Chapter II: Laurent University
After reading the contents of the letter, tears gradually trickled down my eyes. I hope I am not just dreaming right now. Oh, god! Finally!
“I love you so much, Mamita. Y-you don't know how much you made me happy.” My voice broke. My heart is pounding, while my mind is screaming in silence.
I hugged her once again. I want her to feel how grateful I am.
“I love you too, Amaris. Mamita will do everything to make you happy…” she said and gently wiped the tears from my eyes.
"Hush ... don't cry, sweetheart." She tried to calm me down.
I heaved a sigh trying to stop my sobbing. “I’m just… overwhelmed. You finally granted my wish. I'm so happy, Mamita.”
I looked at Mr. Bear and I saw him smiling while giving me two thumbs up. I even saw droplets of tears from his eyes. I know he is happy for me as well. He knows too well that I have been waiting for this time to come.
“Just keep one thing in mind, dear. After school, you must immediately return home. Mr. Bear will send you to school and pick you up afterward. Am I clear?” she said with an authoritative voice.
I nodded in agreement, while still looking at the envelope. I can’t take my eyes off of it with the fear that it will disappear in my hands.
"Yes, Mamita!" I almost squealed because of too much happiness.
I will accept all her conditions. I'm just too happy right now.
I spent my entire twenty-three years of existence in this mansion. I'm not permitted to leave my room, and I've never seen the outside world. Aside from my Mamita, Mr. Bear, the wide forest around us, and the wild animals there, I haven't seen anyone in my whole life.
Our mansion was built at the top of the hill, but it's still inside the boundary of the city called Wromouth. No one will see it except the three of us. Mamita cast a powerful spell all around, so it's unlikely anyone will even attempt to enter here.
I have been homeschooled since I was a child, having Mamita as my teacher and Mr. Bear as my trainer. When I was young, I spent my life in training. I was taught various kinds of martial arts to strengthen my physical ability, which until now I still can't quite figure out what is its purpose. They said that others will hurt me if they saw me. I always thought that every creature outside our mansion was good, just like my Mamita and Mr. Bear. But yeah, how can I be sure if I haven't met anyone other than them?
Throughout the life I have spent here in the mansion I have learned how to be contented, as well as to wait. I never think of going out and defying the house rules, because I knew Mamita had a reason why she chose not to let me go out. I may be sad most of the time that I can't go out, but never in my life, I disobeyed my Mamita.
She shared everything I needed to learn. They both showered me with love, they took care of me like I'm a fragile thing. They don’t let me get hurt or injured at all. All my life I have also become accustomed to being dependent on them, and I don’t think I can live without them.
Maybe I’ve never been out before, but I know what it’s like when I come out of this mansion. I knew those waiting for me by the time I stepped my foot outside. I know that the world I live in consists of different creatures. Vampires, werewolves, witches, wizards, elves, mermaids; you could name it and you will find it here. In fact, my Mamita is a witch. She taught me various spells that I thought at first were just normal that anyone could do as well. And Mr. Bear is a werewolf. A strong and mighty wolf.
And me? My identity in this world is still a big question. I'm not a vampire nor a wolf, but I possessed their skills and strengths. I'm not a witch, but I have the ability to cast spells. I'm not a mermaid but I can breathe underwater. Not even an elf but can wield magic.
I always thought that there is something wrong with me, that even my Mamita couldn’t explain. Maybe when I get out of here, I’ll meet people like me too. And maybe, some questions will finally have their answers.
Today is my first day at Laurent University. I don’t know how I will feel right now. I feel like I want to throw up because of the mixed emotions building in my system. I was excited but the nervousness was more dominant in my chest. We were in the car, Mr. Bear is driving while Mamita and I were in the back seat.
I am wearing a casual short-sleeve apricot dress that was an inch above my knee and I partnered it with a white sneaker. I'm also using the white Chanel flap bag that my Mamita gave me last year for my birthday. I also just put on a moon-shaped hairclip, to have a bit of style on the hair even if it’s just on loose.
"How are you doing, sweetheart?" Mamita asked worriedly as she gently squeezed my hand to calm me down. She must have felt the cold then so even if she didn't ask she knew I was nervous.
I gave her a faint smile.
“I'm nervous and scared, Mamita…” I honestly answered.
My heart was thumping so loudly that it felt like it was trying to escape from my chest. My stomach was also heaving and I felt like I was about to puke. I barely ate this morning since I was afraid that nervousness would drive me to throw up everything.
Am I ready? This is what I have been asking for myself since last night.
Am I ready to step out of my own world? Am I ready to meet new creatures? I still have time to back off last night, but I told myself this is what I want so I just have to be ready.
I felt even more nervous when the car finally got out of our gate, and now it was making its way to the school I was going to attend. I temporarily turned my attention to the gigantic trees we passed, trying to calm myself with the beauty of nature. I can’t help but be amazed, from now on I won't just see my room. The training room is not the only choice I have if ever I am bored.
I’m just too excited to discover new things.
"Thank you again, Mamita." I'm not sure how many times I've thanked her, but I'm not tired of expressing my gratitude to her. She is the reason why I will experience the things I have longed for.
“My pleasure, sweetheart. Mamita loves you so much, always remember that!” I closed my eyes when she gives a tender kiss on my head.
"And I love you more than anything else in this world, Mamita." For now, undying love is the only thing I could give to her to reciprocate everything she has done for me.
I smiled at her and leaned on her shoulder. My system has temporarily calmed down. But it disappeared immediately when I looked at the giant gate of the school I was going to attend. The trip went smoothly that I didn’t notice that we are already here.
Laurent University. The name is engraved in gold while symbols of various races surround the elegant gate.
There was some bright object surrounding our car before it automatically opened. Mr. Bear carefully maneuvered the car. I was amazed and almost incredulous while observing the beautiful surroundings. Even the small details did not escape my eyes.
We have another long pathway to follow before reaching the very end where the university building is located.
I filled my eyes with things to see around. Statues of various races stood on each side we passed first. Those were not just made of stone, but gold. Pure gold!
There are also colorful flowers and small creatures flying and splashing colorful dust. They are engaging to watch as they happily move around. Some fountains emit different colors of water.
“Don’t worry, sweetheart. You can often watch those…” Mamita whispered as she watched me like a child who was very happy because I was given a toy.
This place feels surreal. I salute the one who made it. She or he had done something incredible. Breathtaking!
I was even more amazed when I saw the entirety of the school I was going to attend. There’s a big palace in the middle, and that’s Laurent University. On its right side are two more huge palaces and on the left side is another arch-shaped building. I think that’s an arena.
As I looked around, I felt my chest throb again. I just got caught up in it because I felt like my heart would suddenly fall.
“Welcome to Laurent University, my Amaris!” Mamita was happy when our car stopped in front of the building.
I just gave her an awkward smile because I didn't know what to say about the extreme nervousness I was feeling.
Mamita went down first and I didn't know if I would follow her or just send her back to the mansion. Suddenly, I feel like I want to back out and just go home.
"Let's go, little doll." Mr. Bear opens the car door beside me. He is smiling at me as if he is saying that everything will be alright.
I have no choice but to get off. I heaved a sigh first trying to calm myself. The only thing I’m thankful for at these times is there are no other creatures around. Maybe their class is starting.
Mr. Bear walks first, while I was holding Mamita's arm. We now walk to the first building on the right side of the university. I just leaned over as I walked, afraid we might encounter another creature.
"I'm scared, Mamita…" I whispered to her and took a deep breath. I can't calm down. No matter what, I can't just stay still.
“I am scared as well, sweetheart. I am not used to being away from you. All my life I've been accustomed to always seeing you and guiding you, but it's also not possible to lock you in a mansion for the rest of your life, Amaris. Even though it is difficult for me, I also need to let you go so that you can learn the things that we have not yet taught you. Everything will be all right, sweetie. I know you could handle it…” she said in a very comforting voice.