Battle of Hearts

Chapter 41- Californian Dream

From the days that followed Ally and Cameron's meeting at the lake, they had grown very close to each other. They used to meet in school, sometimes even at his home and even chat till midnight. Her day never ended until she read a good night message from him. Also, after that day she became more appreciative of their bond. She looked back on her past experiences and knew she never had someone like him in her life. So, she made sure she reminded him his worth everyday. And Cameron too never failed to pamper her.

He inquired every day about whether she was eating properly and behaving well with her family. It was very new for her to share such trivial information with someone and it took awhile to really open up to him. But still she had a tiny bit of hesitation when it came to disclosing her deepest secrets. She hoped it would dissipate with time and she could be as outspoken as him because he shared almost every important thing with her. From his dinner to his innermost fears. From his feelings to his dreams. From his misery to his joy. She was the only privileged recipient of that information.

After that day, suddenly getting into USC became very important to her. She wanted to remain happy by being close to him. It was the fourth friday of April, she will always remember it, when she heard her phone light up as a new email popped up. That day she had returned exhausted from school and her parents were at work. She knew without seeing from whom it was- The Admission Offices at USC. She scanned through the contents slowly, her heart racing in her chest, she read every important word that would determine her future. Their future.

She couldn't believe her eyes and her mouth fell open from the shock. She read it once, twice, thrice and a thousand more times till it sank in.

She got it. She got in.

But she didn't get the scholarship. Not even 20 percent of it.

After a few moments in shock paralysis the letters on the screen started becoming blurry. She wiped away the water before it could fall. She knew the consequences of not getting the scholarship. It meant no college, no future, no love.

Her mother knew about the announcement that the university was sending out replies so she called soon after the deadline passed. Ally didn't know how to tell her the disheartening truth but she picked up her courage and answered the phone.

Her voice was heavy with the tears she was holding back. "Mom, I got in… But" She choked, "But I didn't get the scholarship."

"Oh it's okay, Ally. The great thing is you got in." Her mother's voice lacked any disappointment she thought it would have. She added, "Cheer up. You'll still go, my baby."

"But…I-I didn't get the scholarship. We can't afford it."

"We're going to pull some more out of the savings or we could take a loan.  Really don't worry about it, we work hard just for you. You'll be going to California. Now we'll discuss this in detail when I get home, okay?" Her mom hung up saying the final words of encouragement. She was hopeful again but still not sure if her parents could afford it. The university is known for having world class business courses she was highly interested in but that could really affect her family financially and she didn't want to be a burden on them.

Pushing aside her dilemma she lived up to her promise to Cameron and texted him about the result. She also mentioned that she didn't get the scholarship but he overlooked that very important point.

I knew it! Oh my god I'm so proud of you baby! Congratulations! -C

Thanks but it's not yet confirmed yet whether I would be going or not since I didn't get the scholarship. -A