Big Dreams

Chapter 12: Dream come true

We were supposed to be in Canada at least on the 13th of February since it was the date of the beginning of the term, however, our college advised us to go a few days before to adjust and prepare everything so that's what we would do.

January was a very busy month, between the preparations for departure and the study to finish the subjects of the first semester, there was not much time left. I tried to study with Miguel every time I could because it was the only time I had to be with him.

I also had to deal with the reactions of my family, after all, I would be 6 months away in another country. My grandma didn't like the idea at all; she was always saying that it was too long and that I wouldn't make it so, once I lost my nerve, I told her that if I didn't have to be around her I could take more than 6 months away. As for my father, he was sad because his little girl had never been away from him and he too thought it was a long time, however, he did not try to make me feel bad, he supported me.

On my birthday everyone was very sentimental because I would only be there for two more weeks before the departure. Those weeks went by quicker than I thought and I was very nervous. Would I really like it there? Or would it be a big disappointment? And would I be able to pass the classes anyway? My heart almost exploded whenever I thought about it but at the same time, I was really excited to finally go.

Finally, the big day came. Our flight was at 10 am but I could barely sleep so at 6 am I was already up checking everything one last time. My father, Miguel, my grandma and Beni were going to take me to the airport and I couldn't help but notice that Beni was on her phone the whole trip which I thought was weird. When I asked her who she was talking to at that time of the day, she only said she was talking to some people. What I didn't know was that "some people" were my best friends, they were all there when we arrived and they were already with Trina who was super excited.

We all talked and laughed for a while but then the hardest part came: we had to say goodbye. It was not really goodbye but 6 months was still a long time. My father did not want to let me go and then neither did Miguel, it was really hard to start walking in the opposite direction of them thinking that I wouldn't hug them again so soon.

I had never travelled before so I was fascinated with everything, starting with the enormous airport that in a way looked like a little mall but instead of stores it had airline service desks. We did everything and were just waiting to enter the plane so we talked a little about how nervous we both were.

The trip was very long because we had to stop in Amsterdam first, however, sadly enough for us, we didn't stay there long enough to visit the city. After 36 hours of travel, we were finally there, we were actually in Canada! The first thing I noticed was how nice and polite everyone was, every officer asked us if we had a nice flight and a very nice gentleman helped us with our bags. We took the train to the closest station to our apartment and kept looking through the window fascinated with everything we saw.

Two girls of our age were waiting for us at the entrance of the apartment, they would be our roommates and also guide us and help us while we were there. Once they showed us the room me and Trina would be sleeping in, we unpacked and then changed into a more comfortable outfit to visit the city and buy everything we would need at the mall. We had already informed our families and friends that we were okay, I wanted to video chat with Miguel and my best friends but they were sleeping (different time zones) and we had agreed that once they woke up we would do it.

We bought everything necessary, making stops to say how amazing that mall was, and then started walking in the city, it was even more beautiful than I could have ever imagined. We went to Dundas Square where there were giant store buildings and big terraces next to fountains. We also went downtown and I thought it was fantastic that there were old buildings next to new big, modern ones and also by the presence of nature whether by fountains, lakes and the ocean or trees and green areas.