Meet Me Where the Oak Tree Grows

I took a sip, and it was sweet.
In a haze, it felt like just yesterday when I had that sugary drink in the hospital. Jonah rummaged through my pencil case twice, making sure nothing
was missing, and then said with a mock-serious tone, "You're all set, no stragglers. You're good to go."
I doubled over with laughter, and the tension melted away.
On my way to the exam venue, I ran into my classmate, Lord. He strolled over and joked, "What a coincidence! Was that your family there?"
Proudly, I replied, "Yep, my mom and my brother."
He gave me a once-over and teased, "So, is it a rule that only good-looking folks are allowed in your family?"
I paused for a second and then sighed dramatically, "Isn't that the truth?"
We exchanged amused glances and burst out laughing.
"You won't nod off during this exam, right?"
"No way! If I fall asleep during the exam, my brother would dissect me alive when I get home."

Surprised, I asked, "Is your brother into forensic science?"
He nodded, "Yep, at the University of California."
I was speechless for a moment. Who knew a genius was right beside me? If only I had paid more attention during that senior's lecture.
We joked and bantered all the way, like it was just another routine test.
The next three days went off without a hitch.
As I walked out of the venue after the last exam, a wave of relief washed over me. Exhaustion hit, and I craved a three-day nap at home.
Jonah teased me, saying I looked like I'd been drained of all energy.
After dinner, Jonah left for a business trip.
Marie was in the kitchen, baking cookies for me. With an apron around her waist, her profile was gentle and serene, as if time had barely touched her.

Meet Me Where the Oak Tree Grows
Chapter 46
I went up and hugged her, "Thanks, Mom. Are you making a lot this time?"
She touched my head with her clean hand, "Yep, making plenty so you can enjoy them slowly. You've worked hard, Lana."
Mom's cookies are legendary. I shared them with my roommates before, and they couldn't stop raving about them.

I leaned on the counter, watching her quietly. The warm lighting cast a soft glow, and memories of her gentle nagging filled my mind.
The last batch of cookies came out of the oven.
Mom turned to find the empty plate she had prepared, "Where did I put it?"
Half-asleep, I didn’t react at first. Then Mom realized she was holding the plate and chuckled, "Oh dear, getting older and forgetful."
After loading all the cookies onto the plate, it was getting late, and I urged Mom to rest.
She shook her head, "Lana, you go to sleep first. I'm not tired yet."
Seeing her insist, I yawned, struggling to keep my eyes open. "Mom, then I'll head to bed."
She looked at me warmly, "Go on. Sleep tight."
Halfway to my room, I remembered something and turned back.
After the exams, they hadn’t asked how I did, not wanting to pressure me. But I wanted to own my success this time.
I whispered in Mom’s ear, "Mom, I think I did really well this time. Let's use my scholarship to go on a trip together. Let's go see the ocean!"
I knew Mom always wanted to collect shells by the beach.
She laughed and pulled me into her arms, "Oh, of course, our Lana is amazing."
Her familiar scent filled my senses, and her embrace was warm. Before I knew it, I blurted out, "Mom, I love you."
Reading History

Under the Veil I Rule
Chapter 305