STAY , Don't Go! (COMPLETED) ✔

Aesha Sanchez

Not everything is meant for you. Some people are destined to fall in love but not destined to be together. Sometimes, you need to realize that perhaps you need a little time, or maybe... just maybe... You need to let go. It's better to let go too soon than too late. Letting go of something you vowed to hold onto forever is one of the greatest challenges we face. It's like trying to release a piece of your soul, knowing that its absence could shatter your entire world. But sometimes, holding on too tightly can suffocate the very thing we cherish. Sometimes, letting go is an act of love in itself, allowing the other person the freedom to grow, to find their own path, even if it means they must do so without us.

It's not easy, and there's no one-size-fits-all answer. It requires courage, strength, and a willingness to face the unknown. Yet, sometimes, in letting go, we discover new possibilities, new beginnings, and ultimately, a deeper understanding of ourselves and what it truly means to love. I became an orphan at the tender age of five, thrust into a world of uncertainty and loss. Despite this hardship, my grandmother stepped in to raise me, providing a beacon of love and stability in my young life. However, tragedy struck again when she passed away when I was only ten years old, leaving me to navigate the complexities of life on my own. With only the meager savings she had set aside for me, I faced the daunting reality that it simply wasn't enough to sustain me. Determined to survive and thrive, I took matters into my own hands and embarked on a journey of resilience and perseverance. At the young age of fourteen, I entered the workforce, shouldering the responsibility of providing for myself and ensuring that I had three meals a day. Despite the challenges that life has thrown my way, I refuse to be defined by my circumstances. With unwavering determination and an indomitable spirit, I continue to forge ahead, determined to carve out a better future for myself, fueled by the memory of the love and support my grandmother bestowed upon me.

I rent a place near the school where I work now. I was able to obtain a scholarship at our university. Every weekend, I'm at the bar for my second job as a singer. I have a friend named Stella Miranda, who has been my classmate since high school, and we're currently in our second year of college pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Both of my parents are doctors, and they serve at the hospital where our family's life used to be quite luxurious. However, everything changed abruptly due to a devastating car accident. This tragedy not only claimed our financial stability but also stripped us of our properties and assets. The hospital and the company associated with my parents were also affected by this unfortunate event.

Despite the immense challenges we've faced, I remain steadfast in pursuing my dream of becoming a nurse. The support and camaraderie I share with Stella provide me with the strength and motivation to persevere, even in the face of adversity.

***

Stella and I were sitting on the bench, under the shade of a tree. This was our usual spot. I had my book in hand while Stella was typing on her laptop. We heard a noise coming from the gate. We glanced at each other and shrugged. Then, we both turned to see the girls running towards the school gate entrance.

"What's going on? Celebrity?" Stella said jokingly.

"Maybe?... Let's take a look." I replied. 

It's not usually my nature to be nosy, but curiosity kills me. Stella and I stood up and walked towards the gate. Many girls were crowding and shouting. The whole campus was noisy. The girls surged forward, causing us to step back. We were at the back of the crowd. The gate opened, and four Luxury sports cars came to a stop.

"Who's coming?" I asked.

"I don't know, that's why we're here to find out," she said with a laugh.

I hugged my book tightly and tiptoed to see what was at the gate. I swear, my neck was already sore from straining to see. "Oh my God!!!" they screamed simultaneously as the doors of the sports car opened. The cheering grew louder as the four men stepped out, wearing shades and suits in blue, black, white, and grey.

"Oh my God! Aesh!!! The badass four of the university!!!" Stella shouted. Badass four? How did she know them? But they're so handsome. "The one in the blue suit is Justine Park, the one in the black suit is Wesley Lim, the one in the white suit is Kyler Morris, and the one in the grey suit is Alexander Henderson, the great-grandson of the founder of our university." I was stunned. Is she a stalker? "They're so popular," she said, while swooning..

I redirected my attention to the four of them. They removed their shades, causing the girls to scream even louder. They're handsome... but I have no time for boys. Before I could leave, Alexander, the one Stella mentioned, happened to glance our way, freezing me in place. It felt like my eyes couldn't blink. I shook my head and turned away. Was I staring at that guy? It's scary.

"Where are you going, Aesh?"

"Studying," I replied briefly. "Join me at the library after you're done here," I said with a chuckle. She just scowled at me before turning back to those guys. I tightened my grip on the book and ran towards the library.