Chapter One.

　　Natasha.

　　The cab stopped abruptly before a magnificent building. There was a bill board before the gate.

　　"WELCOME TO DACO INITIATE OFFICE" were boldly inscribed on the bill board. I heaved a sign as I gently hopped out from the car.

　　"Thanks" the cab driver muttered as I handed some money to him.

　　He drove off, afterwards.

　　I stared around the vicinity for a while.

　　"Good day Sir" I greeted as I approached an elderly man dressed in black security outfit. He ignored the greeting and glared at me for a moment.

　　"How may I help you?" He finally spoke out.

　　I hesitated for a while, as I could hear my heartbreak.

　　"I'm Natasha Dong. One of the schoolarship aspirants" I managed to say.

　　He gently wiped off some sweat on his forehead, with a handkerchief.

　　"You're here to check if your name was shortlisted for the schoolarship award, huh?" He asked gazing expressionlessly at me.

　　I grinned dryly.

　　"Yes Sir" I mumbled confusedly

　　"Go through that way. They're names of the schoolarship awardees pasted on the notice board. I wish you luck". He pointed to the doorway.

　　I nodded and headed to the door way.

　　"Oh Lord! Please grant me this schoolarship, I wish to further my education" I prayed inwardly as I stood nervously before the notice board.

　　I stuttered severally before the notice board. I couldn't muster the courage to go through the names. I stood at the spot for a while before glancing at the names.

　　"Oh no! Why me?" I cried out.

　　I wiped off the tears that were streaming down my cheeks. I drifted into thought as I stared absent-mindedly at the notice board.

　　"Hey. Are alright?" I heard a feminine voice ask.

　　"Yeah" I nodded without taking my eyes off of the notice board.

　　"OMG....Yesssss!" The girl screamed excitedly.

　　I felt a lump in my tummy as I watched her scream happily.

　　She was about running off, but she stopped abruptly and moved closer to me.

　　"I'm Claire and you?" She asked calmly.

　　"I'm Natasha. Seems you got the schoorlarship?" I inquired peering into her eyes.

　　"Yeah! I'm glad I did... What about you? She asked

　　I smiled dryly and shaked my head.

　　"Oh, I'm sorry about that. Have you gone through the names carefully or better still check the second list over there" She politely points to some names pasted at the extreme of the notice board.

　　I hurriedly rushed to the other end before she could finish speaking.

　　I nervously eye searched for my name.

　　"OMG" A scream escaped my lips as I stared at my name on the list.

　　"I made it".

　　"Wow! I'm happy for you". Claire said smilingly.

　　I embraced her and whispered a "Thanks" to her.

　　Together, we both headed to our homes respectively.