Choosing paths

My eyes were glued on the already fallen part of my ceiling that looked like the map of some country–it definitely needed a new coat of paint. I turned to my side and my eyes fell on my wardrobe–I needed a new dresser as well, maybe a couple of shoes and a new door. Perhaps a bulletproof shower room.

I continued to make up silly scenarios in my head, while I waited for my parents to get home. It was Saturday and they still had to go to work. By they, I meant my mother. All dad did was drink his pension away and pretend we were a happy family.

I shook my head to dispel unnecessary thoughts, today was a good day people! I mean, I got out of high school last month and was going to check my mail today, my admission letter had arrived and we were going to do some family dinner to celebrate or.... not, either way I was scared shitless.

I wasn't a smart kid, my grades were average–I didn't want them to get better than that, call me crazy or not a serious minded student, but I was happy and that was it. I didn't want to be the 'smart' kid.

I spent hours on my bed thinking, turning and playing video games. Yes, I played video games and I wasn't the Barbie doll freak whatever. We kill zombies and fight wars. Of course, we did those things on TV and not reality. It was epic if you asked me.

I played with my online friends for a while before I decided-sorry, my tummy decided for the both of us that I needed to get my ass out of bed to do my chores and eat, like seriously I needed to eat!

I'm skinny, almost six feet tall and I mirrored the looks of a guy than a girl except I do some excessive make over, asides that, yes this is me.

I cleaned out my room, packed my clothes all together and put them in the dresser and made a mental note to sort them out later. I swept, cleaned, did laundry, then I proceeded to clean the whole house or my version of arranging, it looked acceptable anyways. I shrugged when I sighted a strand of hair on the floor. Glancing from left to right, I whistled and shoved it under the couch.

I walked into the kitchen, cleaned the dishes, swept... again, then finally I get to order pizza.

As you might have noticed, I talked a lot, that was one of my hobbies. I could talk forever, but I knew when to not talk at all.

My name's Katya Renua Greyson, I'm fifteen–an odd age... Yes, I know, but I didn't really look it. I'm half Nigerian, half black American–cool combo... That, I also know.

It took a couple of hours before I heard the jingling of my father's keys. Yay! Daddy was back and I was so excited–note the sarcasm. Hurriedly, I got up in an attempt to go hide in my room till my mother returned, but luck was not on my side because he had already seen me.

"Ren, I'm hungry." He growled, scratching his sweaty beards. "Make me dinner or better still wait for your mom to make dinner, you cant cook to save your life. I wonder what you can actually do."

Ladies and gentlemen meet my very sweet dad. Honestly, I wonder where I would be without him... Oh, I know, really happy!

"Are you even listening to me?" He snapped his fingers in my face and I took a step back. "I wonder how you went through high school and now college that's if you get in. I mean, my brothers sons could do bett-"

I cut my dad off by zoning off into a dark place in my head. This was a typical conversation between my dad and I–really loving family I tell you.

"Did you clean this house, Ren?" He questioned, snapping me out of the overdramatic yapping that was going on in my head.

"Yes, I did." Dry toned me.

"Well. Clean it again, Ren. You're a woman and I honestly can't understand how you stand dirt. I wonder all the time about the things you get from that mother of yours." He scowled. "I'm going upstairs to sleep. When I get down here, this place better be spotless and my food better be ready."

The light dims and he exits. My subconscious said and I rolled my eyes.

Finally, some peace and quiet. I got back to shooting bad guys on my phone this time, while watching some show about 'things to say before forty five'

It was a long time ahead, but... Oh, well. You need to have your bullets before you shoot right? Ha! now that's something to say before forty five. Just don't say it in front of a criminal though, that would end really bad.

"Hey honey, is your dad home?" Mom's voice almost scared the soul out of me.

"Jesus Christ, Mom!" I jerked, reaching up a hand to clutch my chest. "Do you want to kill me, when did you even get here, how did you get here?"

"Oh, I'm sorry. It's not my fault your ears don't work even though you have them, neither is it my fault that I have quiet feet." She giggled, kicking off her shoes and retreating.

"Haha! Mom, so funny," I said sarcastically, resisting an eye roll. "Dad's home by the way, he wants the house more spotless than it already is and he wants his food ready before he wakes up, served in bed with wallpapers around the room so he feels like he's in Santorini."

"Haha! Kat, very funny. Alright, lets make your dad something to eat and then we can check your mail together like we planned, okay?"

I nodded.

*****************

We spent two whole hours cooking for the 'king'. It wasn't that I hated cooking–on the contrary; I loved it, I just hated how I did it like it was what I was born to do.

My dad is a Nigerian and you do not want to know how they view women in some tribes, so I counted myself lucky that this I was all I got to do.

Dinner was fun, just our spoons and knives speaking for us and occasionally our hands. It was really sweet how it all just seemed to rhyme and we communicated perfectly, silence while eating was a strong suit in this household–it was our normal, but tonight was my night so I was glowing brighter than an angels halo.

"Ren, get out of your head and go get the letter already." My mom said, snapping back to reality.

I preferred spacing out than basking in silence, it just wasn't my thing

"If she had a brain then I would understand why she needed to be in there, but unfortunately, she's all dry and empty."

My dad just had to ruin my moment as usual, but who cared? He was always sour and I had already gotten used to it.

Ignoring my dad, I ran to my room to get the letter and back with my glow intact. I took in a deep breath to steady my heart before unfolding the letter.

"What does it say hunny?" Mother inquired, craning her neck.

I scanned the words on the paper with my eyes and one word stands out. I stopped breathing at some point and just stared and stared then stared some more.

"You see what I told you, how would she get in?" Father spat. "Our neighbor's daughter didn't even get in and she had the best grades last year, how exactly would she ge-"

"I got in." I cut him off with a shout of glee.

I glancey at him and took much needed air into my lungs.

"What?" Father's brows knitted in a frown.

"I said I got in, dad. You can look at the letter yourself if you want, but I still made it."

"Oh, my baby is finally a college student!" My mom screamed, while she hug carried me or carried hug me, whatever.

"Oh, God. Mom, put me down, you're going to kill me before I even get in." I laughed and struggled in her arms.

"Alright, grown up. You got into college now, you think you aren't my baby anymore, but sorry bun bun, you always will be," she said, still not letting me go.

"Fine, mom. You win, but I need to go to bed now."

"Night hun, we'll discuss better in the morning," she said, placing me down on the floor and letting go of me. Finally!

I walked with a spring in my step back to my room.

My scary dreams couldn't even wipe the smile off my face

This year was definitely going to be good.

Remember when I said this year was going to be great? I take that back, in fact I take it all back. It had been three days since we read the letter and my mom kept prancing around the house like I was about to get married.

I haven't had any decent sleep these past few days, even my dad had enough sense to get in and out of her way faster than flash–I wasn't that lucky. I mean, I was the one with the halo till she stole it...pfft!

We were in my room and I'd never hated this little space like I did today. She was invading every personal fudging space I had. She packed this and threw that, hung this and tore that, screamed at this and gushed at that. Jesus, take me now, I really wasn't cut out to be a woman.

"Hey, honey. I'm going to get some more gowns for you," my mom said, while I groaned into my pillow.

"Mom, I hate dresses. Just get pant suits or something, besides its college and I'm not going for job interviews."

"Hush, what would you know?" She held up a manicured finger to her lips with a stern look resting on her facade. "We need to put a stop to these boyish clothes you choose to wear, you're a lady and you have to start acting like one."

"Mom; lady or not, I still hate dresses and I'd like it if you didn't waste money getting those things, cause I wouldn't wear them. I love my boyish clothes, it shows the whole me. I wont wear something that makes me look for my already invisible ass." I countered as we shared a laugh, stressing the word 'boyish' with air quotes.

"Fine, but honey your ass is fine. You're still so young, give it some time, all the body parts will fall into place." She assured me with a friendly expression.

I shrugged, "Yeah, I hope so."

We fell into a comfortable silence after that and I even napped a bit, her invasion didn't bug me anymore. The sounds of moving boxes and ruffling clothes were lulling me into a deeper sleep, but my phone chimed, disturbing my sleep. I peeled my eyes open and checked it to see a message from my boyfriend, Tristan.

Booboo🥰: Hey, babe.

Shit! I forgot about him for a second. He got a full scholarship into the university of Colorado and I was proud of him, but I didn't know what would happen to us after this–Another chime brought my attention back to my phone.

Booboo🥰: Are you free rn, cause I wanna take you out. I won't get to see you for a while, so lets go do something fun.

Me: I don't know, Tris. I'm not done packing and my mom is home.

Booboo🥰: Come on, babe. Think of something, I cant wait to see you. Come on, don't ruin the mood.

Me: Alright. Fine, but just for a couple of hours. I still need to get some things from the mall.

Booboo🥰: That's great, I'll be parked down the block. Bye, love you.

Me: Love you too.

I dropped back on my bed dramatically, what was I going to do now? My Mom didn't like Tristan and she wouldn't let me go if I used him as an excuse, kill me somebody!

Well, I couldn't go back on my promise now. Tris would blow a fuse and maybe block me for a few days. He was petty like that, but I liked him.

I sighed again, I was too young to start thinking this much. Imagining me and Tris on a beach with fifteen kids made me laugh out loud, causing my mom to look at me like I was loosing my mind. This made me double over in laughter, now my mom was looking all worried.

"Are you ok?" She froze and narrowed her eyes at me. "Because I don't think going to college makes people go crazy."

"I'm fine m-o-m," I said between laughs.

"Kat, cut it out right now. I won't have a maniac under my roof!"

"Ugh, fine Mom. You're no fun, anyway can I go see Becca real quick?" I grinned. "She's moving to England and I don't know when she'll be coming back."

Half truth and half lie. Becca was my best friend, she has been for a couple of years now and her moving was a huge step for both of us–I didn't even need to fake the sadness on my face, her moving sucked.

"Oh, honey. Sure, you can. Be safe and pass off my regards. I know this is tough, but you can always go visit and there's always skype so it's not as bad as you think."

"Thanks, mom. That means a lot, I'll be out for a while... You know, goodbyes and all." I scratched my hair, mentally throwing a cat wheel.

"Sure, honey. Take your time." Mom cooed, while I fought to hide my smile.

I jumped out of bed and ran out of the house. I got down the block in record time and saw his black truck parked by the bakery. Halting, I jogged down to it and slipped into the passengers seat.

"Hey, babe. I was about to drive off, what took you so long?" Tris questioned, turning on the ignition and hitting the road.

"Sorry, babe. I had to tell my mom I was going over to Becca's place, you know she doesn't like you," I said, while quickly buckling in. Tris was a reckless driver.

"I don't care babe, as long as you love me...that's all I care about." He flashed his dimples.

Earlier into the relationship, I would have blushed feeling on top of the world, but honestly–it made no sense how I needed to fight for his parents approval and he couldn't do the same.

We pulled into an arcade center and I squealed like a kid, I couldn't help it because I loved the games here.

We played for hours, different games or just competing. We ran around like kids and people turned to stare, but I didn't care. I was going off to college and honestly, I didn't even know what to expect so if this was my last few hours of freedom, I was going to lap it up.

After some time, I got tired and bought some food. Tris bought ice cream and we just sat for hours, talking and laughing. It was crazy how much we knew each other, it was like he was my twin–he was, but a fraternal twin. We had been dating for three years and my age made it seem weird at first, but if he was cool with it then so was I.

"You look beautiful when you get lost in your head like that." He ran his thumb on my chin and an uncontrollable creepy smile spread on my face.

"Thanks, Tris."

He went back to staring into nothing and I watched him for a while. A frown crawled up my face and asked myself when it all changed, when my heart didn't skip like it did, why my almost black skin couldn't push out blushes on my cheeks around him anymore and when saying I love you sounded so normal.

"This is the end isn't it?" He broke the silence.

I knew what he meant, but I didn't think I needed to answer for we had both felt the shift. I had a lot of things to say, but I just settled for a simple, "I love you, Tris."

Locking gazes, I smiled at how pretty his eyes were. Brown and drown worthy.

"I love you too, baby girl. Remember I'll be here whenever or wherever." He held my hand and squeezed it a little. "You'll always be my first love, but we both know it isn't working out that way anymore. Its time I allow other boys come closer."

We laughed at that. I had a few male friends and he drilled most of them. Only my friends friends stayed, my admirers ran for their dear lives.

"I'll miss you baby girl, promise we'll skype." He held out his pinky.

I laughed then intertwined mine with his, "I promise".

We shared a long hug filled with laughs, after that he drove me over to Becca's place. We hugged ourselves goodbye once more before I watched him drive off. I would miss him.

"Well, I thought you had gotten kidnapped and thrown to the wolves," A voice filled with a terrible British accent said. My head turned so fast I got a whiplash.

"Don't ever speak like that ever again, that wasn't just terrible it was plain murder, you're a murderer!" I exclaimed jokingly to Becca as we giggled on her doorstep.

"Was that Tristan?" She asked

"Yeah, we kinda broke up." I prepared myself for I-

"What, How could you guys break up? What are we singles supposed to do?!" Becca yelled, swinging her hands around dramatically. "Omg, you guys finally broke up!" I covered my ears waiting for her to calm down.

"Yes, we did break up. Oh, well...we had to. come on, you know it just didn't feel the same anymore." I poked her shoulder, frustration evident in my eyes.

"Yeah, I do. But anyways, my flight leaves tomorrow. I'll be back for summer break and I'll miss you so much, boo." She sniffled, which caused the tears I held at bay to flood in.

We spent hours crying, laughing, singing, hugging, packing, running around and just having fun.

I checked the time and it was past 6, I needed to get home.

We cried some more, made promises and soon I was on my way.

Two of my favorite people were going off on their own adventures, I hoped I could create mine.

I hoped I would.

I stood in front of the house as my dad filled the car with my things and my mom kept shifting her weight from one foot to the other, her chaplet hung loosely around her neck. I had one, but it was in the pocket of my jeans.

My mom was a core catholic–born, bred, married and infused. Her beliefs were strong and so were mine–I believed in God. I mean who didn't? I held my beliefs and dignity to heart, always wanting mother's approval above all else. It was just something I was taught and I took great pleasure in having it.

My mother would say the present generation wasn't half bad, but it was like God didn't exist anymore–No one took their time to say a prayer or even thank him for the day, it was all about gadgets and parties. I wasn't the type to force my beliefs on people, but I tried to do some right and say some right. The world needed a little light sometimes.

Snapping out of my trance, my dad didnt waste his time with goodbyes; he had better things or drinks to do. Father and I didnt have any loving embrace or tear stained cheeks, just a weird pat and awkward push into the passenger seat. I rolled my eyes and scoffed.

Real subtle dad. My subconscious said sarcastically.

My mom pulled into the road and off we went. We were driving from Colorado to Ontario and it was going to take a couple of hours so I decided to shut my eyes for the rest of the way. I was so excited the last night that I had a little or no sleep.

The air condition in the car did wonders to my body, soul and mind. I wasnt asleep, but I wasnt awake either–I just stayed in that state for a while, it was peaceful and serene.

It wasnt for another hour that I finally opened my eyes. The drive was silent except for the low hum of the radio. I watched the trees and sometimes other cars, wondering if they were all going to the same place as me.

Finally, we pulled up in front of the University of Toronto. I stared in awe at the school entrance as we pulled into the parking lot and it lived up to my expectations. I would have been embarrassed to be dropped off by my mom, but honestly I needed to feel at home before I stepped into this foreign land.

The structure was majestic and the carvings were divine. I was sure my jaw was on the ground and I let my gaze wander before I helped my mom unload my stuff.

We walked into the majestic building and I got my slip, key to my dorm room, class schedules and all other necessities. I was supposed to attend a ceremony like thing that was for the grand tour and all that blah-blah-blah. I couldn't remember any other thing from there, I just needed to get to my dorm and sleep for the rest of the session.

My mom and I successfully placed all my bags in the room. She fussed over me for a while, helped me arrange my things, cried and cried and then cried some more. We hugged for a long time and some hours before she left we prayed. We thanked God for his blessings and his grace for the day, we asked for mercy and appreciated him some more. I was smiling by the time we were done as I was so full with his spirit. I thanked him once again for letting me know him.

Finally, my mom left and I was all alone in this new world. Instantly, I heard a few shuffling of feet and clinging of keys. It seemed everyone was fitting themselves in, I wondered how everyone would be and what their characters were. I made up this and that. Finally, I had five gorgeous friends who probably never existed.

Time seemed to have slowed down over here. I had been lying on my soft mattress for a while now and could swear four hours had passed, but in real life it was just an hour–maybe it was because of my hyper thoughts, but I couldn't stay still any longer so I did what I didnt know how to do best, I went out to explore.

The hallway was painted in yellow and awkwardly quiet, but maybe that was because my footsteps were the only sounds filling my ears. I hoped I didnt pick the horror dorm, I didnt want nightmares. A shiver racked my body as I walked faster.

The sky looked different, maybe because I was seeing it for the first time and my eyes couldn't capture the beauty enough. I walked past flowers and majestic buildings, past other people who were looking for their dorms. Jesus, I hoped I didnt look this lost and out of place. Well, I guessed that look was going to hang around me for a while. You could smell the freshmen from a mile away and let me say the sad thing, I smelt the same way.

I walked past classrooms and glanced into various labs–I wanted to familiarize myself with the environment. I knew I wouldn't get up early enough to attend the ceremony on Friday so it was better I found my way now.

I walked till the sun began to set just memorizing lanes and newly found hiding places. Hugging trees-pfft! I was just joking, but I touched the tree though, don't judge me. It was really beautiful, I memorized the routes I would need to use for the next few months of the semester.

My legs were aching, but in a good way. I walked back to my dorm–this time, I heard a few chatter and saw a few people leave their rooms for once! It must be nice to actually be accepted into the same school with your best friend or someone you knew. At least, it'd take the weirdness away. The thought of talking to someone tomorrow filled me with dread.

I was a social bird, I loved people's company and mine was appreciated; so I thought, but the art of talking and making friends weren't my thing. Oh, well, I guess I would let whatever would happen just happen.

"Uhm, are you going in or did you get lost?" A voice rang out from beside me.

I almost shrieked, but it came out as a silent scream.

"Jesus, woman. Do you want me to drop dead?" I turned to take a look at my almost killer with a hand gripping my chest.

"Y-you should have s-s-seen your fa-c-e," the stranger said, while trying and failing to hold in the laughter.

I stood there silently watching this slightly crazy person and I couldn't help, but laugh along–her laugh was so contagious and oh, boy! Was she short, she barely got to my chest.

We laughed for a while, earning some amused stares our way. It took a while to calm down, but eventually we did. The silence after was very comfortable, I would have loved to bathe in it, but unfortunately I was really tired, so I decided to make a quick introduction before I slept right in front of the door we both stood in front of.

"Hey, killer stranger. I'm katya, nice to meet you," I said as I held out my hand.

"So polite, I like that. I'm cherry by the way and nice to meet you too." A warm smile spread across her face as she shook my hand.

I giggled, I was really going to get along with this girl–she was my kind of hyper. We talked for a while, exchanged contacts and when she found out her room was next to mine, she squealed like a little kid on Christmas and did a cute weird dance. All I did was to laugh.

After she had fixed a date for tomorrow which consisted of her depriving me of my sleep so we could walk around town, we finally parted ways. I unlocked my door and hung the key, my clothes came off next and finally this nice loving bed as I flopped down on it.

My adventures were going to be fun after all. I guess.

**********

I hadn't even blinked for two seconds and someone was having a wrestling match with my door.

I whined and covered my ears with a pillow, hoping the intruder would let me be. After a while, it became worse and I was certain my door was seconds away from splitting open.

I dragged myself out of bed and stomped to the door, someone was going to get it. I swung it open with a scowl on my face and I was left confused till I looked down at a hyper bundle of joy.

"Morning, partner." Cherry sang in an annoying morning voice.

"What do you want from me?" I grumbled, I hated waking up so early.

"Aww, come on. We have to walk around today, go get ready." She urged. "I'll pick your clothes and wait for you here," she said skipping to my wardrobe.

I groaned and my eyes hurt just looking at this bright human.

I grumbled and lamented as I proceeded to do my morning routine. Under twenty minutes, I was up and ready for another round of exploring.

Today was Friday, last weekday before classes would commence so we were free to walk around town. We walked out of school and got a taxi to take us deeper into Ontario. It was my first time here and I wanted to know the magical places I could discover today.

Cherry chatted on and on and I returned the same energy. She had an adopted sister and she was accepted here too–they stayed together, but her sister was in Paris and she wasnt coming back anytime soon. She was a bit of a wild child from what I learnt. I looked at cherry and tried to picture her wild, but the results came out cute so I gave up and prepared myself for the best surprise her sister would give me.

We walked past beautiful buildings and ate some of the best foods at some of the best restaurants around. We visited the hottest arcade centers and bought several video games.

Cherry never got tired, her happy streak didnt dim one bit and nothing seemed to stop her. We took a break in a park watching the day go by, pitching conversations here and there, laughing at funny passersby, eating a lot of junks food and basically goofing around.

*****

The halls were quiet when we got back, not creepy this time just the comfortable silence. The day had hit the both of us hard and even cherry couldnt stop yawning, while rubbing her eyes like a little child, cute I tell you.

I hugged her goodbye, while she squirmed around. She had claimed she was looking for a comfortable position, earning a light chuckle from me.

This girl I tell you. My subconscious chipped in.

The room was finally feeling like home, it was really calming.

I kicked off my shoes and allowed the sweet lovely bed enfold me, tomorrow was Saturday so Cherry must sleep right? I would get to sleep as long as I liked without anyone trying to disturb my peace right?

I was sure I would.

Once again I was wrong.