Chasing Our Dreams [f.a]

Gran Premio de Espana, Catalunya

~ AGE 18 ~

DURHAM, NORTH CAROLINA

With two big suitcases and my whole life under my arm, I came to United States. I prayed for the best. I was about to start new chapter of my life, and I had to do it right. Not many people get second chance, a clean slate. I did. I gave myself an opportunity to start over, to build my own life. I choose my path.

I was granted a full scholarship for my tuition, and in addition to being the best student that applied for Engineering School, they offered me a free stay at dorms. I was thinking about getting my own apartment, to have time and space to study and to graduate as soon as possible. I had to get the degree in order to even apply for car industry. I had fight my way into Formula One.

So, I accepted dorm room, and I was told that I would have a room mate. That was a good thing, I was able to make a friend the minute I come. With my friend related history, that was a good thing.

''Ola.'' she said, and I smiled. Probably I was destined to be friends only with Hispanic people.

''Hi.'' I briefly replied.

''I am Rosalinda Fernandes, you can call me Linda. Welcome to our home.'' she pointed at the small living room and two doors behind her back. One of them was a way to my new room.

''London Matthis, nice to meet you.'' I shook her hand.

''London? Amazing. You are British?'' she raised her eyebrow.

''Yes. From Wolverhampton. You?'' as hard as it was, I was dealing with the conversation.

''Columbiana. We are going to have some good times here. That's your room. It's previous owner, my last room mate graduated last year. She left some stuff. I heard you'll be coming from over seas, so I decided to keep them. I see you didn't bring much. I'm second year, Med School. And I'm not crazy.'' she was speaking so fast it was hard to follow.

''Engineering School. Mechanical Engineering. And thanks, I could take more on the plane. I guess I will need some of your help.'' we were already in my room, and I was taking stuff out of my suitcase.

''Why Mechanics? You seem like a decent girl.'' she joked with me. Even in modern society it was strange for girls to do a man's job.

''I want to design cars.'' I replied. Simple as that, it was my dream. I pulled the framed photo from my suitcase, the most valuable thing I brought from back home.

''Is that your brother?'' Linda asked.

''The closest thing I have.''

*** FLASHBACK ***

''Are you going to be ok?'' Paris asked while she was helping me pack.

''Yes, baby sister. Don't you worry about me.'' I tried to assure her.

''I am not talking about you leaving. Are you two going to be fine?'' she was still a baby to me, but God she was mature.

''Everything is fine, Paris. We talked on the phone just this morning. He's going to test for Minardi during Winter brake, then he's entering Formula 3000 next season. He's gonna kick some ass. He's gonna be on the grid in no time.'' Fernando and I did talked on the phone. I knew every single detail about his career. He knew I was leaving.

''He moved to England. Oxford is a train ride away. Hell, you could go by bike to that place! And yet, you haven't seen him.''

Fernando moved to England. He has planned it all along. He applied for me to Southampton, he worked everything out. We were supposed to be train ride away from each other. He was supposed to be there for me.