To Be Or Not To Be

Chapter 21

Islas POV

As the days passed after the presentation, I couldn't stop thinking about the university credit course. The opportunity to travel and learn about different cultures felt like a lifeline, a chance to escape the confines of my recent trauma and begin to heal. But first, I needed to convince my parents to let me go. I knew it wouldn't be easy.

Today, after dinner, I gathered my courage and approached my parents in the living room. They were sitting together, engrossed in a conversation about my younger sisters school project. She had forgot to buy supplies and it was due in 2 days.

Clearing my throat, I stepped forward.

"Mama, Baba, can we talk?" I asked, my voice trembling slightly.

My mom looked up, her eyes filled with concern. "Of course, beta. What's on your mind?"

I took a deep breath, trying to steady my nerves. "There's this university credit course that takes place during the last two months of school. It's a travel program where we get to visit different countries and learn about their history and societies. I really want to go."

My dad's brow furrowed in confusion. "Traveling? Isla, is this really the right time for that? You've been through a lot recently."

"I know, Baba," I said quickly, not wanting to lose their attention. "But that's exactly why I want to go. This program could help me move on, give me a fresh start. It's a chance to learn and grow in a new environment."

My mom looked at me, her eyes softening with understanding but also worry. "Isla, we just want you to be safe. We've seen how hard it's been for you these past few months. Are you sure you're ready for something like this?"

I nodded, feeling the weight of their concern but also the urgency of my desire to move forward. "Yes, Mama. I've thought about it a lot. This could be a way for me to heal, to find myself again. And I'll be with my friends, so I won't be alone."

My dad sighed, running a hand through his hair. "It's a big decision, Isla. We need to think about it."

Just then, my phone buzzed with a message from Myra. She had been just as excited about the program as I was. An idea struck me, and I quickly sent her a text explaining the situation.

A few minutes later, the phone rang. My mom picked it up, and I heard her talking to Myra's mom. After a brief conversation, she handed the phone to my dad. "It's Myra's parents," she said, raising an eyebrow.

I watched anxiously as my dad spoke with them. From his expression, I could tell he was still hesitant, but something shifted as the conversation continued. When he finally hung up, he turned to me with a thoughtful look.

"Myra's parents are letting her go," he said slowly. "They trust the school's arrangements and the teachers who will be accompanying the group."

My mom looked at me, her eyes searching mine. "Isla, if this is really what you want, and if you'll be with Myra and the teachers... we'll consider it."

I felt a surge of hope. "It is what I want, Mama. Thank you, both of you."

My dad nodded, a small smile playing on his lips. "Alright, we'll make the necessary arrangements. But Isla, promise us you'll stay in touch and be careful."

"I promise, Baba," I said, relief flooding through me. "Thank you so much."I said while running to hug my mom. 

This trip was more than just an academic opportunity; it was a chance for me to reclaim my life, to find strength and healing in new experiences.