Can I Have That in Writing?

Riley & Emily: The End

RILEY

"I've decided."

Allison had been suspiciously quiet at lunch. She finally spoke up towards the end of the period.

"Seton Hall is my first choice. It's close enough to come home on weekends, far enough to get out of here and explore. And it's ranked better for what I might want to major in. Not that I'm not a hundred percent sure yet, but I'm thinking either teaching or coaching. And, I mean, sometimes if you're a teacher you can also coach the school team. Either way it'd work."

We were all silent for a moment, taking everything in. Vera was the first to speak.

"I think you'd be really good at either," she said, smiling.

"So do I!" Sebastian exclaimed. "And the school's only, what, an hour away? I think that would be doable for long distance."

Allison nodded, looking relieved. "Yeah..."

Everyone turned to me. I took a deep breath.

"I'm happy you decided. But are you sure it's what you want?"

Allison flashed me a reassuring smile.

"For now, yeah," she said. "I still put in my application to other schools, and I haven't heard back from anyone. I have time to change my mind if I need to."

I nodded. Allison placed a hand on my shoulder.

"But thank you for asking. I appreciate it."

I smiled. I knew Emily would be happy she was staying close. She mentioned to me that she wanted her sister to be happy, even if gaining that happiness meant going to school far away. As long as Allison was genuinely happy, she would support her so matter what. So would I.

I reached for my phone. My first instinct was to text Emily; after all, it was my go-to response lately anytime I had news to share. But then I remembered that Allison would want to tell her herself. That was a downside to being friends with your girlfriend's sister. I instead directed my hand to reach for my remaining fry.

I did end up checking my phone before entering my next class. Sure enough, there was a text from Emily.

Did she tell you the news?

I laughed out loud.

Yes. I was just about to text you! 😂

I beat you to it haha.

I was about to quip how she still hadn't managed to beat me at Galaga. Unfortunately, the bell rang. I swore and dashed into the classroom.

***

EMILY

Allison told me about her decision. She told Riley, Sebastian, and Vera. So the only people left were our parents.

"I don't know why I'm so nervous," my sister said with a weak laugh. "I think they'll be fine with it."

"They definitely will," I said. "The tuition? Can't say."

"Hey, we're all prepared for the student debt. It's inevitable at this point."

Allison sighed. "It's just... I don't think he'd be happy about me living there. I could commute, technically, but... I don't want to. And saying it..."

I reached my hand out to hold hers.

"I know. Saying it is the hardest part. Believe me, I get it."

Allison smiled through her nerves. She squeezed my hand and took a deep breath.