“You have to open your presents, duh. We’re gonna have a blast tonight! We’re redoing the whole party thing for you. I’m bringing back a cake with me and everything,” she replied. I smiled at her warmly. My mind was still far from celebrating my birthday, but I appreciated the gesture all the same. Once everyone left I continued into the living room and sat beside AJ on the couch.
Angel returned eventually and she was smiling from ear to ear as she came toward me with an envelope in her hand. “Guess what I have?” She said excitedly. My heart stopped as she placed it in my hands. There in big bold blue letters were the words‘Charleston University’. It was the letter I’d been waiting for; the one that would greatly influence my future. My hands were visibly shaking as I fumbled with it. I wasn’t sure what I’d do if it was a rejection, but I did my best to think positively. I had no other plan and I’d dreamed of going to Charleston most of my life. I stood up from the couch and she and AJ stood by anxiously as I read.
“I got…...” I paused while it set in. “I got in!” I screamed. Angel grabbed my arms and we jumped up and down excitedly.
“I told you that there was nothing to worry about,” AJ said while smiling. I broke free from Angel and threw my arms around his neck. I looked at him one last time before returning to Angel to celebrate with her. After all this time worrying about whether or not they’d accept me, I was finally able to breathe. AJ had already turned in his application weeks ago, and there was no doubt that he’d get in. His straight A’s made that inevitable. It was now official; we’d be going away to college together. The next task was to break the news to our parents, but we’d have a while before that was necessary. With the way things were going, I wasn’t sure if I’d tell mine at all. I shook the thought from my mind and allowed myself to enjoy the moment.
Deanna and Karl got back at around 6:15 with a small cake. She set it on the counter next to a small silver bag and the card she’d been carrying last night. She grabbed a stack of plates from the cabinet and set them out on the table while Angel cut a piece for everyone. As soon as we were seated at the table, I had to tell Deanna my good news. I blurted, “I got into Charleston!”
“Oh my gosh! We’re gonna be roomies!” She screamed, coming around the table to hug me. “It’s gonna be great!”
“I know!”
“Now all we have to do is talk A.J into making the switch,” Karl added.
AJ smiled a little. “Actually, I sent my app in a few weeks ago; I just figured I’d announce it after Sam got her letter.”
“Dude, that’s awesome! Now I can be honest with you; Westwood sucks!” Karl burst out laughing and I got excited thinking about the four of us being together beyond high school.
“We are gonna have so much fun. We’ll hit all the parties together; schedule some of our classes together. I can’t wait!”
I smiled at her and imagined what it’d be like. She and I get along so well that I couldn’t foresee us ever having a disagreement. We’d be perfect together. And AJ and I would be able to spend all of our free time together without anyone telling us otherwise. Could it all really work out so perfectly?
“Ok, time for presents,” Deanna blurted. “Aren’t you excited? I can’t wait to see what AJ got you!” The excitement in her eyes was like that of a child on Christmas morning.
“Now that you mention it, maybe I am a little curious. ”
“Come on, I’ll carry them to the couch. The suspense is killing me!” Deanna exclaimed. She passed me the card she’d picked out for me first. I slid my finger under an opening in the envelope and ripped it open. A tiny slip of paper slid out onto my lap when I opened it, but I decided to read the card first before examining it.
Sam,
You’ve quickly become one of my closest friends and I wanted to take this opportunity to tell you that I’m glad to have someone like you to depend on. You were a great addition to our group. (Good job AJ!) And remember that I’m always here for you, through whatever.
Happy Birthday!!!!!!
Love ya!