The Tuition Fee

Chapter 37: Exit Interview

Nathan's POV

The day after graduation, Alina and I walk hand in hand to Mr. Francis's office. His secretary waves us down the hall where we find his door open, the man in question sitting behind his desk with a cup of coffee and a plate of chocolate chip cookies. 

"Well, if it isn't one of my favorite couples come to say goodbye," he beams. He and Alina exchange hugs, and I'm surprised when he gives me one too before gesturing to the chairs across from his desk. "Would you like a cookie? My wife bakes them every year for my graduates." 

"Sure, thank you." Alina grabs one, breaks it in half and hands me one. I smile at her and take my half of the cookie before inhaling it in one bite. We might have missed breakfast in lieu of staying in bed this morning. 

Mr. Francis continues to smile, leaning back in his chair with his hands resting on his chest. "So. You made it all four years. How are you doing?"

"Excellent," I answer. "We move out next week to Boston." 

He nods, taking a sip of his coffee. "I heard, congratulations, Mr. Crane. How do you feel about the move, Ms. Mercer?" 

A smile crosses her face and she reaches for my hand, resting them on my knee. "Very excited, actually. We found an adorable apartment and my mother managed to find a job in the city so she'll be moving closer to us as well. I really, truly, couldn't have asked for a better outcome after all that's happened." 

Mr. Francis's smile turns sympathetic as he nods. "You two went through a lot together. More in four years than what some people will go through in a lifetime. I had my doubts a few times, but I'm impressed you made it through." 

I squeeze Alina's hand, nodding. "We... We did a few times too, but the love that founded our relationship was the thing that kept us together. I couldn't... I can't do life without Alina. I'm grateful I found her when I did." 

Mr. Francis chuckles and takes another long sip of his coffee. He regards the two of us for a moment with a mischievous look in his eyes before leaning forward and dropping his voice. "You know, we have hundreds of couples apply to our program every year for the full-ride. It's something Britton is proud to offer, for a chance to keep couples together instead of going through the ordeal of long distance or something of the like. It's a meticulous process that weeds out a lot of pretenders." 

I'm confused, and I think it shows. I glance at Alina who's grip has tightened significantly on my hand to find her face pale and breathing shallow. "Mr. Francis-" she starts, but he holds up his hand, cutting her off. 

"You two put in a lot of effort to prove your relationship was real. I knew the first time I met you, you weren't in an actual relationship. That is, after all, my job." 

I gape at him, at an absolute loss for words. All four years... And he knew? "Why... Why didn't you say something?" 

That mischievous look intensifies and he smiles. "Because I knew you wanted to be in one. Both of you." He glances between us and folds his hands. "You both cared deeply for the other through your entire time at Britton. I saw it online, I saw it in person, I heard it in reports from your professors. At some point your fondness turned to love, and I truly believed you would make it work. Clearly, I was right." 

Alina blinks at him. "You got all that from one interview?" 

He grins and offers wink. "They hired me for a reason, Ms. Mercer. I'm the best at what I do, but I like my own little mischief now and then." He stands and we follow suit. I'm surprised the meeting was this short, but I guess there's really nothing more he can do to us. We graduated, got our diplomas, completed the credit hours. 

He holds out his hand and I let go of Alina to shake it firmly, trying to steady my pounding heart. "Thank... Thank you for taking a chance on us, sir." 

He shrugs and straightens out his jacket. "I look forward to receiving an invitation to the wedding, Mr. Crane. The missus and I do enjoy a good ceremony." 

Alina laughs and shakes his hand too before stepping back. "Oh, you can absolutely count on it. Thank you for everything, Mr. Francis. I hope you have a good rest of your summer." 

"You as well, Ms. Mercer. And you too, Mr. Crane. I hope you both find a life of love and happiness." 

We leave his office, and my brain is whirling. On one hand, I can't believe he knew the whole time. On the other, I'm grateful he never said anything and let this relationship between Alina and I grow. What had started as a lie turned into something beautiful, something I never want to let go of. I glance down at Alina as I hold open the door for her, the afternoon heat blasting us as we step outside. 

"That was crazy," she breaths. She lets out a soft laugh, shaking her head. "I can't believe that scheming man is responsible for the best thing that ever happened to me." 

I nudge her with my elbow, grinning at her. "Getting into Britton?" 

"No you goof." She shoves my side before latching onto my hand, tugging me to a stop and turning to face me. She leans into my chest and it's natural, the way my arm wraps around her waist, pulling her even closer. Her brown eyes shine up at me as she says, "falling in love with you." 

My heart starts pounding all over again at that smile, a smile I at one point was so afraid I'd lost. A smile I took for granted, and now would do anything in the world to see every single day. I lean down to kiss her, just a soft peck because we're standing in the middle of the sidewalk, but it still makes my heart pound and stomach flutter. 

"I love you," I breathe against her lips. 

She smiles and it feels like I'm standing on the sun. "I love you too, Nathan. Always."