Stage Fright

Chapter 55 ~ The Future

Josh

I didn't know things could change so much in just one week. Last Friday we were sneaking around in the shadows, worrying if people had found out yet. This week we were eating lunch together, holding hands at school.

Was it a little complicated? Sure, but I knew it was worth it. If either of us felt upset or overwhelmed about something we'd tell each other what was going on. It was a mild sacrifice on both of our parts, but when the hard parts were over, we got to spend time with each other.

Our lives were picking back up again after the show, particularly Heather's but she made sure to meet me for lunch, text me goodnight. We were probably spending way too much time together before hand, now we were more spread out. But that just meant that the second we saw each other again it felt like instant relief. 

We saw her dad for dinner on Monday night and it seemed to go really well. I got along pretty well with her father, it certainly helped that I was Heather's friend first.

"So Josh, where are you thinking about going to college?" He asked and I sighed.

"Well I really wanted M.I.T, I thought I had a good application but I'm sure they see loads of good applications. I got wait-listed-"

"Why didn't you say anything?" He exclaimed and I just furrowed my eyebrows. "I'll put in a call to the board tomorrow, I know the alumni there. You should be at a good school like that." He insisted and I felt the fork nearly drop out of my hand.

"T-that's very generous but I can't accept that." I said and he scoffed, waving his hands.

"You can and you will. I know it's harder for kids in public school to break onto the ivy scene." He assured me. "I don't pull strings, I just make suggestions."

"Suggestions?" I repeated and he chuckled.

"Look, Josh I know you're a good kid. I also know how bright you are, it wouldn't be right to see your talent go to waste." He insisted and I felt like I could faint. "I make calls for my coworkers kids, family friends. I try to help however I can."

Heather just rested her hand on my knee, beaming over the possibility that I could get in. It seemed a little unfair, but life gives advantages and maybe it was time I used one of them. Some part of me wondered if I needed M.I.T, maybe I was better off trying to be close to Heather?

"What are you thinking about over there?" Heather asks, setting down her mascara. "Is this about this party tonight? Because baby you don't have to come if you don't want to-"

"No, that's not it." I insist, shaking my head. "I've just been thinking about school."

"Oh." She says quietly, getting up from her vanity and taking my hands, leading me into her room. She brings me to her bed and has me lay down with her, running her hands through my hair. "Tell me what's bothering you about it?" She suggests and I shrug.

"Well, I love M.I.T, I do, it's been my dream since I was a little kid." I tell her and she nods. "But.....I start to think about the competition and what's expected of me.....then I wonder if I should just go to a less fancy school, closer to you." I whisper and she sighs.

"Don't give it up for me." She insists, shaking her head. "Josh, we made a plan that I promise I'll make work, we won't be that far apart." She breathes, bringing me closer and I kiss her cheek. "I know that it can be scary to take this next step, but you aren't doing it alone. Everyone is in the exact same boat, but not everyone is as smart as you are." She tells me and I chuckle.

"Trust me, M.I.T is right for you. I know you'll fit right in there and find a bunch of geeky science nerds to be friends with. My dad was just trying to help the other night.....I'm sorry if it made you uncomfortable-"