Kaleidoscope

Chapter Fifty-Four

Danny worked diligently over the next couple of weeks and managed to get his application for re-admission completed. He had gotten the all-clear from Ellie, and everything else fell into place. Now all he could do was wait. He felt guilty for not including Kim in his plans, but he didn't want to be demoralized if he didn't get in and be a failure in her eyes. But, one day he realized that this was yet another secret, so he confided in her that he had re-applied.

"Why didn't you tell me?" were the first words out of her mouth. "I thought we were done with secrets."

"Well, I was hoping to give you a nice surprise for your birthday, which I happen to know is coming up, and I thought I would hear by then. But, then I realized I was once again keeping something from you, and I didn't want that. So, now you get to share in my anxiety."

"I'd much rather share in your anxiety than mistrust you."

"I guess I deserved that, Kim. I promise, no more surprises. I'll keep you in the loop with everything. I'm hoping to know by the end of July, so I can prepare to either leave or stay here. I'd much rather leave and be with you at school, but if I have to stay, I'll go to NOVA for a few courses. I guess I'll be a Freshman again, only this time I won't have you in English 101 with me."

"Yeah, and just make sure you don't knock some other girl's books on the floor."

Danny blushed with embarrassment thinking back to that awful excuse to meet her. He still wasn't sure if it was an accident or a subconscious move. But, it started the ball rolling which took him a year to get down the hill.

Kim interrupted his reminiscences with the bolt out of the blue.

"So, do I get to meet your family anytime soon?"

"Funny you should say that because my mom and Theresa just asked the same question. I don't know how to answer that, Kim. I still don't know how either of them will react to seeing how much you and my sister look alike. I haven't broached that with them, yet. I've been waiting for the right time. Would it be alright with you if we waited until I know where I'm going to be next year? There's a lot for them to digest right now and it could be a delicate matter. I think Theresa will be fine, but my mom may react differently remembering Theresa before the accident when she sees you. Everyone is finally adjusted to their circumstances, and I don't want to rock the boat too soon. I promise I'll tell them before the summer is over."

"I understand, Danny. Your situation is so different than mine. I'll be patient. But, I do want to get to know your family, including your dad and Jen if we're going to date."

Danny took her hand in his and gently kissed her on the lips. Kim's response surprised him when she eagerly kissed him back. He stepped back and looked into her eyes and saw only her, not his sister. He almost did a jig at her response. He was on a natural high and never felt better in his life.

The rest of the month and into July moved like molasses for Danny. The wait was worse than the first time he applied. This time meant Kim in his life daily, and he wanted it so badly. He also wanted to get back into the groove of soccer, so he spent all his spare time down at the local community field with the pick-up games there. He needed to hone his skills for the tryouts.

He worked as many shifts as possible at Subway to save money, and also applied for scholarships and grants. He would be prepared whether he got in or not. Kim was also working for the summer as an intern at a law firm, something she had done in previous years to see if she wanted to go into law. Danny was so proud of her.

One day she asked him what he wanted to study once he was back at school.

"Well, when I first went up there I had no idea, and I was there for such a short time I didn't have time to figure it out. But now that I've been home and seen the extent of Theresa's physical therapy, I think that's what I'd like to do."

"Wow, you do realize that that's a graduate program and you'll be in school forever just like me if I go to law school."

"Maybe we'll just be permanent students," he jested as he gave her a playful squeeze. "Seriously, though, I've seen how much these PT sessions have done for my sister, and I would like to do that for others some day. I've also given some thought to going into counseling because I've seen how much that has helped my family and me. But, I'm getting way ahead of myself. I'm not even back in school yet."

Kim looked at him with a glow in her eyes. This was the Danny she had imagined all those many months ago. She saw such promise. She hoped that he could get back to UMass. She needed to see him now-his gorgeous smile and sparkling eyes that once had looked so dead. She was falling hard for him, and she hoped he felt the same.

July 26th brought an answer to their questions. Danny saw the envelope from the University, and his hands shook. This was it. He was either in, or he wasn't. Before he opened it, he called Kim to be on the phone with him. Theresa and his mom were both out, and he needed some support when he read the letter.

"I'm scared, Kim," he said when she answered. "What if it's a rejection?"

"Then you'll try again in the Spring. Think positively and open the damned thing," she spit out, surprising herself with her own language. "The suspense is killing me."

Danny ripped at the envelope and pulled out the letter. He stopped after the first word. There was dead silence on the line. He reread the word. It said Congratulations. He let out a whoop which told Kim the answer.

"Oh, Danny, are they letting you back in?"

"You bet, they are, and they've even offered me some financial aid. It's not as good as my soccer scholarship, but it will help." Danny cringed when he thought how much he had wasted. But, he had learned in therapy not to go backward, so he dismissed his regrets and focused on the now.

"Can I come over now, Kim? I need to see you."

"I was just about to leave for work. How about tonight."

"Great. I'll text you later. I'm so excited I could do a happy dance right here in the kitchen. I have to call Jen and my dad now. Mom and Theresa are out, and I hope they'll be happy for me."

"They'll be very proud of you, as I am, Danny. See you in a little while. I've got to run. I wish I could call in sick, but they have me on a big project right now, and I can't afford the time. I'll see you tonight."

Kim hung up the phone, her face shining. Were things going to work out with them? She knew he still had to face the fact that he was a recovering addict and hoped the stress of school wouldn't get to him again. Hopefully, with her support and encouragement, he would survive.

By the end of the day, all the Fosters had been informed of Danny's acceptance back at the University. He could see a look of sadness beneath his mother's smile as she hugged him and told him how happy she was for him. But, he knew that deep inside, she was genuinely happy for him.

"This calls for a celebratory dinner," said Rose. "Let' go someplace special."

"Oh, I'm sorry Mom. I'm seeing Kim tonight."

"Well, just invite her along. It's about time to meet her."

Was this the time to tell everyone that Theresa had a double? Would their excitement over his news counteract any shock they would have at seeing her? He decided he would wait just a bit longer so he made an excuse and asked if he could just see her alone tonight. It would give him time to prepare everyone.