Destined for Change

The shrill sound of the doorbell pierced through the quiet of Koa's home, jolting her awake from a peaceful slumber. Irritated, she grumbled as she rose from her bed, her eyes heavy with sleep. With each insistent ring of the doorbell, her annoyance grew.

"Seriously, what the fudge do you want?" she muttered under her breath, frustration evident in her voice.

As she made her way through the dimly lit hallway, her toe collided with the sharp edge of her table, eliciting a sharp "Ouch!" from her lips.

Reacting almost instinctively, she smacked the table three times in retaliation, as if scolding it for causing her pain.

With a string of colorful curses, she rubbed her throbbing toe and continued toward the front door, her irritation mounting with each step.

Flinging the door open with a forceful tug, Koa's expression spoke volumes – annoyance etched into every line of her face. Standing on her doorstep was Sitara, her friend.

Without so much as a greeting, Sitara breezed past her, striding into the house as if she owned the place.

She rolled her eyes in exasperation, resigned to the fact that her morning had just taken an unexpected turn.

As Sitara settled comfortably onto the couch, propping her feet up on the coffee table and flicking on the TV, Koa couldn't help but feel a pang of annoyance at her friend's presumptuous behavior. Ignoring the intrusion, she made her way to the kitchen, intent on finding a snack to appease her grumbling stomach.

As she rummaged through the cupboards, the sound of Sitara's voice echoed from the living room.

"Make me scramble eggs, love you!" she demanded as if it were her right.

Koa's sigh was audible even from the kitchen, but she held her tongue, knowing that arguing would only prolong the ordeal.

Cracking an egg into a pan, she began to cook, the sizzle of the frying egg.

"And coffee. Make sure the coffee is sweet!" she requested again, her voice piercing the air once more. 

Rolling her eyes in exasperation, Koa filled the kettle with water.

As she entered the living room with the wooden tray, balancing the plates of scrambled eggs and coffee, she felt a mischievous grin tug at the corners of her lips.

Setting the tray down on the coffee table, she arranged the plates exactly as Sitara had requested but with a playful twist.

Placing a plate with a perfectly cooked sunny-side-up egg in front of herself, along with a small jug of milk, she couldn't help but revel in the surprise that flashed across Sitara's face. The dumbfounded expression was priceless.

"Why am I getting a bowl with an uncooked egg?" Sitara asked incredulously, her confusion evident in her tone.

"You didn't say you want it cooked."

"What—" 

Koa's grin widened as she shrugged her shoulders, a hint of mischief dancing in her eyes. She plopped down on the floor beside the couch, a silent challenge in her stance.

"You're stupidly witty, you know that? I hate you," she remarked as she playfully punched Koa's arm. Sitara chuckled, shaking her head in mock exasperation. 

Sitara made her way to the kitchen to make her own breakfast. 

"Just make sure you don't burn down my house while you're at it!" she called out from the living room.

Sitara's laughter echoed from the kitchen. 

"Oh, please! Do you really think I'm that stupid? I wouldn't want to burn down the house of a poor woman like you!" she mockingly retorted. 

"You seriously always falling for those jerks who only use you," 

"I know, I know. That's why I've made it my goal this year to not fall in love again," 

Koa couldn't help but raise an eyebrow at Sitara's declaration.

"Oh, really? And how many times have you said that now? 300?" she teased, a playful grin spreading across her face.

The two friends burst into laughter at the absurdity of the situation, their shared history of failed relationships serving as the source of endless amusement.

But as the laughter subsided, Sitara's expression turned solemn.

"No, seriously. This time, I mean it. I've made up my mind. I will never fall in love again," she declared.

Koa nodded in understanding, her laughter fading as she realized the sincerity behind Sitara's words. 

"He, guess what? John just texted you!" she yelled out. It was Sitara Ex-Boyfriend. 

Rushing out of the kitchen, her curiosity piqued, Sitara eagerly peeked her head into the living room, a mix of anticipation and apprehension written on her face.

She couldn't help but laugh at Sitara's reaction.

"See, I thought you said you wouldn't fall in love again this year," she teased, her tone playful.

But I never said anything about not falling in love with someone I was once in love with," she replied, her sarcasm evident.

Rolling her eyes in mock exasperation, Koa feigned disgust, pretending to gag dramatically.

"Ugh, don't make me throw up," she joked, sticking out her tongue for added effect.

Sitara scoffed playfully, shaking her head.

"You're so annoying," she said. 

"And you're cringe," Koa shot back.

As Sitara returned from the kitchen, carrying her plate of scrambled eggs, Koa was already finishing up her breakfast. Settling down on the couch, Sitara began to eat, her mind seemingly preoccupied.

Suddenly, Sitara broke the silence, causing Koa to startle slightly.

"You know, I just remembered why I came over," she said, her tone serious.

Curious, she looked up from her phone, which she had been absentmindedly scrolling through.

"What's up?" she asked, her brow furrowing in concern.

Sitara's expression was one of genuine worry as she leaned forward, her eyes searching Koa's face.

"Have you heard back from all the universities you applied to?" she asked.

"Actually, yeah. I got acceptance letters from the top three universities in the Philippines," she replied.

"Do you think you can handle it? I mean, financially?"

Koa hesitated, her mind racing as she considered her question. After a moment of thought, she shook her head, a sense of resignation washing over her.

"Even with a 50 percent tuition fee discount, I don't think I can afford it. I might have to put my plans on hold for now," she admitted, her voice tinged with disappointment.

Sitara reached out, grasping her hand in a gesture of solidarity.

"Wait, listen to this," she said, excitement bubbling in her voice.

"Last week, someone gave me a flyer for a university with free tuition. I looked it up online, and they have huge buildings and tons of benefits. We should both apply! Think about it, Koa. This could be our chance."

"So, when is the last day for applications?

"Wait, let me check."

Sitara grabs her phone and begins checking the university updates. 

"Today." she whispered. 

"Seriously?"

Sitara quickly pulled out her phone to double-check the details.

"Yep, today's the last day. And it's face-to-face applications only," she confirmed, her voice tinged with urgency.

Koa's mind raced as she calculated the time it would take to get ready and make it to the university.

"We need to hurry," she declared, already darting towards her room.

As she reached her bedroom door, Sitara's voice echoed from the living room.

"Don't bother with a shower now, do it later! Just get dressed!" she shouted.

Koa abandoned her initial plan of a leisurely morning routine and began to hastily throw on clothes.

As she hurriedly buttoned her shirt and slipped on her shoes, Koa felt a surge of adrenaline coursing through her veins. This was it – her chance to chase her dreams and seize the future she had worked so hard for.

With one last glance in the mirror to ensure she looked presentable, Koa dashed out of her room.

"Let's go" 

The two are now outside, headed towards the bus stop. Sitara pulls her phone out.

"Let's book a grab" 

"Wait, let's just take the bus. Grab is too expensive," she suggested, her frugality surfacing. 

With a sassy grin, Sitara turned to face her. 

"Don't worry about it. I'll be the one paying," she declared, brushing off Koa's concerns with a flick of her wrist.

Koa hesitated, torn between her reluctance to accept Sitara's generosity and the pressing need to make it to the university on time. In the end, she relented, realizing that for Sitara, money was not as much of a concern.

The two of them wait on the curb for their Grab ride to arrive. Later, the grab arrived. The two climbed into the car and set off towards the university. 

As the Grab came to a stop in a secluded area surrounded by lush trees and scenic views, Koa and Sitara stepped out, greeted by a sense of tranquility amidst the natural beauty.

Surveying their surroundings, Sitara's skepticism bubbled to the surface.

"Is this the right place? Why does it look so... edgy, so scary?" she remarked, her tone tinged with uncertainty.

Koa couldn't help but laugh at her friend's sassiness.

"Maybe we just need to walk a bit further," she suggested, linking arms with Sitara as they began to stroll deeper into the serene landscape.

Their leisurely walk led them to a small stone bridge, beyond which stood an imposing gate, adorned with intricate designs and surrounded by towering walls. Koa's eyes widened in disbelief.

"Is this for real? A public school?" she gasped, her voice filled with awe.

Sitara nodded in agreement, her eyes sparkling with wonder. "Bro, this is even more beautiful than the top three universities," she exclaimed, marveling at the sight before them.

Without hesitation, the two friends approached the massive gate, their curiosity piqued. Fortunately, they were met by a friendly guard.