My name is Felicity Paddington. I was born and raised in America, growing up in Houston, Texas. I just finished my final year of high school. You'll agree with me- high school is both fun and full of drama.
During those years, we did many exciting things like junior and senior prom, joining multiple clubs, talent hunt, and much more. One thing I disliked was detention. I tried my best to avoid it, but it wasn't good enough- I ended up getting detention three times. The first time was a mistake, but the other two were intentional. My favorite part of high school was study class, where I always got good grades. And of course, there was the boy drama and going on dates.
I met this boy, Theodore Owen from England. We went to the same school and we became best friends. He was cute, thoughtful, and had a dimple everyone was crazy about. His eyes were gray, he had a British accent, and a cool style. When he smiles with his perfect teeth, he melted my heart. I don't know why we became friends. He was totally out of my league, but I had a massive crush on him and I needed him to know. I wanted us to be more than friends, so I mustered the courage to tell him how I felt.
The next day, I walked into the hallway. It was rowdy with students slamming the locker. I went straight up to Theo and told him I wanted to talk. He said, "Anything you want to say, you can say in front of my friends". So, I blurted it out: "I like you. Will you be my prom date?"
Unfortunately, he didn't feel the same way. He cut all ties with me and he took another girl, my friend, leaving me heartbroken and betrayed. Who does that? Everyone laughed at me. I was so embarrassed and told myself I would never love again.
Now that I've grown up, I realize it was just infatuation. No more boy drama. It's time to focus on important things, like getting admitted into college. I had several colleges in mind, with Harvard as my top choice. My second choice is Princeton. But my mom wanted me to go to Oxford. She said:
"Oxford is the real deal. If not Oxford, then no other_ it's all a farce".
She wanted me to attend the same university where she met my dad, but why?
My mom is a wonderful woman who has always taken care of me, even as a single parent. She and dad got married after graduating. He was the love of her life. I don't know why they divorced when I was ten. Now that I'm eighteen, Dad still keeps in touch with her. I guess people change. She hasn't told me why they split, but I'm sure she will one day. I'll never forget the pain he caused her.
Mom was named after her mother, who passed away giving birth to her. I can't imagine the pain of never seeing your own mother. But she pushed through with Grandpa's help, and became a strong, independent and successful woman. She owns a perfume business.
My grandparents, Joy and George Steve, gave my mom her maiden name, Joy Steve. When she married my dad, Wyatt Paddington from England, she took his name and became Joy Paddington. But my dad's parents are no more. Because of all this, I tend to avoid England. It reminds me too much of them. My dad and Theo.
Mom and I disagree on many things, especially my choice of college, but I love her dearly. I saw her at her lowest after the breakup. She cried so much, and I felt helpless as a child. That's why I promise never to forgive my dad. Mom always says, "The past is in the past", and she moved on. After the divorce, we relocated from Houston Texas, to Los Angeles, California.
I filled out applications for Havard, and Princeton, while Mom insisted on Oxford.
"How's it going," Mom asked.
"Well, I've filled out my application for all of them. Now, all I can do is wait and see" I replied.
Mom was happy that I applied to Oxford and was sure they would accept me.
A few months later, the results were out. That Tuesday morning, mom was up early and made my favorite breakfast - tea and pancakes. Then she came to wake me up.
"Mom, it's so early, come on. I want to sleep more" I said.
"Wake up Ninu," Mom replied. She usually calls me 'Ninu' as a pet name, whatever that means.
"You're supposed to get your results today, so get up and eat your breakfast. I made your favorite" she said.
"OK, but it's too early to come downstairs. Besides, my alarm clock hasn't….." Before I could finish, my alarm clock rang.
"Well, it rang now, so get up, freshen up, get dressed, and head downstairs," Mom said.
"Oh, big whoops, alarm clock," I muttered angrily, shutting it off and facing it down. With sleepy eyes, I staggered into the bathroom, brushed my teeth, took a bath, and came out wearing a purple robe and slippers. I went to the closet and picked out my little purple gown - I'm obsessed with purple - put on a little makeup, and I headed downstairs.
Mom had already served breakfast. I quickly ate and brought out my laptop. I was a bit nervous about which schools accepted me. I didn't want it to be Oxford, but I'd still accept it if that was my only option. Mom was watching TV in the living room.
"Hey Mom, please help me check my results. I'm scared. What if I didn't get into any of them" I asked.
"Oh honey, come here and give me a big hug."
We hugged briefly and then she turned to the laptop.
"Alright, let's see," mom said.
She opened the results page while I paced nervously. I was so tense. The moment of truth.
"Oh Ninu, I'm so, so proud of you. You got two out of three- Princeton and Oxford- but you didn't get into Harvard. I'm sorry, Ninu, I know it's your dream," she said.
"What! Damn…. but it's okay, I got two out of three. That's awesome. I've decided to choose Oxford," I replied.
"Oh Ninu, don't be too hasty. Just take your time- I won't interfere with your decision," she said.
I never expected that from Mom. I thought she'd choose Oxford for me. But I was happy she respected my decision. And damn, I got two out of three, I was so proud of myself.
"Mom, thank you so much. But I've already chosen Oxford. Whatever makes you happy, I'll do it. At your service, Mom," I said.
We both laughed. She asked if I was sure, and I nodded. We hugged again and took a cab to a restaurant to celebrate. When we got there, Mom ordered a bottle of wine and my second favorite- Hawaiian pizza. We poured our glasses and toast to a new life.