We're Still Human

Chapter 41: Acceptance

The soft hum of the ceiling fan fills the living room as I sit cross-legged on the couch, staring at the pile of university acceptance letters on the coffee table in front of me. My heart is racing, my palms sweating, but I force myself to stay calm. Mom sits across from me, her hands folded neatly in her lap. I asked for her alone out of my entire family, because I believe this is a special moment between me and her. She doesn't rush me, doesn't say anything, just watches with that gentle smile she's been wearing more often these days.

It still feels strange, having her so... present. A year ago, we couldn't go more than a few minutes without snapping at each other, and we were not even living together for a good chunk of the year. I didn't understand her then, and she didn't understand me. But now? After everything that's happened, after the fights and the tears and the long, uncomfortable talks that somehow brought us closer, it feels like we've found a rhythm. I look up at her, and for the first time in years, I see my mom—the person who loves me, who's proud of me, who's trying her best.

"Take your time, sweetheart," she says softly, her voice cutting through my thoughts. "There's no rush."

I nod, swallowing hard. "I don't know why I'm so nervous," I admit, fidgeting with the corner of the first envelope. "It's just paper. Words on paper."

"Big words," she says with a smile. "But no matter what's in those letters, Thandie, I'm proud of you. Always."

Her words settle something inside me. I take a deep breath and tear open the first envelope.

"University of Queensland," I read, unfolding the letter. My eyes skim the lines until I find the one I'm looking for. "Bachelor of Arts... accepted."

Mom claps her hands, her smile widening. "That's incredible, Thandie!"

I smile back, but my hands are already reaching for the next letter. One down, a few more to go.

The second one is from the University of Sydney. Another acceptance. The third is from a university in Perth. Accepted. Each one feels surreal, like I'm reading about someone else's life. By the time I reach the last envelope, my nerves have settled a little, but my heart is still pounding.

"Monash University," I whisper, staring at the envelope for a moment before opening it. My hands shake slightly as I unfold the letter. "Bachelor of Arts... accepted."

Mom places a hand on my shoulder, squeezing gently. "Do you realize how incredible this is? You have so many options, Yasmina. You've worked so hard for this."

"I know," I say, smiling faintly. "It's just... a lot. A lot to think about."

She nods, her expression softening. "You don't have to decide right now. Take your time. Whatever you choose, I'll support you."

I look at her, really look at her, and something in my chest tightens. We've come so far, her and me. I remember the yelling, the slamming doors, the nights I cried in my room because I felt like she didn't care. And now here she is, sitting with me, supporting me, proud of me.

"Thanks, Mom," I say quietly, my voice thick with emotion. "For everything."

Her smile falters for just a moment, her eyes glistening. "I'm proud of you, Thandie. Always."

I lean forward and hug her, and for a moment, it's just us. No tension, no past mistakes, just love.

***

The evening light filters through the dorm windows, painting the room in golden hues. I'm sitting on Kendall's bed, my legs tucked beneath me, while she paces back and forth, still in her soccer uniform. She's got this energy about her, like she's always moving, always thinking. It used to exhaust me, but now I find it comforting.

"You've been quiet," she says, stopping to grab a water bottle from her desk. She hands it to me, her brow furrowed slightly. "What's going on in that beautiful head of yours?"

I take a sip of the water, stalling for time. "I, uh... I opened my university acceptance letters today."

Her eyes widen, and a huge grin spreads across her face. "What? Yasmina, that's amazing! Why didn't you tell me earlier?"

I shrug, twisting the bottle cap back on. "I guess I wanted to process it first. It's a lot to take in, you know? A lot of big decisions."

Kendall sits beside me, her knee brushing against mine. "So? What's the verdict? Where are you going?"

I glance at her, my lips quirking into a teasing smile. "Not telling. Not yet."

She groans, falling back dramatically onto the bed. "Come on, Yas
! You can't leave me hanging like that!"

I laugh, poking her side. "I'm serious. I haven't decided yet. But I wanted to tell you that I've applied to a few schools... and they've all accepted me."

Kendall sits up quickly, her face lighting up. "Yasmina, that's incredible! I'm so proud of you."

Her words hit me harder than I expect. I've heard those words a lot today, but coming from Kendall, they feel different. They feel heavier, more meaningful.

"Thanks," I say softly, looking down at my hands. "I just... I don't know where I'll end up yet. And it scares me, you know? The idea of being so far away from everything familiar."

She reaches over, taking my hand in hers. "Hey, wherever you go, you're gonna be amazing. I know it. And... for what it's worth, I'm planning on staying in Melbourne."

I blink at her, surprised. "Really?"

She nods, her thumb brushing over my knuckles. "Yeah. I've been looking at Monash University. They've got a great program for what I want to do, and... it feels right."

A small smile tugs at my lips. "Kennie, that's... that's great. I'm so happy for you."

"Thanks," she says, her voice soft. "But listen, babe. No matter where you go, no matter where I go, nothing's gonna change between us. We've got Kit Kats and love on our side, right?"

I laugh, tears prickling at the corners of my eyes. "Kit Kats and love. That's a pretty solid foundation."

"Damn right it is," she says, her tone light but her eyes serious. "You and me? We're solid. Distance or not."

I lean forward, resting my forehead against hers. "I love you, Kendall."

"I love you too, Yas," she whispers.

In that moment, as the sun sets and the world outside continues to turn, everything feels right. Whatever the future holds, I know we'll face it together—even if it means being miles apart.