attention. She's like an attention wh

o much, Pete,

too,

****

n the table, assisting my mom as s

ueaking I heard earlier?" she asked,

gaze to my dad seated at the dining

salad from inside and asked me to pass it to her. Clearing my throat,

into UCLA," I fi

's voice filled with excitement as she beamed with j

" My dad's voice was cold, hi

senior night hangout, my dad's attitude had changed. It felt like I wa

e replied di

plied, my attention returning to the plate

book in hand, I reflected on the day. Before lo

I calle

nto my room and locking the door behind her. I

" I asked, my curiosity g

ing if I was serious. "I'm sorry," I w

the picture frame containing a picture of Pete,

cused on me. "You're strong, despite everything. Sometimes, I worry that you might brea

my voice fille

ed this day, but now it's actually happening," she confes

the end of the world, Mother," I tried to lighten th

" she whispered, tears st

oing to be okay, Mom. I'm scared too, but we'll get through i

we wiped away our tears, a sense of strength and determination filled the room. We were ready to fac