Downhill

Chapter 1

Let's admit it, there's nothing America loves more than money. I'd always known that, but this whole experience made it absolutely clear to me. I went to school. Patterson High was a really nice place. The teachers were great, the students were nice, and the classes weren't all boring. I know, what a shock, right? It was a Monday in January, and I was at school talking to my best friend Brooklyn during passing time. 

 "Amelia, you've got to start thinking about college. We're 17 and you still haven't made up your mind." She was pestering me about college again. Brooke was a great friend, but she could get really annoying sometimes. I think she just wanted to make sure we were going to the same college, but she did not reveal this. 

 "I know, alright? And I'm thinking about a few colleges already. You really don't need to pester me like this." 

 "I'm just securing your future." 

 "Brooke, you sound exactly like my mom." We laughed. 

 "Well, whatever college you end up applying to, I'm sure you'll get in. You're probably the smartest person in the school." I didn't think that was true, besides, you need more than that to get into college, but the bell rang before I could say anything. We parted ways and went to our classes.

When I got home that day, no one else was there. I saw a note on the fridge that said:

"Amelia: I'm working late tonight, and Dad is as well. You'll be on your own for a while, feel free to make yourself something to eat for dinner. Love, Mom".

I knew that my 12 year old sister Rosanna was at a friend's house, so she wouldn't be home either. I dropped my bag and shoes off in my room and slid onto the living room couch to absentmindedly surf the internet on my laptop. But I wasn't focusing on whatever YouTube had to offer me. I was thinking about what Brooke had said at school. Maybe she was right. No, she was definitely right. I should really think about what I wanted to do after high school. I knew I probably wanted to go to college, but I wasn't sure if I actually wanted to go to the same place Brooke was going. I mean, I knew that's what she wanted, but I felt that my ambitions were in a different place. She wanted to work as a doctor, but I wanted to be a lawyer. I didn't want to tell Brooke that, though.

I was actually thinking of applying to Harvard. Obviously I had a backup plan too, but I had a 4.0 GPA, I was involved in many extra curricular clubs, and I already had a decent idea of what I wanted to do, so I was feeling pretty confident about it. I can only hope I'll be able to handle it if I get in...