Chapter 5 New beginnings

CHAPTER FIVE

Sofia

"You got it?!"

I smile, smug from the good news I have just given him. I am pleased not only to have proved his theory about Skyline wrong, but that he can admit how much he underestimated my ability to pass the exam.

"I sure did! I told you it wasn't any fraud."

"And they're paying your full tuition?"

"Full tuition and living expenses for the entire year! The same thing on offer last year."

"This is unbelievable. Send me the letter so I can see for myself."

I frown, his doubt making my excitement ebb. Does he think I'm lying or what? Deciding I lose nothing by sending him the letter, especially as he'll see it eventually anyway, I do just that.

"Unbelievable!" he exclaims, when he reads it. "The full £16,000 tuition and another £8,000 for living expenses? Unbelievable!"

"Please believe!" I chuckle. "It takes into account the ten months of the academic year, from September this year to June next year."

"Are they going to give you the cash?"

I frown. "Not the tuition, I don't think. And I'd much rather they sort out my campus accommodation on my behalf and give me whatever's left."

"Campus accommodation?Why? When I'm here?"

Oh. Okay. I hadn't quite thought of that. "You want me to stay with you?"

"Mi vida, that's what makes the most sense. Why would you blow all that money on accommodation when your man is here? Tell them you'd rather have the cash for living expenses."

I am slightly disappointed. I've been looking forward to the experience of school accommodation abroad, an experience I know will be worlds apart from my experience at UNAM. But Carlos does have a point though. Besides, what better way to make up for lost time than us living together?

"They sent an acceptance form which I'm supposed to fill," I say. "There's also a contact number, so I'll call tomorrow to ask."

"Fantastic!" he exclaims, his voice finally conveying the excitement I've been expecting. "I'm so happy you're finally coming! I've missed you too much."

I beam, also ecstatic. "Me too. This past year has been awful without you."

"So, when you ask them about the cash, you'll transfer it to me, right? I'll keep it safe till you get here," he pauses before he asks. "Maybe I could pay for my PMP certification from the money? You know that's what's stopping me from getting a good job here. It's £3,000, and I haven't been able to raise that kind of money."

I shrug. If I won't be paying rent, surely I can spare that, especially as it's for a good cause."Sure, we can do that," I answer, loving how we're now planning as a unit.

"You're the best!" he exclaims. "I love you. I can't wait for you to get here. Things are going to be so wonderful. By the time I get my PMP certification and get a great job, we'll move to a nicer apartment in a nice neighbourhood. With your Masters, you'll also get a nice job. We'll be a power couple."

I hesitate before asking what I have been dying to since the thought of joining him in the UK took root in my mind. "Are we going to get married as soon as I get there? Something small to formalise things?"

"Why will we elope when we have families back home?" he retorts. "Mi amor, that's the thing about you. You're always jumping the gun. I'm a traditional man so after your program, we'll come back home for our marriage proper. In MEXICO."

I want to retort that he is a 'traditional man' but he wants us to live together before marriage. I don't want to upset him so I will let it slid. I chid myself for getting too carried away and decide to focus on this win.

When I get to London, we'll figure out the rest.