Melissa dreamed of becoming a student at a college in the capital. She prepared for admission carefully, for she knew that no one would pay her tuition. Her mother was the only person to raise her, and she didn’t have a penny to her name.
When Melissa reached the eighth grade, her mother suddenly wanted to get married. True, the girl knew that her mother had no feelings for the man. When she asked her parent why she was then associating her life with him, she replied:
– You’ll understand when you grow up. You have no idea what it’s like to raise a child alone.
Everything became clear – she married on a marriage of convenience. Since then, their lives have changed drastically. They started to eat well, Mom smiled all the time and even made dumplings on the weekends.
The stepfather kept saying that Melissa was dreaming of the unattainable. She should choose some college and not mess with anyone’s head. She knew she could only count on herself. Even with a dormitory her stepfather did not want to help.
Melissa got in on a budget, but didn’t get a room. In order not to give up on her dream, she decided to take the bus home every night. Yes, she would have to spend a lot of time on the road, but she would study.
– Why did you go there in the first place? You should have applied to the college, like I told you,” the stepfather yelled.
Melissa cried and told me she was going home every day. It was her dream – she’d been going for it all these years.
– Yeah, that’s a good idea, but where are you going to get the money for the fare? I already owe you a bill for all the time I’ve been feeding and dressing you.
Melissa forgot all about this conversation. Autumn was two months away, and she hoped something would be settled during that time.
Ten days later, Melissa was celebrating her 18th birthday. She woke up in a good mood. Only her stepfather quickly spoiled the celebration for her.
– Are you awake? This is for you! Happy Birthday!
That was the bill for all the years:
A leather jacket – 8,500.
Winter boots: 3,200.
School lunches, 12,000…
The list was several sheets long. There were all the expenses for four years.
– Was it my present? – Melissa wondered.
– Aha!” replied the stepfather.
Melissa packed her things and left. She managed to get a place in a dormitory. Of course she slept on a folding bed and huddled, but she got through. Soon she managed to find a part-time job and rented a private room. She did not come home simply because she could not forgive her mother for her indifference.
