CONSUME

[47] first place

***

kameron springfield

I sat in front of my laptop, eyed glued to the screen. All I've got to do is tap my finger on the 'refresh' button on the computer, and everything will unveil itself. Did I get into my dream school? Am I going to actually be granted my lifelong dream of escaping this insidious town and move some place where I can start anew? 

I gulped, licking my lips. It's 12:02AM and I've been waiting here for an hour. At midnight my college decision was released, and I'm hovering my finger above the button, waiting to press it. 

I'm alone in my bedroom. After my fight with Samantha in the cafeteria yesterday, I've been suspended. I'm not allowed back in school for another week and a half. I spent all day today locked up in my room. My mother thought grounding me and banishing me to this house was the best punishment. 

I'd texted Austin and Aidan in the group chat I have with just them about Axel's whereabouts, since he won't text or call me back. They haven't responded to me either. It's like the whole Conynghim family is ghosting me, and I don't understand why. 

If anything, I should be the one who's ignoring them. Ignoring Axel, specifically. For all I know, he's cheated on me with Samantha Beesler. Though deep down I know he'd never do something like that, I still have an unwavering suspicion that's deep in the pit of my stomach. Austin and Aidan acting weird is throwing me off even more. What on earth have I done to them to make them avoid me? I don't get it. 

I slapped my forehead and screwed my eyes closed. 

It's now, or never. 

I pressed the 'refresh' button in my email. 

Slowly opening my eyes, there it was.

Dear Kameron, 

Congratulations! It is our great pleasure to offer you admission to the University of California, Los Angeles for the Summer and Fall Quarters. You have been admitted to the UCLA Department of Art with Graphic Design as your academic major, and... 

I stopped reading and blinked at the screen with my jaw hanging off of my face and hitting my desk. What the hell? 

Woah. 

I really got in?! There's no way! 

I mean, I'm elated! Beyond elated.

But a big part of me is in utter awe that I actually managed to accomplish the very thing I've been reaching for, for practically my entire life. This is... I mean, it's incredible!

I re-read the letter over and over again, until my eyes glued to the first sentence of it. 

Hold on just a second... Summer and Fall Quarters? But that makes no sense. I only applied for the Fall semester this year. Why does it say Summer? 

I read on, looking at a section of the email about the Summer Program at UCLA. 

Astounded by your exceptional portfolio and stellar resume, the UCLA Admissions Office has reserved a place for you in the Summer Art Residency at Redwood National and State Parks in California. This three month intensive course guarantees to expose you to real-world experiences, as well as acclimate you to an artist's environment. Running from April to July, you will receive all included housing and...

What?!

"Oh my gosh!" I squealed, in utter disbelief at what I'm reading. I got accepted into a program I never even applied for?! This is unreal! I'll get to be around other artists and get exposure to professionals. It will almost be like a retreat in the mountainous ranges of California for three whole months!