Bonds

Going to College

Kyle Martin is an eighteen year old boy from Canada. He has dark blonde hair and brown eyes and is about 175cm high. He has been dancing since he was a child and had to deal with a lot of bullying throughout his life. He went to a public school in Toronto that offered no support in arts. He probably would have given up if it wasn't for his parents and friends' support. His parents spent almost all their money in extra courses for him. That, and all his effort, led to applying to Juilliard School in New York and getting accepted. Now he has to deal with one of the most challenging moments of his life: living in a different country and away from his parents and family. But he's ready for this new phase in his life.
"You're really going away." His mother, Vanessa, said as she leaned against the door.
"Yeah." He replied without looking at her. He was too busy packing his clothes. "It's a huge step for me."
"No doubt about it. My baby is growing up."
"Mom, don't start." He said between a laugh. "You still have Stephen and Alyssa."
"I know. But it's not the same. Okay, I'll stop now." She quickly added when she saw the look on his face.
"I'm just joking, you know that, right? I'll miss you too. Now can you help me packing?"
"Sure."
"You know, New York is not that far from here. You can visit me on weekends and I can come home whenever I have a chance."
"I'd love that. Will you be okay though?"
"I hope so, mom." Kyle sighed. "I'm excited, but still scared. It's a complete change of environment. New people, strange people. These are valid reasons to quit, but I didn't come this far to give up now. This is my dream."
"I'm so proud of you." Vanessa fought against the tears in her eyes. "You worked so hard for this."
"I wouldn't be here if it wasn't for you and dad. I will never be able to thank you enough for everything you've done for me."
"You're our gift, Kyle. You know we'd do anything for you."
"I know." He stopped packing and looked at his mother. "I hope I can make you proud."
"You already do, honey. We'd be proud and support you in everything you decide to do."
"Thanks." He said rather embarrassed. "I have only one request though."
"What is it?"
"Please don't turn my bedroom into an office or something."
"I'll make sure no one touches here. Your room will always be your room, no matter what. It will be here and the same when you come back home."
He smiled warmly and continued packing his clothes.
"What are you the most excited about?"
"I don't know. I guess meeting my professors or having the first classes of each subject. Making new friends makes me rather nervous because I'm shy. But it's something I'll have to work on."
"I'm sure you're gonna do great, darling."
"You're always cheering me up."
"You're a wonderful person, Kyle. Everyone is lucky to have you in their lives."

*****

Hannah Fontaine is also eighteen. She lives in France and sings since she was 4 years old. She's very good at languages, as she speaks four languages fluently, and studies at Institut de La Tour in Paris. She's a popular girl there. She has long dark hair and blue eyes. She also wears a different tiara everyday. She has a good heart, is kind and sweet, but sometimes can be a little rude in the way she speaks. She's also the best music student of her class. She wants to pursue her dream to become an actress and get a main role in one of the Broadway plays. She just received the letter from Juilliard School saying she was accepted.
"Mom! Mom!" She left her room running, searching for her mother.
"She's not here, Miss Hannah."
"She's not? Where did she go?"
"She didn't say. All I know is that Charles took her."
"She hasn't been around that much lately."
"What did you say?"
"Nothing." Hannah shook her head and put on a smile on her face. "Guess what I've just received."
"Quoi?"
"Une lettre de la Juilliard School disant que j'ai été acceptée"
"Est-ce vrai?"
"Oui"
"I'm so happy for you, Miss Hannah."
"Thank you, Anne." She said, smiling. "You can hug me if you want to."
"Wouldn't it be inappropriate? I mean, I'm the maid."
"No." Hannah said firmly. "You're part of this family. Yes, it's okay."
"Okay."
"Come on, come on." Hannah took her hand and started dragging her to her room. "You have to help me pack my stuff."
"But Miss Hannah, wouldn't you prefer to have your mother help you?"
"Well, she's not here, is she?" The girl said rather annoyed. "Besides, you know how to choose my clothes better than her."
"I think so."
"So, you're the perfect person to help me."
"Han, where are you going?"
"Nowhere, Nick, why?"
"I heard you telling Anne about a letter."
"Oh." She looked at Anne quickly and then walked to her brother. "I'm not going anywhere right now. But yes, I'll be in a couple of days."
"Miss Hannah."
"He has to know, Anne. He's seven, I think he can understand it already."
"Where will you go?"
"I'm going to the United States to study."
"You can't go, Han."
"Nickolas."
"I don't want to stay here without you. Can you take me with you?"
She put her hands on her knees and bent down to be in his eye level. "I can't, Nick. I'm sorry. But I promise we'll talk everyday on a video call and I'll try to come back as much as I can."
"But I'm going to miss you!"
"I'll miss you too, Nick."

*****