Chapter 611

Time flew by, and before anyone knew it, the day for Josefina to head off to college had arrived.

The question of who would accompany Josefina to school sparked a full-blown family meeting. Everyone was there, each pitching their case with enthusiasm.

Grandpa Robert chimed in, "Why don't Grandma and I go? We have a friend teaching at the University of Melbourne, and we've been there before. We're a bit more familiar with the place."

Emily nodded, "Yeah, your granddad and I know our way around the University of Melbourne a bit better."

Garrett jumped in, "Dad, if we're talking familiarity with the University of Melbourne, I've got you beat. I'm an alum!"

Dorian added, "Me too, I graduated from there as well."

Hattie felt a bit out of place since she wasn't a University of Melbourne graduate; she went to Northern College. But she was determined. “I'm Josie's mom, so it makes more sense for me to go. Plus, I need to help her settle into her dorm. It's a girls' dorm, and it's not really appropriate for men to be wandering around."

Reid argued, "I'm Josie's brother, I can carry her luggage. Mom, maybe you shouldn't go. Josie wants to keep a low profile. You can't carry her stuff, and hiring a bodyguard? That's hardly low profile."

Calix muttered, "I..."

"Zip it!" everyone but Josie exclaimed in unison.

Calix slouched back on the couch, feeling like the odd one out in a discussion that clearly wasn't going his way. Everyone else seemed to have a ticket to go, except him.

Reid said, “I'm not a public figure either, let me escort my sister.”

The family debated, each person making their case. Josefina, caught in the middle, was at a loss for words, unsure of how to handle the decision. It was a tough call for Josefina.

Eventually, the family's attention settled on Dorian and Reid.

Reid said, "Dorian, are you sure you want to go? You're the CEO, and you're always

in the news. Maybe you should sit this one out.”

Josefina looked around at her family

and finally spoke, "I can go by myself. I've gotten used to taking care of myself. Going to school tomorrow, I can manage on my own. You're all my family, and choosing one over the other just doesn't feel right."

Josefina snuggled next to Emily, pleading, Grandma, you're all dear to me, just like both sides of my hand fve learned to take

care of

myself. Let me go alone this time. I'll

keep in touch, promise."

Hearing Josefina, the family exchanged looks. Emily then said, "If Josie insists, we should let her go on her own."

Then she added, “Josie, let Carter go with you. He's not a public figure, and he's the most suitable among us."

Emily knew her age was showing, her pace no longer matching the young folks'.

With Emily having spoken, the others couldn't object, and that settled it.

...

After the discussion, Josefina started packing her bags in her room. Hattie walked in with a freshly washed bedding set, pink in color.

"Josie, your bedding set's all clean. Don't forget your sunscreen and ID."

"I've got it, Mom. Don't worry, I can take care of myself. Tomorrow's just registration,

and I'll be back for dinner before the official orientation starts the day after."

Hearing Josefina would be back for

dinner made Hattie happy. She

decided to ask the kitchen to

to ask

prepare some of Josefina's favorite dishës. After making sure Josefina hadn't forgotten anything and giving her a few more reminders, Hattie told her to get a good night's rest.