My new life

Ch 3

I remember like it was yesterday getting the letter to say I can go see my Lyra. I could tell this would be my only opportunity to win back my child and bring her back to where she belongs. Days prior to my departure to Oxford I got nervous and then wanted to cancel all my plans and would hope I'd get another opportunity to see my child without being stopped.

"IF you don't go now Marisa, you WON'T get another chance and you'll be mad at me for not pushing you to go" the golden monkey replied

Damn, the buffoon is right, if I don't go, I won't get another chance. Twelve years is long enough, everyone should've forgotten about the whole affair, right?

The golden monkey just grunts

The day came I go to Jordan college to collect what belongs to me. I arrive at the air strip along with those who like visiting this dirty old place. As I'm walking towards the main hall to be shown my room, I'm constantly looking around for Lyra. I was looking for this bright, well-educated young lady possibly walking around the grounds with at least one book in her hands. I was sad as I didn't see her, but I did see a young girl around Lyra's age on the roofs. "That can't be my Lyra, surly not" I mutter to myself

The dinner bell rang, and I was escorted to the main dining hall where all the scholars and the master ate. Walking down a small walkway between all these male scholars then I look up and there she is, my Lyra sitting at the main table, next to an empty chair. When I arrived at the big table, I was told to sit at the spare seat next to the master. My heart started racing and all these thoughts are running through my head.

"Lyra this is Mrs. Coulter"

There was a silence.

"Mrs. Coulter, this is our Lyra"

Our Lyra? No, she's mine! Who does the master think he is saying she's his or this old college.

While I was fuming over this buffoon, I heard this little voice "Are you a female scholar?" all my hatred floated away, and my attention went back to Lyra.

"You seem surprised. No, I'm not really a scholar"

"Oh?"

A million thoughts rush through my head. Should I have said I was a female scholar? Have I already disappointed my chances at having a life with my child?

Dinner is over and Lyra walks back to my room with me. "Lyra the reason I am here is that the master has asked me if I could help you with a better education"

Her facial expressions dropped. Again, did I say something wrong?

"I'm actually an explorer and I'm in need of an assistant. When I first saw you, I knew right away you'd be perfect. Now you'd have to be quick with mapping and among many other things and no slacking"

The biggest smile came across her face. I've won her over now.

"I leave on the eight am airship and I hope to see you there. Best get to bed now"

As I was ready to take one last look at the girl, she ran and hugged me. I didn't know what to do at first, but I liked the feeling and followed through with it. As soon as I went in with the hug she ran away.

All I wanted to do was scream No Come Back.

All that night all I could think of was that moment when Lyra hugged me and all I wanted in this world was to have my child beside me, me holding her cos she had a nightmare and needed her mother.

I missed breakfast as I truly wanted to leave that dark, damp gloomy place. I'm anxiously waiting in the zeppelin waiting for Lyra then I hear "Ropes away" then I start to panic thinking either Lyra isn't going to make it, or she's changed her mind. Just as I saw the doors closing, they quickly opened and there she was. I stood up with excitement and waved her over to where I was sitting.