February 22nd is the day I long waited for. After reading my butt off to pass many entrance exams I finally gained admission into one of the best universities around. Needless to say, my parents were proud of me. More importantly, I was proud of myself for how far I had come. It wasn't an easy task. The SATs didn't go easy on me. Although I managed to get credit in all of my nine subjects, I failed the most important one- mathematics. It was there on my report sheet; a bold and very elegantly printed F. Yes, it broke my heart. I had never been good with numbers; never.

Pop looked at me silently, a slight disappointment evident in his eyes. "you will have to sit for the exam again. It is as simple as that" he eventually broke the silence.

I knew I would have to sit for my SATs a second time. No Uni would open their doors to me having failed not-so-simple math problems. Yes, I knew. However, time was passing by. I was already nineteen and not yet in college that alone was shameful to me. Most of my friends were already in their third year, preparing to begin their final projects. It wasn't also my fault because I had repeated my final year in high school due to some family issues.

I vividly remember watching my classmates graduate without me. I hadn't attended the ceremony but somehow, the pictures got to me. There, they looked adorable, beautiful, and smart. The color wine suited each one of them. Their faces were full of smiles and hope for the future while I remained stuck with no idea of how my life would pan out.

As I continued to scroll through what seemed like a labyrinth of jpegs, I came across one that shattered my heart completely. They stood hugging each other, looking satisfied and content. I didn't miss how he placed his hand comfortably on her waist. The way she stood beside him didn't betray the certain loving familiarity of two lovers. I wasn't a fan of wishing ill of others but I seriously wanted them to never graduate, to remain stuck like I was, and never be happy. But, the joke was on me. I was the one who was hurt yet, I was the one who ended up stagnant. They were the brightest students in my class. One of them was my boyfriend and the other my best friend. Or should I say my exes?

Fast forward to two years, I ended up registering for A levels which would automatically land me in the second year of Uni provided I got good grades. I had attended a fashion school during the time of those past two years. I had the talent of sketching designs but I had a problem with converting my design into a real dress. It was like struggling with math. It felt like knowing what you want but being unable to achieve it. My boss at the fashion house got tired of me. Although she didn't voice it or complain, I could see it clearly in her eyes.

I kept repeating my mistakes and stayed long on a project trying to get the design or the stitches right. Most of the ladies who started the program with me ended up leaving me with their certificates of completion in their hands. I once again felt helpless. So, when Pop announced that he had already paid the fees for A levels, I was overjoyed. Finally, I was given another chance to take the exams and gain admission. I promised my parents that I would try my best and not waste their resources.

On my first day, I wore a yellow shirt and a black skirt. My neatly polished flats graced my feet. As I stepped out of my room and into the living room, Mum pushed a packed lunch onto my hands, made the sign of the cross on my forehead with her thumb, and squished me into a bear hug. Dad who was watching the morning news waved from his seat- he had given me cash the night before. I took a deep breath and stepped out of the house, my heart pounding in expectation.

I murmured a "good morning" to the Uber driver and he responded in a rather cheerful manner. I took it as a sign that the day would be good for me. When I arrived at the school, I went straight to the coordinator's office to get my name properly registered and he gave me a foundation number. He also handed me the necessary textbooks and course outlines that I would need for the one-year program. I was directed to my class, and I soon settled down.

I pretty much kept to myself, paid attention to the lessons, and avoided answering questions. But, it was there I met a new best friend called Juliet. I was the first to approach her anyway because she seemed just as lost as I was. Also, I felt drawn to her; it was like I knew her from somewhere but I just couldn't place it. Perhaps, it was because her pops resembled mine. All I knew was, there was a kind of connection.

"Hi. I am Evelyn" I introduced myself, surprised at how bold I was to walk up to this stranger. I watched as her round face broke into a welcoming smile.

"Juliet" she extended her hand for a handshake and I took it in mine. Then, I noticed how her eyes were a beautiful shade of brown.