The contract That Changed My Life

"I hate you, Fred Olive! I say, looking at the picture of the man who destroyed my life. Rest assured that one day I will end you, just like you ended my future.

I take a deep breath before I have a fit and explode with rage. Because of this man, I couldn't graduate.

Before I lose the last bit of patience I have, I'll finish getting ready before I'm late again. I promised my aunt that I would open the flower shop today.

I finish my makeup, take one last look in the mirror, and yes, I feel very good. As I enter the living room, I see my friend looking beautiful.

"Good morning, Helô!"

"Good morning, Nana!"

"Wow, where are you going looking so beautiful?"

"Nowhere!"

"Nowhere, all dressed up like this, Helô?"

"Yes, nowhere! I just wanted to get a little more dressed up today."

"I see!"

"I need to go, Nana. Kisses, see you later."

"See you."

As soon as Helô left, I went after her. Of course, this girl is up to something, and I will find out what it is.

Before I could reach the gate, I heard the voices of the girls.

"Come on, Helô, we're going to be late." I knew she was hiding something from me.

I ran and caught up with them.

"Where are you going?" The three looked at me as if they had seen a ghost. These girls can't fool me; they're up to something.

"We're going somewhere you can't go, Luana."

"What place is this that I can't go, Daiana?"

"Oh, come on, let's just tell her the truth. Fifi said, looking at me.

"Come on, Nana, we're going to a lecture at the college."

"And why can't I go?"

"Because it's a lecture by Fred Oliver, friend!" Daiana said, waiting for my reaction.

After thinking for a moment, while the girls looked at me anxiously, I gave the answer they didn't want to hear.

"And why can't I go? This is the chance I've been waiting for all this time."

"Nana, it's better not to."

The girls already know that I won't control myself; I have my impulsive side, and now that I have my chance, I won't let it pass."

"Look, Nana, we understand your frustration, but this lecture is important to us," said Fifi, who was driving. "We just don't want you to get hurt or do something you'll regret later."

I took a deep breath, trying to find my center. I knew my friends were right to be concerned about me, but I also knew that this was my chance to confront Fred Oliver and, perhaps, do something about it.

"You're right," I finally admitted. "I'll control myself. Let's go to the lecture, but I promise I'll behave."

The girls seemed relieved with my response. But I wasn't going to miss this opportunity at all.

At the entrance to the parking lot, my car sputtered, not moving forward or backward—only I understand my old reliable friend.

"Girls, if you want to go in, I'll park the car. Only I understand my friend."

"Luana, you have to replace this old thing, friend!"

"Don't talk about my little car like that. I know it's old, but I really like it."

They left me in the parking lot trying to get my car to start, and when I finally did, I thanked God—my old car listened to me once again.

I chose any available spot and parked my car, but before I could get out, a security guard approached.

"Ma'am, you can't park here; this is a private area."

"But there's a car parked here. Why can't I put mine?" I asked irritably.

"That car belongs to Fred Oliver; he can."

"Of course he can!" I retorted to the security guard and moved my car.

The security guard seemed surprised by my response, but I wasn't willing to give in at that moment. I just moved my car and found another place to park, still with a knot of frustration in my throat. It was clear that Fred Oliver received special treatment, even in the parking lot.

Finally, I found an available spot and headed to the entrance of the venue where the lecture was taking place. My friends were already inside, probably eager for the event to begin.

As I walked towards the entrance, I couldn't help but feel a mix of emotions. The anger I had kept bottled up for so long was boiling inside me, but I was also eager to confront Fred Oliver and, perhaps, find out why he had destroyed my scholarship.

As I approached the entrance, I saw a large sign with the name "Fred Oliver" in huge letters. The lecture was about to begin, and I was determined not to miss this opportunity.

I entered the venue and looked for my friends in the crowd. I found them near the stage, their eyes fixed on the podium where Fred Oliver was about to speak. I joined them, trying to ignore the feeling that something significant was about to happen.

Tension filled the air as Fred Oliver took the stage and began his lecture. I prepared to listen to every word, determined not to let my anger obscure my chance to get answers. It was time to confront the man who had changed the course of my life.

"I want to thank the college for this honorable invitation and all of you who came here today to hear my words. It's a great pleasure to stand before such talented and motivated young individuals, as I'm sure each of you is.

Life is a journey full of challenges and opportunities. Many of you are at the starting point of an academic journey that will shape your futures, just as my own academic journey shaped my life.

I would like to take this opportunity to talk about the importance of following our passions and dreams. I believe each of us has a unique purpose and a passion that propels us to achieve great things. However, it's also essential to remember that the path to success is not always easy. We face obstacles, setbacks, and even adversaries who may try to hinder us.

But it's in these moments of adversity that our true strength is tested. Perseverance, determination, and resilience are essential qualities to overcome any obstacle that may arise in our path.

I remember a time when I also faced academic and personal challenges. It was a tough period, but it was my passion and determination that allowed me to overcome these obstacles and reach where I am today.

Therefore, I want to encourage each of you to embrace your passions, pursue your dreams with determination, and never give up, even when things get tough. Remember that you have the power to shape your own destinies and achieve great feats.

In conclusion, I wish all of you an academic journey filled with success, learning, and personal fulfillment. Don't be afraid to face challenges, as it's through them that we grow and become stronger. Thank you again for this opportunity, and good luck to all of you on your future journeys."

Fred Oliver's speech continued, inspiring and motivating those present at the lecture, while I listened attentively, prepared to confront him after the event.

But my hatred for him grew stronger when he mentioned the scholarships his company provided for students. All my frustration and resentment came to the surface. It was as if he was rubbing salt in the wound.

As he spoke about the scholarships, a boiling rage took over me. Those words sounded like a direct affront to my situation. There he was, on his prestigious podium, talking about opportunities he could have provided me if he hadn't been the one to cut my scholarship.

I could hardly wait to confront him. The lecture was about to end, and I knew it was my chance to finally face Fred Oliver.

When he concluded his speech with a confident smile and prepared to leave the stage, I stood up abruptly and walked to the front of the room. The people around me looked at me surprised, but I didn't care. I was determined to make Fred Oliver face the consequences of his actions.

"Fred Oliver!" I shouted, my voice echoing through the room. "We need to talk!"