Girl Meets Senior Year

Dear Ms. Hart

         

Riley looked down at the envelope Maya placed in her lap. "Maya, this is from Columbia."

"It is," Maya said nervously.

"Why didn't you say something the second you got here?"

"Well I was going to until I saw you were reading a guidebook on having sex. It sort of distracted my focus," she replied.

"Well? Did you get in?" Riley asked expectantly.

"I didn't open it."

"Why not?"

"I'm scared," Maya admitted, "and I wanted to open it with you."

"Here," Riley said shoving the envelope back into Maya's hands. "Open it!"

Maya nodded and ripped open the side of the envelope. She pulled out the paperwork and began to read the first page. "Dear Ms. Hart, On behalf of the Admission Department of the Columbia University School of the Arts I am pleased to inform you that your application for the fall semester has been accepted." Her smile grew as she read each word aloud to Riley.

"Yaaaaayyyyyyyyy!" Riley threw herself on Maya. "Yaaaaayyyy! Yaaaaayyyy! Yaaaaayyyy!"

"I got in?" Maya asked in disbelief.

"You got in, Peaches!"

"I got in."

Cory burst in the room, "I heard yelling!"

"Maya got in to Columbia!" Riley squeeled.

"Yaaaaayyyy!" Cory ran and embraced Maya as well, catching her off guard. "You two aren't rooming together but yaaaaayyyy."

"Yes we are, Dad but nice try. Now give me back my girlfriend." Riley pride Cory off of Maya and held on to her. "You got in."

"I did. I still don't believe it."

"I'm telling Shawn!" Cory yelled as he ran out of the room.

"Um, shouldn't be the one to tell him?"

"Oh, just let him go. There is no stopping him." Riley said. "I have to ask, Maya. Is this really what you want?"

"What do you mean?"

"You got into SCAD. That is one of the top art schools in the country. I just don't want you making this decision because of me."

"Riley, its not like I'm going to night classes at a community college just so I can stay close to you. This is an Ivy League University! Why does it matter if you are part of the decision?"

"I just don't want you to regret it."

"I am going to school with you this fall. No regrets. Woah," she stopped herself.

"Woah?"

"I'm going to an Ivy League school. I'm a nerd!" Her eyes grew wide. "When did this happen?"

"Aw, but you are a cute nerd." Riley bumped her with her shoulder.

She shivered in discomfort. "I cannot be a nerd. That's your job, along with Farkle and Smackle. I'm the slacker remember?"

"Slacker art nerd," Riley joked.

"Ugh," Maya groaned. "Fine."

"I win!"

"This time, Matthews."