After a boring very loooong time I finally got a promotion. But I before that, I had to prove myself many times, bringing my boss a few articles, researches and I had even to write a book, my first book. She said I had a very good style so I was promoted to Automated Spell-Checker Checker. I didn't see much difference in my salary but, at least, I was now working in the office.
But I wanted more, much more than this. So I worked as hard as I could, thinking this would bring me somewhere. I would stay at the office, doing overduties, when everybody was for a long time enjoying their homes. This until my chef called me and said, "Look, Loulou, you are one my best employer. You show interest, you work hard, you have an excellent style, you're pretty... you have everything you need to be an excellent journalist, except for one thing: a degree. If you want to make progress in your career, go finish your studies. As much as I would like to, I can't promote you any further without a diplom."
This conversation made clear to me that I needed to find a way to go to university. Almost one year had passed since last visit of the mascot, since I failed the aptitude test. Although I knew I did a lot during this time, my whole body trembled only thinking on repeting that test.
I arrived home, took the welcome kit I'd received from the mascot and, after pondering a lot, I finally took the courage and called the man.
He arrived next evening... the same guy as last time and wearing that same horrible outfit. We had a long conversation that evening. I was so scared that I started attacking him, defending myself almost before he could say a word. He apologised for leaving the wrong impression and almost begged me to try the aptitude test once more.
So I did. My hands were trembling when I started but soon I realised the test was not as difficult as I remembered.
"I'm glad to see how much you have changed, Loulou! Your results on Communication are excellent! You've got +18 Credit Hours! But you achieved good results also on Arts and Technology. You may begin next Spring, that means, in two weeks. Please fill the form, using your phone or pc and be ready. You'll be picked up shortly before beginning."
As soon as he left I started my computer and followed his instructions. After that... well, it was Friday evening and everything I wanted then was... P A R T Y !
Still... I didn't have that much money and I had a few things to prepare before leaving to university. But I took my best outfit and went to a place someone told me about. Of course, it was nothing compared to the places I used to go before but it was fun.
I got scared from time to time with things I saw...
But I also met a few good people.
And even danced with a vampire! The first I saw in my life!
The following two weeks I spent taking care of myself, enjoying life a bit.
Doing things that I actually loved but hadn't allow myself to enjoy for a long time,like winter sports.
Soon I was leaving Bridgeport, with a suitcase in my hand, heading to the university. That was the most important - and the happiest - day of my life, after my parents died. There are no words capable to describe what I was feeling at that moment.
