Page 15

"There's financial aid available," Ari points out, tapping a section of the flyer I hadn't read yet. "And it's all-inclusive. Flights, accommodations, most meals."

I fold the flyer carefully and tuck it into my bag. "I'll think about it."

"That's Willow-speak for I'm definitely doing this but don't want to admit it yet."

I roll my eyes, but don't contradict her. "I said I'll think about it."

My phone buzzes again, and this time I resist the urge to lunge for it. Instead, I take a deliberate sip of my now-cold coffee and make another face at the taste.

"You should get a fresh cup," Ari suggests.

"I've had enough caffeine," I say as I push the cup away. "Any more and I'll vibrate through the floor."

My phone buzzes a third time. With a sigh, I fish it out of my bag.

Three new emails.

None from Blaise.

Of course.

I shove the phone back into my bag with more force than necessary. "I need to go."

Ari raises an eyebrow. "Where?"

"Anywhere that isn't here." I start packing up my laptop. "I need to clear my head if I'm going to finish this housing article."

"And think about Puerto Rico?"

"And think about Puerto Rico," I repeat, zipping my laptop case and sticking it in my bookbag. I put my coat on and then look back at my friend. “Are you going to stay here?”

"I'll stick around for a bit," Ari says, pulling out her own laptop. "Got a sociology paper to finish."

"Good luck with that." I swing my bag over my shoulder, almost hitting a guy walking past our table. "Sorry."

Ari’s eyes shift from the guy back to me. “Text me later?"

"Always do." I sling my bag over my shoulder and head for the door, the Puerto Rico flyer burning a hole in my bag. The cold air hits me like a slap across the face when I step outside Brewed Beginnings. But I’m grateful for it because it shocks my system and clears the fog in my brain.

I take a deep breath, letting the December air fill my lungs.

A week in Puerto Rico.

The thought lingers as I start walking to my car. A week away sounds great, especially because it means that my time at home will be shorter. Not that I have an issue with being home, but after being on my own at school, it’s harder to adjust to being under my parents’ roof again.

This trip would solve a lot of my problems.

I jump slightly when my phone buzzes in my pocket, and I nearly trip over my own two feet to grab it.

One new email.

From [email protected].

My heart does this stupid little stutter that immediately annoys me. "Just open it, dumbass." I tap the notification.

To: [email protected]

Subject: Re: Interview Request - Senior Hockey Feature

Willow,

Thanks for reaching out. I'm available to meet you tomorrow between 2-4 P.M. We could meet at the library study rooms if so.

Let me know if that works.

Blaise

That's it. Short, direct, professional. Exactly what I asked for.

So why do I feel...disappointed?

"Get a grip, Willow," I whisper, shoving my phone back into my pocket without responding. I'll answer later, when I'm not standing in the freezing cold having an existential crisis over a four-line email.

I resume my walk to my car, my mind now split between Puerto Rico and tomorrow's interview. Two-to-four tomorrow. That gives me time to prepare and to remind myself that this is just another assignment.

Just another source.

Just another interview.

By the time I reach my car, my fingers are numb from the cold. I fumble with my keys, dropping them once before managing to unlock the door. Once inside, I crank the heat to maximum and sit there, waiting for warmth to return to my extremities.

The Puerto Rico flyer peeks out from my bag on the passenger seat. I pull it out and smooth the creases, reading the details more carefully this time.

"Cultural immersion activities...historical sites..." Before I can talk myself out of it, I pull out my phone again and call a number I’m very familiar with.

Mom picks up on the third ring. "Willow? Everything okay?"

"Yeah, Mom, everything's fine." I take a deep breath. "I wanted to ask you about something. There's this study abroad program over winter break to Puerto Rico, and they've opened up some last-minute spots."

There's a pause on the other end. "Puerto Rico?"

"Yeah. I know it's short notice, but it's only a week, and it counts for credit, and?—"

"Slow down, sweetheart." I can hear the smile in her voice. "Tell me more about it."

I explain the program, the timing, and the cost. She listens without interruption, which is one of the things I've always loved about my mom. She actually listens and hears me out before offering her thoughts.

"What about the holidays?" she asks when I finish. "Abue would miss you."

"I wouldn’t leave until after the New Year," I assure her. "The program starts on the third."

Another pause. "And you really want to do this?"

Do I? The question hangs in the air between us before I respond. "I think..." I start, then pause for a moment before I continue. "I think I need this, Mom. A change of scenery. Something different."

She sighs, but it's not disapproving. "Well, you've always been independent. If this is something you truly want, we'll figure out the money part."

Relief floods through me because I didn’t have any expectations. "Really?"

"Really. Send me the details, and I'll talk it through with your dad tonight. Apply just in case to see if you will get in."

"Thank you," I say, and I mean it. "I'll call you later."

After we hang up, I sit in my car for a few more minutes, the heater now blasting too-hot air into my face. My phone screen lights up with another notification. I sigh when it’s a reminder about my deadline for this student housing article.

Reality crashes back in. I still have that article to finish and I need to respond to Blaise’s email.

With a deep breath, I type out a quick reply:

To: [email protected]

Subject: Re: Interview Request - Senior Hockey Feature

Blaise,

Tomorrow at 3 P.M. works for me. Let's meet inside the library, near the entrance. Then we can see which room is open.

Thanks,

Willow

There, that’s done. Now all I need to do is finish the student housing article tonight and apply for the Puerto Rico trip. It shouldn’t be a long night, but busy enough that it will keep me distracted enough to not think about my interview with Blaise.

At least, that’s what I hoped.