Who Knew: A True Life Story of a Young Woman's Struggles and Triumphs

By Corri Moore

It's just a story but the real truth is in the reader.

• Language: English
• Publisher: BookBaby
• Release date: Jan 20, 2017
• ISBN: 9781483591698

Book preview

23

CHAPTER 1

WHAT ABOUT LIFE.

At this point in my life I figured if I don’t start classes now, it probably wouldn’t happen. I feel like I want to jump right back into school and keep learning almost as if I was to take a break from school, I’d never have the same energy as I have right now. I have a drive that I should keep up with. I always wanted to be one of the nurses who traveled the world taking care of their patients and making a bunch of money. I knew that it’ll take a few years to actually complete school and start working in someone’s hospital, but I was willing to put in the time and effort to accomplish what I wanted out of life.

Today I was getting my school information from St. Hills College, informing me of which courses are available at the time. It had been two weeks since I submitted my information and took the ACT test so I was anxious. I was hoping for great options.

This college was huge! It reminded me of an old prep school, an all brick building with large white presidential looking windows and the yard perfectly mowed. I could imagine the girls wearing those cute blue preppy skirts, with their white button down top tucked in, and knee high socks with black flats.

As I approached the double doors I reminded myself of who I was going to be speaking with. I was told to talk to some woman named Ms. Dean on Thursday morning for my paperwork. I walked into the office of the main campus, there was an older woman with a short hair style and reading glasses sitting at the desk. I noticed she was writing an email as I walked up.

Hello

I greeted hoping that I wasn’t interrupting her.

Hello, how are you?

She said, not looking to see who I was but at least she responded.

Fine, I’m here to see Ms. Dean

11am, Miss Rios?

She was quick with the responses yet she didn’t look away from that screen.

Yes ma’am

Okay give me jusssssst a second.

She turned to acknowledge me then asked for my first and last name. She then went through some files in the draw of the desk, pulled out a manila folder with my name written big, in bold letters at the top of it, and sat it on the desk in front of her. She took out one of the papers from the folder and clipped it onto a clipboard.

She handed me the clipboard and asked Can you sign here for me, just to verify that you did receive these papers?

I did just that, she made me a copy and kept the original.

Someone will be right out to you shortly. She said with an assuring look on her face. I grabbed my folder and waited in the lobby.

A brown haired woman wearing red lipstick came into the lobby looking for me. She called me by my last name Miss Rios! I got up, looking to catch eye contact with her just so she can see that it’s me, and proceeded to follow her.

As I walked closer to the desk in her office, she was getting comfortable in her chair. Greeting me Hi, Ms. Natalie. How are you today?

     I replied I’m good and yourself?

I’m wonderful. Just give me a second while I look for your file.

It was cold, I folded my arms and rubbed the outside of them with the palms of my hand. I didn’t bring a sweater but I sure didn’t expect to be this cold, it felt like the air was on 60 degrees.

She giggled Are you cold? I’ll turn the air up for you. I’m sorry it’s usually so warm in here that I have to turn the A/C on for a second.

Thank you, I said it’s just.. unexpected cold.

So Natalie, how do you feel about finding an alternative program for now, something similar to what you want to take classes for, and that’ll benefit you at the same time?

     She sounded sure for me but I was confused.

What do you mean an alternative program?

I interrupted her before she said anything I mean, I know what you mean but why would that be an option?

Well, you see Natalie the classes that you want to take are currently unavailable for months, up until next year. We care about you and we want you to start classes so we found an alternate route for you.

She looked concerned and sad for me but how could they just find an alternate route for me? Well, at least they’re trying to help but it’s just so unexpected I feel like my dreams are on hold. Unless I take this alternative route, but what if I don’t? What am I going to do?

She explained the alternate route, the pros and cons to my original plan but I just wasn’t sure. I had to think about it but making $10,000 less didn’t sound good to me and if I wanted to take my original route afterwards I would have to go back to school.

When I got back home I went over my paperwork to see what I wanted to do. I was so anxious to start college, that’s what I wanted but I knew I didn’t want to settle for the alternative route. Making $10,000 less every year and if I wanted to pursue my original plan I would have to go back to school all over again. I was just so confused.

I already had a hard time finding a job. All summer I’ve been filling out applications and turning them in, even online but no response yet. I didn’t want to sit on my ass and do nothing. I wanted to do something, I wanted some money.

18 living with my mom, I just graduated high school and I wanted to make myself useful. Going to college would do so much for me and they offered to pay for my first semester. What am I to do?

CHAPTER 2

The girls and I planned to meet up at the mall to do a little shopping. It had been 3 weeks since graduation and we had catching up to do. Stephanie mentioned she had a hot topic to talk to me and Alexis about. Stephanie, Alexis and I been friends since 6th grade, cheer camp. We were the best cheerleaders on our team, every year, and we so happen to become the best of friends.

Stephanie is so funny to me; she’s like the hot topic of our group. Three words to describe her would be fun, fast and freaky. Fun as in spontaneous, it’s never a dull moment with her. Fast and freaky as in she would do something new and different but you have to love her for it even if she bumps her head. I’m more of the observer; very laid back. I won’t say anything but I’ve noticed a million things. Alexis is the quiet sweetheart, she was a little naïve but she had the best crew.

We were at our favorite shopping mall in the city. It has all of my favorite stores, a variety of restaurants I love to eat at, and a huge AMC theatre. We come here often. This mall stayed packed on the weekends, everyone was shopping together with their friends and family.

We were sitting at the table in the food court, closer to the sushi bar, waiting on the Asian man to come from behind the bar with our sushi from Sushi Siam. This was one of my favorite raw bars. Mr. Dai is really courteous to us, we’ve been coming here for a while now so he knows our faces well.

While we waited on our food while Stephanie started telling us what she had in mind. Oh my gosh! You guys are going to freak! She said, her eyes squinted as she laughed. I knew this would be a great story she was ready to tell because every time she giggles before she tells a story it’s either hilarious or embarrassing or embarrassing and hilarious.

Promise not to judge She held her pinky out in the middle of the table so we could join in and keep her promise. Staring me in my eyes as we made our promise I could tell she wanted this to be a secret. I was down, I always kept my promises. I pretty much kept everything to myself.

Right before Stephanie could start her story, Mr. Dai walked up with the sushi tray in his hand. Right on time because I was hungry. He brought us chop sticks, soy sauce, sauce bowls, and tea along with our sushi that he placed in the middle of the table, just how we like it. We nodded and thanked him for our food.

Okay but last Friday I ended up dancing with my sister.

Dancing, like at the club?

I asked, in total disbelief.

Yes! My sister had been working at this club for a while and she insisted I come with her, just to make some quick money. You know?

Wait, Alexis said where?

Silver Spoons Cabaret. It’s a really nice club!

How did you feel and what made you actually do it Steph? I asked in curiosity.

We had a conversation like a week ago and she asked if I wanted to dance with her, just for some extra money and I said yeah. I thought it would be fun plus she’s been working there for a few months now. She told me it was real easy money. When we got there we had a few drinks, she introduced me to a few people that she knew, and I was just fine. My sister always has money. She’s always buying herself new things and me too, sometimes.

Wow, I can’t believe you actually did it. Would you do it again?

I mean, yeah I would. I wouldn’t be doing it for too long but its real good money. I made $800 my first night! She said looking all excited.

Alexis said So I guess that’s it for us working together this summer huh Stephy. I was thinking the same thing. We always work the same job together during the summer, but I guess Lexi was right.

"I mean, I don’t want to suggest you guys come with me