Page 143 - Reason To Sing by Kelita Haverland

Chapter Twenty-Four

Would it be music or acting? I wanted to do both but knew I
had to somehow make the hard choice. I decided I’d go with
theatre training. With the immense popularity of musicals, I
knew I’d be able to sing as well.
When I was accepted into the four-year theatre
performance program at York University in Toronto, I was
ecstatic. Obviously, I was looking forward to learning more
about my craft, but even more so, I was relieved to know I’d
soon be a free girl. Finally, out from the clutches of Mike! I’d
be on the other side of the country, living my own life without
his strict rules, abusive behaviour and non-stop stress.
When the time came to flee the nest, I jammed my clothes
and 8-track into a large trunk and said good-bye to Calgary,
my boyfriend and of course, my dear sister, Vian. Leaving her
behind was by far the hardest thing I had to do. She would now
have to fend for herself with that wicked man. It was concerning
because she was never as strong as I was. I felt such a huge
responsibility for her and her well-being. We had an extremely
close bond after experiencing so much together. Our mutual
heartaches and losses had only drawn us closer. I loved her
with everything in me and I knew I would miss her desperately.
There was a part of me that felt guilty for abandoning her, but
I knew I had to get out of there for my own sanity and survival.
Besides, stardom was waiting!

129