The Paragon Class

<Thea's POV>

"Good morning, mom," I said in a groggy voice as I rubbed my eyes while sitting down at the dinner table. I saw my mother walk with a plate full of rice in her left hand and a plate of hotdogs, eggs, and fried dried fish in her right. She was still dishevelled. Her long black hair was loosely bunned and her eyes were filled with worry. I could not help but sigh as I notice her wrinkled face. 'Someday, I will take us out of this mess, mom,' I thought.

"Good morning, dear. Were you up late studying again?" Her mother asked with worried eyes.

"Of course, mom. You know how it is. I cannot waste the scholarship I have," I said before taking a mouthful of rice and eggs.

"Alas, I told you to take care of yourself!" my mother was about to go on her daily rant about how I should not focus on studying that much and how I should take care of my health instead. However, I spaced out after my phone rang.

"Mom!" I immediately interrupted my mother after seeing a golden bay leaf crown logo on the email I received.

"Aish! What!? You are going to kill me from shock!" she said after being startled by my exclamation.

"I was admitted to the Global Alliance University!!" I shouted. I could not help but feel ecstatic. This is the Global Alliance University after all! It is widely known as the best university in the world!

"What!? Really?" she said. I cannot help but notice the bright smile she wore. My heart immediately melted as I saw how proud my mother was of me.

"I got a full scholarship too! Residence, flight, food, everything is free! They even settled my ties to my current university! Damn!" I gasped. This is unbelievable! I am practically being treated as a VIP.

Our celebration lasted for quite a while before we finally settled down. I immediately went and confirmed all the arrangements presented by the Global Alliance University. Afterwards, I rushed in to take a bath.

After an hour, I heard someone knocking on the door. I could not hear their conversation, but I knew it had to be the Global Alliance University. They said they would fetch me an hour after confirming all the arrangements. I did not think they would be this punctual.

Before going out of my room, I saw a beautiful girl with fair skin, glistening black eyes, and straight long black hair, wearing a black pantsuit staring directly at me from the mirror. With a bright smile, I went out of my room.

"Good morning, miss Thea Silver. I am Robert Laks," a gorgeous man with a dark skin tone and about 6'7" tall greeted me while handing out his hand.

I shook his firm hand confidently before answering in kind, "Good morning, sir Robert Laks."

"I will be your escort to the Global Alliance University. All travel arrangements are already in place, all that is missing is you. Please get ready in the next 30 minutes," He said with a serious look on his face before going out of our house.

All travel arrangements are already in place, huh? How confident are they that I would honor their proposal? This is the Global Alliance University, huh?

My thought process was interrupted when I saw the eyes of my mother. I can see the sadness in her eyes. Sir Laks probably informed her about my departure already.

"Mom..."

"Don't worry, Thea, I will be fine. Do not stress yourself out that much and always eat on time. Try your best to sleep early as well. I better not see you thinner than you are now next time that I see you," she said to be with firm eyes.

I inevitable bit my lips as I tried to prevent myself from crying. Despite her trying to hide it, it is evident that she is trying to be strong for me.

"Mom..." were the only that came out of my mouth.

"Come here, give me a hug," She said with a smile.

This time, I broke. Maybe it is fear or embarrassment, but I never once hugged my mother. We were close yet distant from one another. I cried and cried as I clung to her like an infant greedy for love.

"I am very proud of you, my sweet daughter," She said to me. This was the first time I ever here her say this. I failed to stop my tears from flowing like a waterfall. I tightened my hug as a said to her, "Thank you, mom. You're the best."

I felt her hug tighten. I could not see it, but I was positive she was crying too. This moment seemed to last forever, but I did not want it to end.

After a while, I finally mustered the courage to leave. Sir Laks said that I did not need to pack anything, so I just left with my phone. With one final goodbye to my mother, I rode the black Cadillac for good.