All That's Left

Whatever Lies Ahead

My alarm buzzed twice. The day I've been waiting for has come.

"May we call on stage, from the College of Business Administration, our Magna Cum Laude, Ms. Aneska Nedowski!"

"As some of you may know, I am an international student who was on a scholarship program sponsored by Sterling Empire,"

"It took so much for me to leave my mother and everything I was used to but, my dreams lead me here. I consider being chosen by Sterling as one of the biggest milestone of my life."

"My dreams lead me to a path of new life, in a completely different world. I've had my fair share of hardships and challenges not only as an international student, but also as a person.

"Being here in front of you giving a speech still surreal to me. I did my best as much as everyone else here today." 

"I am truly grateful to all of you who gave way for me to achieve my goals. To all my professors, college head, and of course, to Sterling Empire."

Everyone applauded. Including my boss, Jameson Sterling. He was sitting in front row with other businessmen and reknown people in the society.

Our graduation finished earlier than expected so, I asked my friends to have dinner and hit the bar we often go to.

"Aneska,"

I didn't expect my boss to approach me in public.

"Yes, Mr. Sterling?"

"What are your plans for the rest of the day?"

"I'll go out with my friends."

"I just realized we never dined casually."

"I truly appreciate, sir. But right now, I'll be off with my friends to celebrate."

"Alright, then. Let me treat you some other time."

"Thank you so much, sir."

It's been awhile since I had fun with my friends. 

"Whoa. That was a blast!" Hee Yul, one of other international students and friends I've made through the years.

She came from South Korea and she's the one who introduced me to Korean culture and food which I truly enjoy.

"Mr. Jameson Sterling was asking you out!?"

"No waaay. It's not what you think!"

"Then, what?"

"I was his intern for 5 months and just said we never had any casual meal."

"That's it. That's it. He's smithen by you, Aneska!"

"Stop right there. This isn't anything like your korean drama scenes,"

"Alright. Alright. On a serious note, what are your plans after this?"

"I don't know yet. Maybe, I'll fly home to see my mother, rest for a bit, and come back here to work,"

"And you?"

"My mom wants me to come home."

"For good?"

"I don't know. Maybe not."

"I wish you luck, then,"

I was about to leave the café near the university when my phone rang.

Mr. Sterling calling...

"Yes, sir?"

"Can you meet me now? I have a very important thing to tell you."