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THIRTY-EIGHT
Four months later…
Everyone’s gathered around me in the bakery, waiting for me to open the envelope.
Brandon places his hand at my lower back to give emotional support. I’ll surely need it if the letter entails bad news.
“Come on, honey,” Momma urges. “The suspense is killing me.”
“Hold on now, Cynthia. Let her take her time.”
Sam and Rajid are squirming in place, just as eager.
Gathering strength, I open the envelope. But my nerves become too much, and I’m unable to read the letter, so I quickly pass it to Brandon.
He arches his brows, asking, “Are you sure?”
“Yes,” I sputter, wringing my fingers. I could have checked on the college’s website, but I wanted to wait for the letter instead.
“Hurry, Bran,” Britney insists. “I’d like to enjoy those brownies while they’re still warm.”
Everyone chuckles.
Brandon flashes me a sweet smile before reading my letter from Pratt, expression turning serious.
“What the hell?” I mope like a child. “Read it out loud.”
He smirks and looks up at me. “Congratulations, Ms. McNeil.”
Celebratory laughter erupts around me.
My eyes bug out, turning teary. In disbelief, I confirm, “I got in?”
Brandon nods. “You’re going to New York in the fall on a full-ride scholarship to Pratt Institute.”
“Yes!” Dad shouts, jumping in the spot with Momma.
They snuggle me inside a tight hug and shower my face with kisses.
“Congratulations, baby,” Momma cheers amid her sobbing. “We’re both so proud of you.”
“What did I tell you, huh?” Dad jokes. “Didn’t I say you’d get in?”
I laugh and bob with him. Tears spill down my cheeks. It’s a happy and sad moment because Doreen isn’t here in body to celebrate with me.
My parents release me so my friends can embrace me as well.
“Congrats, Kayla!” Sam chirps. “I’m so happy for you.”
Rajid pats my arm. “Summer in Rome and Pratt in the Fall. I can’t keep up with your accomplishments.”
We laugh together.
“Thanks, you guys. I’m still in shock about Rome and now the acceptance.” I gasp in awe and touch my chest.
“Good luck in New York with this one,” Britney teases, jutting her chin out at her brother before leaning in for a tight hug.
“Columbia isn’t that close to Pratt,” I say while squinting at Brandon.
