Chapter 45

July 1st started well. Colin took his girlfriend out on a date to celebrate the new month. Juana was graduating from high school that same week. She was happy, because she'd not be seeing her bullies anymore.

Out of the four universities that was made available, she chose the less popular one. It was a eight hour drive from her home. Juana was happy she would be leaving home in some months to come, even though she was nostalgic and anxious about it, she knew that whatever happened will not affect her that much. It was selfish, she knew but that was how she felt.

If her mom died, she'd not be in that house where she had once lived, or near that hospital she had once stayed fighting for her life. There'd be no memories haunting her, they'd be so faraway. She'd never visit home. That way, she'd heal better. But she knew it was going to be really difficult even if she was far from home. Her mom lived in her heart.

She'd make new friends, be a happier girl, forget about her painful life, take better care of herself and call Colin often. She'd invite Ella, Ivy and Alicia over , and they'd play and do a lot of things together. She was already imagining University life. She was going to study Literary Arts and Music. She wanted to be a writer and a singer.

"I'll miss you" she told Colin often after her graduation.

"Don't be silly. It's still months away"

"Time flies faster than you think" she often replied him.

Juana's graduation was in grand style. Her dad made her snap with all of her classmates but Juana didn't want to keep the picture. It reminded her of sad things like her two friends going against her, the death of Lisa and the mockery she got every day.

July went very fast. Juana and Colin have got an apartment for Dr Paul who was growing lonelier day by day. When they told him of their plan to relocate him, he said it might not help, and that he was not scared of dying.

"I only want to die happily, and not with guilt in my heart. I want Michael to forgive me and that's all"

But they would have none of it since Michael(Jason) seemed not ready to forgive him

Both of them kept searching for buyers for his old house. They were going to sell it at a low price but high enough to provide for his monthly needs. They were going to move him into his new apartment on the 25th of that month. He was going to live with a younger couple who had four kids and a nanny.

Juana had another plan but kept it to herself because it sounded silly

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"A lot of things will soon change. Hope you're strong enough to adapt because that is life. In spite of it all, there's light at the..."

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Today makes it five days that Colin and Juana helped Dr Paul move out of his house. They finally found a buyer who was ready to buy and renovate the whole house for himself. The new buyer paid Colin the second day after checking the house. Colin got the old man everything he'd need. He cried real tears when Colin and Juana were about to leave.

"Thank you my children" he said with tears in his eyes. Juana was moved to tears. She was glad that she was helping an old man who was lonely and helpless.

That day, she felt good. She then told her dad about what they both did. He listened carefully to everything and applauded their courage and wisdom. Then he said he'd visit the old man soon.

She wanted to visit Ivy who could not come for her graduation. Only Alicia came. Her aunt brought her after her pleading. It was one of the things that made Juana's graduation colourful. But she was sad because they returned the same day. Her aunt didn't want to stay longer in "that town" as she referred to her residence for reasons best known to her

"Dad I want to visit Ivy's"

"It's going to be a long journey"

"Colin will drive me. I'll spend the weekend there. Please"

"No I'll drive you" he said. "I'll come pick you at 7am three days later"

"Thank you daddy"

She was so excited that she texted her friends immediately.

"Surprise coming up"

"What is it girl?" Ivy replied

"I'm visiting y'all day after tomorrow. I'll be spending the whole weekend with you"

But they were not so excited as she expected them to be, and she knew why. Their aunt was strict.

"I hope she agrees to host you. She hates visitors"

Alicia said.

"Not just that. I can't even smile if she's around, or go to a party or have fun, because she expects me to look morose all the time because I'm pregnant. According to her, I should be grateful that she's still keeping me, and the only way I can show the gratitude is to be sober and sad. I'd have preferred it if she just kicked me out' Ivy said sadly. Juana's excitement evaporated.

" I'm glad she kept us though. She didn't even punish Ivy or stop giving her gifts. Her only evil side is this" Alicia said

"I miss my free life. I miss the times I was not pregnant and I was free, and I still had my mother" Ivy lamented

"Stop this girls. I'm coming over to hug you girls plenty. Don't worry, she'll host me. Text me her number, I'll have my dad call her. Please be optimistic guys" she begged.

"Sure we'll party!" Alicia suddenly yelled and the smile returned to Juana's face.

"Dance our asses out! Paint the town red!". Ivy yelled into the phone

"No I like yellow"

"I'm going for pink" Juana screamed and the three girls laughed.

"Juana, you're going to hate me if you see me" Ivy said

"No why would i?"

"I look like a sick elephant" she said sulkily

"Even if you look like a balloon, you're still my Ivy. You're always beautiful to me. I'll always love you, okay?" Then Ivy went quiet.

"Hello?"

"Sorry. She suddenly grew emotional" Alicia said.

"Please take care of her. I'll see you girls soon"

"Can't wait. Bye!"