What If

7

Mr. Stephens is Hershey's school principal.He is an old bald man in sixties. With a copper brown hair and a deep blue eyes. He's tooth on the upper part is slightly parted. And he always wore spectacles that you could have thought he's a scientist and not a principal.

Once we entered, he quickly gestures us to sit. My mother sits on a chair across from him. And I chose to sit in one of the sofa that is located on the right side of his table.

My eyes scanned the room. A typical principal's office. Cabinets were fully stacked with papers and overloaded drawers piled in the corner. There were some paintings hanging on his left corner and I knew that it was from one of the students in Hershey. Talented people scattered all around campus and it was one of the many reasons why I loved the school so much.

" What can I do for you, Mrs. Smith?" I heard the principal's light voice. Enough to be heard on my side of the room.

I saw my mother unclasp her folded hands on her lap. She cleard her throat and gave the principal her small awkward smile.

" I came here to inform you that I can no longer send my daughter to school.." My mother's worried face is now evident. Making her older and paler.

"My husband has decided to let her continue her high school next year. And we really felt it's my responsibility to personally tell you about it.." She was uncomfortable in her seat that I saw her shifted her bottom from left to right.

I focused on our principal's now flustered face. Tiny wrinkles appeared on his forehead when he frowned and stared at my mother.

A moment has passed before I heared his voice again.

" She's one of our outstanding student here in Hershey. And it's a big loss if we lost as good as her. Have you not found any options for this?" He said in a low voice full of agony.

I felt a combination of happiness and of disappointment. Happiness that I was being praised by the principal and disappointment for I wasn't able to continue my dream. To graduate here with medals and diploma.

"...We know that sir. However, we were on our financial outburst now. I'm afraid it will just affect her studies if we force her to go on." my mother said in a gentle tone.

I envied her way of communicating with people. She can be authorative if she wanted. But on the other hand, she can be gentle too if she pleases. Im the lamest member of our family. I can't withstand with violent angry people. And I easily cried.

I watched as the principal stood up. And I heard him sigh. Its very obvious that he's also thinking on what my mother has just said. He slowly walks towards me and stand right in my front.

I look up at him. Oblivious of whats going on his mind. I slowly stand up and bowed my head in a confused manner.

"Jennifer, right?" He softly said. A little smile appeard on his face.

I just nodded. Unable to utter anything.

" I have this friend who owns a chocolate shop. Few blocks away from here." He widen his smile. The slightly crooked teeth now evident.

And then he crossed his arms over his chest. " And if your interested, you can work there as part time. You don't have to worry about you employer. He has the best heart. And you will be properly compensated. " He stiffle a little laugh when he saw me with open mouth staring at him.

I feel something from inside. Hope. I dont mind my mother still sitting on the chair looking at me with wide eyes. I dont mind how will be her reactions. And I know this opportunity will not be put to waste.

" Hey, you can close your mouth now. Its just a job Im offering. Not a car...!"

And I heard him burst into laughter. He turns to look at my mother.

She just glared at me. Still speachless. Well, speachless or not I won't take a no. This is my future were talking about. And I have all the right to decide whatever it is.

I let out a small laugh. I don't find him amusing. Just the words he was telling me.

" Oh, Mr. Stephens you are such a great help. I take it. And I promise you, I will be a good employee. " Tears and laughs mixing now on my face.

I reached out to him and gave him a quick hug. I can now see my self in a chocolate shop. With apron and a smile as I wave to our customers. And Im loving the idea!