Rosalina

Oh, why hello Oliver. It's a pleasure to see you again!" The young lady batted her eyelids. Oliver smiled and stopped briefly.

"Why if it isn't Rosalina! Last I'd heard you were applying to join the Observational team at the Royal Factories looking over the newly trained! How's that going?"

Rosalina smiled and looked down bashfully. "Yes, a couple of months ago I received the letter of acceptance. I'll be leaving tomorrow."

"How splendid! I'm sure your family must be ecstatic."

Oliver congratulated. He glanced down at his watch again. 'Ah shoot, I'm going to be late if I continue talking with her.' Oliver thought to himself.

He had been notified that his certificate would arrive today at the latest. Rosalina was oblivious to Oliver's impatience and continued talking with him.

"Yes, they are quite happy. What might your aspiration be?"

Oliver was a man of many talents. Ever since Rosalina had known him, he had excelled in every subject.

He was always doing extra work and volunteer hours. "Yes, I'm applying for a degree in electrical engineering. I want to work for FHEI, if possible." Rosalina bobbed her head.

"Wow even after being accepted into the best college you're still going to work for one of the best companies? Make sure you don't stay up all night studying!"

Oliver tilted his head and smiled. He reached out and rustled Rosalina's hair. "How about you stop worrying about me and look out for yourself? I'll be rooting for your acceptance into Royal Factories." Rosalina's cheeks flushed and she averted her eyes."

Oh! Uh.. sure..so I'll see you around then?" She stole a glance at him but they made eye contact and her cheeks flushed even more.

"Yeah, If you get hired I'll arrange something." He winked and turned away. He began walking out the front doors and when Rosalina was out of sight he let out a sigh of relief.

His flirty demeanor and the charming smile disappeared in an instant, instead replaced with a blank stare. He was so tired of pretending to be nice to people who only wanted to get close to him due to his brilliance. Even Rosalina wouldn't have bothered to talk to him if he wasn't as accomplished.

He glanced at his watch once more and walked briskly down the sidewalk. The streets were empty except the occasional passerby or car. A growing sense of excitement bubbled within him as he neared the house.

'Ah! I can't wait!" He said as his steps became more upbeat.

Oliver entered the housing district and walked to his home. The house was simple. It had white walls with large bay windows to allow light to enter.

It had the standard cement stairs and balcony. In the small front yard, a single tree stood planted in a square of dirt. Oliver ran up the stairs and knocked on the nondescript metal door. He heard a latch click and the door swung open.

A small girl stomped out of the house. Oliver had to narrowly avoid the trajectory of the door. He sighed and stared helplessly at the girl. "Hey, Oliver!" She shouted while repeatedly pulling his sleeves. Her beige dress swayed in the wind. "I'm hungry! Make me some food!!" Oliver tried to calm her down.