Edge of seventeen

Chapter 32

Elliot sat in the counselor's office, tapping his foot nervously against the floor. The walls were lined with college brochures, each one more colorful than the last, and the desk in front of him was stacked with pamphlets boasting the best programs in every field imaginable. The air smelled faintly of stale coffee and the faint, slightly artificial scent of the motivational quote posters on the walls.

He glanced around the room at the other students sitting with him. Asher was slouched in his chair beside him, looking as relaxed as ever, while a couple of other students fidgeted with their folders or stared at the clock, waiting for the session to start.

The counselor, Mrs. Greene, was a middle-aged woman with a kind smile and sharp eyes. She adjusted her glasses as she looked over the list of students in front of her. "Alright, everyone. I know the idea of college can be a little overwhelming, but we're here to make sure you're all on the right track."

Elliot felt a small wave of anxiety wash over him. College had always been part of the plan—something his parents had drilled into him since he could remember. But now that it was actually happening, it felt a lot more real. And a lot more terrifying.

Mrs. Greene continued, "I've been reviewing your transcripts and application drafts. You're all in a good position, but there are a few things we should discuss to make sure you're putting your best foot forward."

She started with a girl from their class, discussing her interest in studying biology and suggesting a few schools with strong programs. Then she moved on to a guy who was passionate about architecture, offering advice on portfolios and recommendations.

Finally, she turned her attention to Elliot and Asher. "Elliot, Asher, I see you've both expressed interest in applying to Princeton?"

Elliot nodded, glancing over at Asher, who gave a lazy thumbs-up. It had been something they'd discussed casually a few weeks ago, almost as a joke. But the more they talked about it, the more serious the idea became.

Mrs. Greene smiled. "Princeton is an excellent choice. Both of you have the grades and extracurriculars to make a strong application. But remember, it's a very competitive school. Have you thought about backup options?"

Elliot cleared his throat. "I'm also looking at a few other Ivy Leagues—Yale, Columbia, maybe Dartmouth. But Princeton feels right. I like their philosophy program, and the campus is amazing."

Asher smirked. "Plus, you're a sucker for old buildings."

Elliot rolled his eyes but couldn't help smiling. "Yeah, that too."

Mrs. Greene chuckled. "Well, Princeton's a great fit for both of you, and it's good that you're thinking about other options as well. Elliot, with your academic record and your involvement in debate, I'd say you have a strong chance. Asher, your athletic achievements combined with your grades will definitely catch their attention, but make sure to highlight your leadership roles on your basketball team."

Asher nodded, looking a bit more serious than usual. "Yeah, I've been working on that. And I'm definitely gonna push the basketball angle."

Mrs. Greene gave them a warm smile. "Good. Just remember, it's not only about what you've done but also how you present it. Make sure your essays reflect who you are and what you care about. Princeton wants to see students who are passionate and driven, but also thoughtful and well-rounded."

Elliot felt a weight lift off his shoulders. Hearing Mrs. Greene's encouragement made the whole process feel a little less daunting. He'd spent so much time worrying about whether he was good enough, but maybe he just needed to focus on being himself.

The meeting wrapped up with some final advice on application deadlines and a reminder to keep their grades up through senior year. As they filed out of the office, Elliot felt a strange mix of excitement and nerves. The future was looming ahead of him, closer than ever before, but for the first time, it didn't feel quite so scary.

As they walked down the hallway together, Asher nudged him with his elbow. "So, Princeton, huh? You ready for that Ivy League life?"

Elliot chuckled. "I don't think anyone's ever really ready for that. But yeah, I think so."

Asher grinned. "Guess we'll be taking over Princeton together, then."

"Yeah," Elliot said, a small smile tugging at his lips. "Guess we will."

They walked in comfortable silence for a while, the weight of their future plans hanging between them, but not in a bad way. It felt more like anticipation, like they were standing on the edge of something big, something that could change everything.

And for the first time, Elliot wasn't afraid to take that leap. Especially not if Asher was right there with him.