H E R...

Chapter 10: ℱ𝒶𝒾𝓉𝒽

     I managed to get everything sold or given away in enough time before heading back to school. Before leaving I stood at the entry way and took one last look at the place I once called home with my mother. It was the last place I seen her smile in, laugh in, talk in, just alive. I knew this day was coming but it was started to hit really hard today. I never really thought about how leaving this home behind would bother me so much. Her presence was still here, and now I would never come here again. I turned and left before a break down could happen. My Uber was waiting for me outside. I had way more luggage to move this time. I was in fact taking everything I owned. After the driver helped me load everything into the truck, we were off. This plane ride felt different back to Harvard. Maybe because I knew I may never go back home to Georgia. I slept for the short three hour plane ride.

After landing, I had an Uber waiting for me to take me to campus. For the first time in a long time, I had to think of budgeting. I only had so much before I would begin to struggle. I had to come up with a plan to spend the few thousands I had saved responsibly. I was able to save up more money which would come in handy for food and supplies while at school. I still was unsure of where I would get the money to pay for the remainder of the year. But one thing at a time.

I made it to my dorm a little after two. After putting all of my things into the dorm I took the long hard walk to the financial office. I needed to see exactly what my situation was. I needed numbers, and I needed a plan. I had a meeting scheduled with the advisor, as I sat outside of her office I was going over everything. Preparing myself for the worst quite frankly.

"Ms. Brown, you can come in." I heard Mrs. Spears call out to me.

I walked into her office ready to face whatever was set to come.

"So you wanted to meet with me to discuss your financial plan for the remainder of the year correct?" She asked.

"Yes ma'am. Now I am aware that only a semester has been paid for in full, but I have applied for some loans that I plan to apply wherever I can, and I have saved some money to secure my materials and books. I was wondering if there was a work study program offered where I ca--."

"Wait Ms. Brown." She cut me off from the rant I was currently on catching me off guard.

"First, on behalf of the institution we would like to give our condolences about your mother. We know this time is a very difficult one. However, your financial situation here is not one. Everything has been taken care of for the remainder of the year. No work study needed nor the student loans."

I small lump was caught in my throat. I don't know which comment had me more lost for words. The condolences, or the fact that she just said everything was paid for. I needed to make sure I heard her correctly.

"Thank you. But what do you mean everything has been taken care of?" I asked cautiously.

"Well, as you know the news of your mom has spread. A very generous benefactor awards certain students a free year of tuition and you were chosen. Your story caught his attention and he sent someone from his company to pay for all of your expenses."

I could not believe the words that were coming out of her mouth. I sat in silence really taking in what she said. Was I dreaming? Was this a mistake? It just seemed too good to be true.

"Wait. Me? Are you sure this is not some kind of a mistake?" I just needed her to say it one more time so my mind could believe it.

"Yes Ms. Brown. I am quite sure. The gentleman who was sent knew exactly who you were and had a check written out in your name for the expenses. The money has already been posted to your account. See here take a look for yourself." She pulled up my account and seeing that zero balance in green ink made it real for me.