"You'll grow beautifully in your way." - Dhiman
Fast forward and it was the day of us knowing the result of our university's application. I still remembered what happened on that day in clear details. It was a day with mixed feelings.
It was Monday morning, 12th of January. I went to Ivy's house as she was not allowed to come by to my house. I greeted Mrs. Flora and went straight to Ivy's room. I knocked on her door for a few times until I heard her voice, "Come in." I opened the door and saw my best friend looking pale and anxious. I looked at her in concern, trying my best to calm her down.
Ivy looked at the computer screen in anxious and I could see her hands were trembling. I put my hand on her shoulder and pat her back, "Come on. Let's click this together. One... Two... Three... Let's go!"
Both of us clicked on the button at the same time and it showed the results of our application whether it is accepted or rejected. I looked at my screen. I glanced to my right to look at Ivy. She looked at the screen and was in shock. I squealed in joy, "Yeayyy! I got accepted! I cannot wait to tell my parents! How about you, Ivy?" I was smiling widely and was about to say something until I was interrupted with Ivy's heavy sighs. I furrowed my eyebrows, looking at her in confusion and asked, "Hey, what's wrong? Why are you sighing when you are supposed to be happy right now?"
Ivy looked down at the floor and kept quiet for a few seconds. She looked back up at me straight in the eye, replying, "To be honest, I have not told my parents about this application yet. I don't know how to say it to them. I can already expect what their response would be like. Especially my dad. You know how my dad is." I looked her in pity and asked, "So... Which university do they suggest you to study in?"
"MS University which was only a few kilometers away from my house. My dad can send me there every day since he works there, you know that, right." She sighed heavily. I grabbed her hands and said, "Let's go. Let's tell your parents about this application. I will try my best to help you. I will be on your side. That's what best friends are for, right?"
The two of us walked downstairs and both of Ivy's parents looked at us. Mr. Ian looked at me and smiled, "Ah! Alannah! So how was the result? Do you get accepted?" I looked at him, smiling politely and replied, "Yes uncle, I do get accepted in WM University. I was a bit lucky, I guess. It is one of the best universities. I'm sure a smart kid like Ivy can get in as well!" As soon as I finished my sentence, I could tell that Ivy's dad face expressions change. It went quiet for a few seconds until Mrs. Flora eased the tension and said, "So do you girls want anything to eat? How about some snacks to celebrate this good news. I will bring biscuits and tea in a minute." I was about to reject her offer but I was interrupted with Ivy's sudden words.
"Mom... Dad... I got accepted in WM University too!" Ivy blurted all of a sudden. Everyone went silent including me. Mr. Ian looked at Ivy and asked, "Are you sure you want to attend that university? It is far away. A lot of things need to take account into. Have you ever looked at the pros and cons of this university?" Ivy answered, "Yes. It has always been my dream to study in top university and doing a major that I am interested in. I can find a share house and live with Alannah and also a few other roommates. "
I nodded along and replied, "Yes. Mr. Ian and Mrs. Flora, Ivy is a smart and hardworking student. I am sure she can fit in the university environment really well." It was an awkward silence for a few minutes after my response. Mrs. Flora suddenly mumbled incoherently, asking me to leave as they need to have a family discussion together. I looked at Ivy for a second. I could see her eyes looked scared and sad. She looked back at me and mouthed, "Bye. Don't worry. I will be fine."
I went out of the house, wondering what will happen to Ivy. Nothing bad will happen as in her physical and mental state. However, do her parents know that their parenting styles will affect Ivy's mental health in future? I walked back home, thinking of the ways to help my best friend, Ivy.
*****Flashback ended******
"Ping!" my phone buzzed. I immediately escaped from my deep thoughts of past memories with Ivy. I looked at the time and widened my eyes, "Oh no, it is already 12 o'clock in the afternoon! I need to get home before my shift starts." I quickly get off the bus and walked home. I sighed heavily, mumbling to myself "I will think and find a way to help you later, Ivy. Your parents do seem a bit overprotective of you since high school."
I quickly rush my way to home and quickly get dressed for my part time work at a café nearby my share house. I greeted my housemates, Sophie, Melanie and Kelly for a few minutes before going into my room.
"Hey guys. So, I am going to the Strawberry café for my shift and will be back like the usual time. See you tonight." I spoke.
The three of them nodded in unison and Melanie asked, "So how was the visit of your best friend, Ivy? Is she alright? We are sorry that we couldn't visit her today. We'll make it up to her next time." I looked at them and replied, "Ivy is doing well and she send regards to all of you. Yes, the four of us should visit her soon. Just tell me when you guys are free."
Sophie, Melanie and Kelly nodded in agreement. The three of them knew Ivy back in high school as well. The five of us were classmates but we were not close to each other back in high school. The five of us got closer when I moved in to their share house and brought Ivy along with me to hang out with. If Ivy went to the same university as me, she would've lived here with me and the rest of the girls. But it did not happen.
I shook my head to get out of these deep flashbacks on what happen in the past years. I quickly put on my uniform and wore my sneakers for easier movement around the café. 5 minutes later, I arrived at the café and put on my apron to start working. My colleague, Jeremy just arrived and greeted me, "Hey Alannah. You work until 9 pm, right?" I nodded my head. I looked at the time and it showed that it was 1 pm. Lunch time. The time where there will be lots of customers coming. I rolled up my sleeves and said to myself, "Let's do this." I put on a bright smile and welcomed the customers, "Hello. Good afternoon! Welcome to Strawberry Café. What would you like to order?"
