Awkward

Chapter 18

We were now coming towards the end of the school year and everyone was really excited about it, especially the ones who had already heard from the colleges they applied to and were already talking about moving into their dorms. Me? I haven’t heard a peep from Juilliard and I was really starting to get nervous, what if they pitied me so much they wouldn’t even send me a rejection letter? I had heard from some of the other colleges I applied to and I got accepted to a few, but I still was hopeful for Juilliard. There was still a chance.

“So you got in?” I muttered as Ashley, Jase, Chase and I sat at our usual spot in the cafeteria. Jase heard from his college in New York two days ago; he got accepted. Ashley received her letter today. “Congratulations.” I said softly as I half smiled at her as I played with my pasta, I had suddenly lost my appetite. 

“Are you okay?” she whispered and I sighed deeply as I pushed my food away

“I’m just freaking out over Juilliard.” I felt Chase’s grip on my waist tighten “I haven’t heard anything.” I emphasised “What if I don’t get in?” 

“You will.” she said as she rested her hand on top of mine “Don’t worry, your letter is probably late in the mail.” she said sending me an encouraging smile 

“Don’t overthink it, Ava.” Jase said from beside Ashley “The letter will come sooner or later.” he reassured and I released a breath I didn’t know I was holding. I untangled myself from Chase’s grip and stood up

“I need some air.” I muttered before walking to the entrance of the cafeteria and opening the door so I could exit. I made my way towards the gardens at the back of the school and just sat there for a while as the gears in my head kept turning non-stop. 

“Frowning isn’t a good look on you.” Chase chuckled from behind me as he wrapped his arms around my waist as he left soft kisses on my neck, I sighed and leaned into him as I closed my eyes “What are you thinking about?” he whispered as he came around to face me, he tucked a strand of hair behind my face, he cupped it and caressed my cheeks with his thumbs as he stared at me with concern “Is it the whole Juilliard thing?” I nodded as I closed my eyes 

“I’m just freaking out about it because…” I whispered “Juilliard is it for me. It’s my chance. And if I don't get it, I don’t know what I’ll do.” I said as I sighed deeply, he kissed me forehead, pressing his lips, lingering there for a couple seconds “Everyone’s already planning for college and I’m just… waiting for an answer; if I even get one.” I added

“Listen to me,” he said seriously “either you hear from Juilliard, or you don’t. Simple.” he said “If you do, you’ll go to New York and live your dream. If you don’t… we’ll just have to get through it together, and I’ll be there with you, either way.” he said and I smiled softly “I love you.” he said before smiling

“I love you, too.” I whispered before pressing my lips onto his

*****

“As you all know, the year is coming to an end soon and if you remember at the beginning of this semester, I asked you to pair up for a writing assignment, if you did it or not isn’t really my problem, it’s you grade.” the teacher said as he shrugged, I mentally rolled my eyes “So for those of you who did the assignment, please hand them to me and I’ll have them graded by the end of the week.” I reached into my folder and pulled out my assignment I had written about Chase. I didn’t show him because I was embarrassed to, he didn't show me his either. 

“What’d you write about me?” he said with a smirk and I giggled as I shook my head 

“Nope, not telling you.” I said with a cheeky smile as we handed them to the teacher, to which he smiled gratefully to “I don’t care how many times you beg me.”