Iva- Those Who Have Graced

We were sitting across the dinner table with our meal and our usual conversation. I'd been thinking of the right time to bring it up, but no matter how long I pondered, the perfect moment didn't seem to come. Mom and Dad looked surprised when I gathered my courage and slid the form towards them. 

"What's this, Iva?" he asked, glancing at the document and then back at me. 

My heart thumped loudly in my chest as I replied, "It's something important, Dad. Please give it a read."

Dad took the paper in his hands, cleared his throat, and as he began to read, I couldn't help but fidget in place. His voice wavered with astonishment, and I noticed his gaze alternating between the paper and me. He handed it to Mom, who read it with growing interest, her eyes widening with each passing line.

"Iva, when did you plan all this?"

"Not too long ago, Mom," I replied, my nerves calming down a bit now that the truth was out in the open.

"Why didn't you tell us earlier?" Dad asked.

I drew in a deep breath, meeting their gazes squarely. "Well, I had some reasons," I admitted, trying to keep my gaze steady. "But you know me. I never make decisions without thinking them through."

Mom and Dad exchanged glances. I understood they were processing this unexpected news. I had carefully considered my plans and worked hard on them, and all I hoped for was their support and understanding.

A serene smile graced my lips. "Dad, I know you still see me as the little Iva who was bullied, but I've grown stronger since then. Life in Camden wasn't perfect, but I've learned to accept and embrace my past. It's made me who I am today."

Dad spoke first, "Iva, we're a little taken aback, but we're also incredibly proud of you. It's evident that you've put a lot of thought into this decision, and we trust that you know what's best for your future."

Mom nodded, a smile tugging at the corners of her lips. "Yes, darling, you've always been responsible and considerate. We might have wished you'd share it with us earlier, but we know that you wouldn't take such a significant step without good reason."

In the depths of my heart, I understand that soothing their concerns completely is a challenging task. Parents will always worry for their children. To them, I'm still that vulnerable little Iva. But even then, I am determined to reassure them that I have really considered my choices and, in the process, grown stronger and more capable.

Both them exchanged glances, as dad's eyes softened, "Iva, we trust you. If you believe in this path, we stand by you."

Tears welled up in my eyes as I reached across the table to hold their hands. "Thank you, Mom, Dad. Your support means everything to me. I promise I won't let you down. With everything I've received and experienced, I'll start anew, carrying the lessons and love in my heart."

Life in Camden was anything but blissful; it wasn't about escaping my past, but rather, embracing it. Those experiences have become woven into the fabric of my being, and I now carry them with pride as I step forward into the unknown.

The idea of leaving those dear to me is a heavy burden, but I've reached a deep understanding: the strength of our bonds goes beyond mere physical space. Genuine love and concern can overcome any distance, and those who hold me close will always be there for me, no matter how far away we are.

I took a deep breath and knocked on the door of the teachers' office. Walking in, Mr. Hayes beckoned me with a warm smile. "Oh, Iva! Come on in, take a seat," Mr. Hayes said, motioning towards the chairs in front of his desk. "You said you had something important to tell, right?"

"Yes, Mr. Hayes," I said, trying to steady my voice. "It's about something really important."

His eyes filled with curiosity. "Of course, Iva. What's on your mind?"

"Well, you see, I've been thinking a lot about my future lately," I began, fidgeting slightly in my chair. "And I'm planning on attending college in another town."

His eyebrows shot up in surprise, but he remained attentive. "That's quite... ambitious. Iva, are you sure about this decision? There are quite a few good ones here too, if you'd like..."

"I know what you want to say, but..."

"You shouldn't haste when making decisions like this. Have you talked about it with your parents?"

"Yes, I've talked to them. And they're supporting my decision."

"Is that so..."

"I know why you're concerned, Mr. Hayes-" My heart fluttered, but I knew I had to be honest. "I'm quite nervous too. But I don't want to stop myself here. I want to explore new opportunities, challenge myself, and pursue my dreams too."

He leaned back in his chair, studying me for a moment. "I must admit, I didn't see this coming, but I'm glad you shared this with me. It's essential to have goals and dreams, and I can see that you've thought this through."

"I have, Mr. Hayes. I know it won't be easy, but I'm ready to work hard and face the challenges that come my way."

He smiled warmly. "Iva, I believe in you. You have always been a diligent and dedicated student. If this is your dream, then I am fully supportive of it. I'll do everything in my power to see through that you can walk on the path you've chosen for yourself."

Those words, even if a little, made me relieved. "Thank you, Mr. Hayes. Your encouragement means a lot to me. I'll do my best to not let anyone down."

He chuckled warmly. "You better, young lady!" 

Exiting the office, a swirl of emotions enveloped me like a gentle yet persistent breeze. Bittersweet sentiments... and within them my heart had found solace. Yet, as the soft breeze brushed against my cheeks, I felt a surge of hope within me. This was not an end; it was the beginning of a new chapter.

After classes, Alan and I walked together along the well-known path home. It was our usual routine, yet today, there was a sense of something new in the air. Alan's eyes sparkled playfully as he looked at me and suggested, "How about we take a little detour today?"

Before I could reply, my heart raced as Alan softly held my hand, our fingers weaving together. In that simple touch, a universe of feelings flowed silently between us. A surge of anticipation tingled within me, as though we were embarking on an extraordinary journey, hand in hand.

Our hands fit together seamlessly, like two parts of a puzzle finally connecting.

Our steps led us from the bustling streets of town to a peaceful waterfront park on the Jersey side of the Delaware River. This park was like a hidden treasure, featuring spacious paths adorned with a stunning array of spring blooms. The air was perfumed with the sweet fragrance of flowers, and the vivid colors all around us created a truly picturesque scene.

We wandered hand in hand, our laughter blending with the gentle breeze as we revelled in the surrounding beauty. Alan looked at me, a warm smile playing on his lips, and admitted, "I've been planning to bring you here for a while now. I wanted  to see this place with you when it's in full bloom."

The sincerity in his eyes warmed my heart. Sitting together on a bench, we gazed out at the scenic view, and Alan spoke softly, "I can't help but think about the future sometimes. Where will we be? Will we still be walking hand in hand like this, exploring new places together?"

"I don't know... we could be anywhere."

"I'd really love to come here with you next year."

"Next year... it would be really nice."

I can still picture that dark room, its walls looming over me like a suffocating embrace. Time seemed to stand still, and everything remained stagnant. The darkness traced through every corner, echoing the void that enveloped my heart. That was until I met Alan and Noah, and the time I spent with them became my beacon of light.

Noah's departure from that room left me feeling adrift, as if the darkness was ready to consume me once again. Desperate to hold on to even a flicker of the light they had brought into my life, I tried my hardest to pull Noah back into that space with me. It was a plea for just a moment of illumination, a glimpse of the warmth I had felt in their presence.

Amidst the shadows of my uncertainties, Alan's voice gently broke through, bringing me back to the present moment. "So, Iva, what's your plan for the future?"

I can't really get my words right, but Alan, thank you. You'd said before how'd felt about me, and even then my own feelings made me push you away. But you still came to me, reaching out your hand. And the light you brought with you, even that tiny room now feels like one where I can spend an eternity with you. Thank you, Alan.

I've already told mom and dad and Mr. Hayes already, but getting those words back, and this time to Alan, is it unfair of me. I don't want to leave his side too, but I can't I'm still not strong enough... so I want to return to him when I'll be strong enough and he'll not need to care for me even more. I still haven't given him his answer from that day, yet, he never pushed me for it since. It's like he is giving me time and space to think. To let me gather my feelings.

I told him everything about my plans, and at first he too seemed taken aback, but then a broad grin spread across his face. "Really? That's amazing, Iva! Don't you need like really high grades to apply there? You're really amazing."

I couldn't help but blush, my words caught in my throat as I tried to form a coherent response. Alan chuckled softly, understanding my flustered state. He knew me so well, often able to read my emotions without me saying a word. I looked at him, feeling a rush of emotions overwhelming me. "Alan, thank you," I managed to say, my voice a mere whisper.

"What's that for?"

"Nothing... just saying."

"Are you... scared?" he asked, poking me gently on the side.

I poked him back, joining in his laughter. He knew the answer, and I didn't need to say a word. We had been through so much together, and he had always been there to support me in every decision I made.

"Maybe a little," I admitted with a sheepish smile. "But I also know that it's the right step for me, and I can't wait to explore new opportunities and challenges."

"You're going to do great, Iva. I have no doubt about that." His voice sounded reassuring.

I know I won't be alone, as my heart will carry this abundance of love, these cherished memories, and an unyielding strength gifted to me by the souls who have graced my life's journey.