not The Perfect Life

College Day

Chapter 4

Friday, 14th of September 2018

College Day

It's been almost two weeks. The school was basically the same as always. Most of the students just ignored me and everyday life in itself hadn't changed either. Except for one thing. Galen is here now. Although I have to say we didn't spend that much time together. We saw each other in class and had lunch together, but we haven't been the friends I initially hoped for. Galen is really nice to me, but that's all.

Today is my favorite day at school. Above all, it is because I can participate for the first and hopefully last time. College Day. On this day, all high school students have no class and there are different booths throughout the school for the future. What do I mean by that? The best colleges in the country introduce themselves to students and want to recruit them. There are also stalls from the military and the community college. There should be other options.

Everything starts at 9 a.m. I enter the school building and first sniff the air of the future. Once I leave school, I can be who I want to be. Again a super ugly banner hangs in the hallway. "Look to the future!" is written there. There is a bit of truth to it, however.

"Morning!" ,shouts someone next to me. I startle and look around. Galen stands next to me and takes delight in my shocked sight. I hit him on the chest with a laugh and swear: "You fucking asshole! What do you scare me like that ?!" He starts laughing at me uncontrollably. "Really Gal, you suck , dude! No college is going to want you." He stops laughing and wonders, "College? Why you talking about college now?"

"Didn't anyone tell you that? Today is College Day or Future Day, if you prefer that term."

"No. What do we do now?" He asks quietly. He seems somehow embarrassed that he's the only one who doesn't know about it.

"There's no class today. We just spend all day learning about colleges, community colleges, and the military," I explain.

"Then I have my bag with me for nothing," he whispers.

"No, you, believe me, you need it. We'll get so many flyers and giveaways."

"Ui, giveaways. How nice!" Galen laughs.

I take a deep breath and close my eyes. In my mind, I'm already in college. It's a new world full of new people. I can be who I want and there are still no outside influences. When I got into high school, I wasn't that mature. But now I'm as good as an adult and can do what I want. I look at Galen. What is he dreaming of? What is his dream job?

"Are we going in?" He asks me.

I take a deep breath.

Overwhelmed, I answer: "You can laugh at me and I'm sure I'm exaggerating, but I've waited so long for this chance. I just want to go to college. I just can't stand this school and this whole city anymore."

Maybe I'll make a big drama out of it. After all, it's just college day.However, today I am offered new opportunities to change my life and develop myself.

I could cry everytime I think about it. Galen just looks at me at first. I wish I could look inside his head. I can't read his looks alone. He opens his mouth, but is still wondering what to say next. Then he comes closer and whispers: "It's okay. I just want to get away from my parents. Live alone, you know?" I nod.

We go in and look around. Right from the start you can see all the booths where many students are already standing and gathering information. With a satisfied smile, I walk through the corridors and admire all the attractions. There are so many sports, music and knowledge programs out there. But what do I want to do? I think I want to work with children and teach them something. Maybe as a teacher or educator.