Here For You

Chapter 1

Kristina's POV

"Hey Mom, I'm leaving work now. I have a class at seven."  

"Okay honey. I'm also leaving to shop for supplies. I might not get back until this evening. Do you have your keys with you?"

I was already walking out of the cafeteria as I struggled to search for the home keys in my bag. I just realized how important it is that a bag should be organized for times like this. My bag was a mess. Everything was on top of each other. My head was still down and my eyes were still searching. Ouch. I bumped into someone. I really didn't see that coming.

"Sorry!" I mouthed him with a frown on my face. I was in a rush that I didn't bother to look at him that much. I don't think I care who he is.  

Oh, there you are. "I have my keys mom. I'll take care of the house." 

"And Mary." Mom just reminded me. 

"And Mary." Of course I will take care of my little sister as well.  

I walked down the streets of New York. It's a quarter after six and the people aren't showing up yet. As I reached the subway, I did my almost daily routine. I had myself a can of ice cold coffee from the Vendo, passed by Eric, whom I consider a friend of mine, and finally made my way to the train.

I sat on the corner of the train. It's going to be a 20-minute ride from here to the university. I crossed my legs, drank my coffee and read the newspaper I got from Eric. He's always given my fresh newspapers in the morning since he knew who I am. I don't know, maybe he thinks I'm nice. Well, I may be nice. I'm not sure either.

I always loved my train rides like this when I can just relax and don't have a lot of people around me. I love it when things are in peace and quiet.

I reached the university just in time for my class. It wasn't a minute or two when the professor came in. Dr. Love, as he calls himself, wrote his lectures on the board right away. LOVE. He wrote the word I feel bad the most.

As a student, it was automatic for me to jot down notes mentioned in the discussion. But at the back of my mind, my thoughts about love don't really seem good.

Some more sciences and math's went through my head until my day at school is over. It was only two in the afternoon. Another day has passed and the final examinations are nearing. I am lost in thoughts as I walked. I feel happy that I successfully made my way through the years in this university and I'm worried at the same time if this success would carry on as I go by myself to pursue my dreams.

Mary's school isn't that far from my university. She usually gets dismissed by three, so I took my time as I walked knowing there's much time to spare.  

Mary is such a sweet girl. She's six years old. Her hair is brown like mine and is cut at her shoulders. She has fair skin and her cheeks are chubby. People say she looked like our father but Mary won't believe them. She hasn't seen him since he died six years ago. Mary always wanted him. Mom and I cannot do anything to help her from that misery of hers. We can never bring him back to life.

I was seated on the bench in front of the kindergarten when Mary found me.  

"K!" She ran to me and gave me one big embrace. 

"Hey Mary, how was school today?" I wrapped my arm around her shoulders as she sat beside me. 

"Greg gave me this." She handed me a piece of folded paper with an innocent, furious face. I tried to stop myself from laughing when I saw what the paper said. 

"Aw, Mary. Greg says he loves you! Look!" Mary peeked on the paper but she isn't convinced. I might as well not believe him for they were only kids and I told that to Mary.