She smiled

A New Horizon

   Chloe finally got admission into the university. It's about five years after she finished secondary school.

Were her deep feelings of academic inadequacy now dealt with and long forgotten? The joy was indescribable.

"Getting into the university; goal achieved," pictured Chloe.

She had to set the next goal, First Class perhaps. It would be ridiculous to stay at home for five years and then end with a near failure.

She concluded that she would enjoy her relationships after the few bumps she had on the way.

Chloe switched on the 'Relationship Channel,' she has gained entrance into the university.

"Was that going to be ideal or the most convenient position to take or am I setting up myself for failure?"

Chloe questioned herself, knowing she was moving her goal post.

Chloe made another commitment to herself, driven by experiences.

"I would get involved with school fellowship and less with church activities."

Although she remained active in singles and drama leadership, she cut back other activities to enjoy being a student and her relationship with her Saviour in the new environment.

First, to make sure she made the right choices. Chloe had a chat with a church leader who had acted as a 'father' ever since the relationship with her birth father became dysfunctional.

The leader, pleased with her decisions, reminded her he did the same when he was in the university.

He noted he did not balance his 'faith commitments' with his schoolwork. He encouraged Chloe to balance things.

He admonished her that the priority should be her academics. They talked about the musical mission band of the campus fellowship.

The church leader explained how he was a member of the musical group during his university days. In his opinion, it seemed a good starting point for Chloe.

Somehow, it was better to go to university as a mature person. It gave Chloe a better perspective of who she was, what she wanted, and what she was aiming for in the future.

Chloe knew she was still a novice on choices of men. An area she had not dealt with, beyond a shadow of a doubt, since childhood.

Meeting new people during orientation week was a welcome activity.

Chloe loved meeting people, albeit she was not keen on keeping long-term friendships any more.

The second day during registration, the sun was scorching hot. She was so tired and frustrated with the admission process.

Chloe was seeking shade from the heat of the sun when a young man bumped into her.

"Hey, man! Look where you are going," Chloe yelled out in an upset tone.

"My sincere apologies" was his quick response.

"I am Remi. I know you are Chloe. Nice to meet you."

Flattered but still with a stern face, Chloe asked,

"How do I know you? Where did you find out my name? Who are you? Are you a stalker?"

Remi responded to her questions with a beautiful smile as she watched his beard glow in the sun.

Chloe could not help but respond with a smile.