The Troublesome Roommate

The sun was shining brightly over London. I guess the Lord was gracious upon the Queen, or else He would shower His disappointment on humanity in the form of rain. It was a perfect day to go down the street, to the gift shop and buy your little sister a present. Susan was gonna turn 13 in the next three days and I, as the amazing elder sister, am buying her one right now. Well, if it hadn’t been for applying for the Royal College of Art from the past two weeks. I have worked my arse off way too much, and they must respect and accept me but what do I get in return? ‘We shall get back to you in a couple of days.’ Those ‘couple of days’ have turned into a couple of weeks. What is taking them so long, damn it!? Well, I know it’s not easy to reply to all the letters in one shot, but still.

After buying a few chocolates and pieces of jewellery for Susan, I skipped back home. “Karina!” Susan squealed. Did she know that I’ve got her gifts? She ran towards me and hugged me tightly. Damn, she’s strong for a teenager. “Congratulations sister! You’ve got the acceptance letter finally!” She held the envelope addressed to me in front of my face.

With wide eyes, I exchanged looks with her and grinned like a goofball. I too joined in her squealing and giggling.

“Can’t you girls calm down? It’s hurting my head and ears.” Mum complained while climbing down the stairs. Although she looked a bit annoyed, she was happy. I ran to her and gave her a hug as well.

“Oh Mum, you know you’re excited and happy about this too,” I said cheekily. She gave me a lopsided grin, agreeing with me and then kissed my cheek. “I am happy darling, I can never deny that. I’m so proud of you Karina.”

Dad arrived from office early when we told him about the letter. That night, I cooked the dinner – chicken pesto, my favourite. Whenever something good happened in the family, Mum and I would cook the dinner, this time it was me.

“Are you ready for college, champ?” Dad called through my bedroom doorway. I looked up to him, and smiled in his direction. “Yes mate. Though I will miss all of you.”

He sat beside me on the bed and lovingly wrapped his arm around my shoulder. “I know sweetie, but that’s alright. You can always visit us, or we can visit you – whatever you wish. And this is part of growing up, and I’m sure you’ll do just fine if you stay on your own.”

That’s why I am so close to my Dad. He is always very supportive of me and my decisions. He always wants me to be an independent young lady, unlike most fathers who are too overprotective of their daughters. In my case, it’s Mum.

“Come on champ, get some sleep. You have only one week to start with college.” Dad said while getting up. I nodded to him and closed the door after saying ‘good night’ to him.

I sighed. It’s going to be a very busy week.