Chapter 37
"Good news, Harry," Robin spoke up. Gardenia had left for Florida to pack up all of her things so that she can officially move back. She also has to sign documents since she won't be using her flat anymore.
"Yeah?" I asked. My mum was still at work, but she told Robin to come over at one because she's usually home before then. But her hours at Aldi were unpredictable, and apparently, she had to work longer hours today, leaving me home alone with Robin for now.
"Yep. I spoke with the Chancellor, and he's agreed to take a second look at her application. He's asked for a name, so I need that to give to him. Now, there's no guarantees or anything, but he'll be looking at it again."
"Are you serious?" I asked, shocked that it was so easy. Could you imagine if she actually got in?
"Absolutely. Like I said, I wouldn't get your hopes up, because she may get rejected again."
"Yeah, yeah, I know. Thank you so much. I'll write down her name to give to him, so it's easier yeah?"
I searched for a piece of paper, seeing an envelope laying on the counter. I tore a piece of it off. grabbing a pen and quickly writing 'Gardenia Rose Moore' onto the paper.
"I dunno if they need the middle name, but there you go," I handed him the paper, which he folded in half and stuck into his pocket.
"Thanks. I'll give it to him Monday."
"Cool. Thank you so much, Robin, I really appreciate it. And I'm sure Gardenia would as well, if she knew, that is."
"I never knew her name was Gardenia. Why does she go by Rose?"
I shrugged, "It's complicated."
He nodded thoughtfully, not prying any further.
"Well, listen. MSU is offering a scholarship, if you are looking into applying. They're giving one away to the top poem sent in by mid August. I can get the information for you, or even for Rose?"
"Yeah, that'd be great. Thanks."
"Sure. I don't mean to sound pushy, but are you going to apply?"
"You're not pushy, I get it. Um," I rubbed the back of my neck, "I'm not really sure. I want to, but I don't know if I'm ready. I don't even think I have a copy of my transcript from England."
"It wouldn't be too hard to get it if you contact your old school. I don't mean to barge my way into your life, but I really think you should apply, Harry. You're getting older, and I don't think you want to work at a shop your entire life."
Rather then getting offended, I found myself agreeing with him. I realized that my job at the shop was only bearable when I was working with Gardenia. Now, working with Isabel, it was torturous.
"Then there's the fact that school is so expensive," I pointed out.
"Hence why I'm getting the scholarship information for you."
"But there's only one of those. I highly doubt I'd win in a poem competition."
He shrugged, "It's worth a shot, is all. They have an international scholarship as well, for students that are from outside of the United States. You're twenty one, Harry. I don't mean to get all father figure on you, because I know I'm the furthest thing from that, but as a professor, and somebody who has been in your shoes, I think you should do it. The clock is ticking, and if you don't apply now, you might never."
I found myself nodding along, thinking about everything he's saying. I knew he meant the best, and he was doing an actually great job at convincing me. I was about four seconds away from downloading an MSU application and sending it in.
