The Journal Of Amy Cross

Edison, New Jersey 2019

Amy Cross, 18 years old

The day I've been anticipating has finally arrived. The day I find out if I'm going to university.

I've been staring at the mail slot in my door for about an hour. Nothing.

I'm not the most patient of people but, I'm willing to wait for my future in letter form.

It's been a while now, I'm worried.

"Hey," I feel a firm hand on my shoulder, "Don't look so worried. It's not like your entire future rests upon a piece of paper."

I stare at him, frowning.

"I'm joking. You're the smartest person I know, you're gonna make it."

My boyfriend, George, smiles slightly at me.

We'd both just graduated high school only recently. Surprisingly, we've been together ever since we were fourteen. We've had our quarrels, but he's always been there for me, even when my father wasn't.

Just then, an ivory envelope slid ever so smugly through my mail slot.

I gasped in disbelief at the fact that this was actually happening. I decided to read the letter aloud;

"Amy Cross, we are delighted to inform you that you've been accepted to your local university." My voice fading as I began to cry with tears of joy.

I skipped ahead a few paragraphs;

"However, we regret to inform you that you will not be receiving a scholarship . . ."

I immediately swipe away my tears.

"I can't go."

"But, you've been worki-"

"Money is tight enough as it is. I'm not going through this."

I stormed out of the house, slamming the door behind me. The air was cold, the sun was nowhere to be found, nothing but clouds and wind. My grey hoodie was the only thing comforting me.

Although, something interrupted my grieving, a phone call from my little sister, Wendy Cross.

"Hello?" I answered curiously.

"Hey!" Wendy replied loudly, "Are you okay? George told me what happened."

My eyes widened.

Why did he tell her? This is none of her business. She doesn't need to be involved.

"I'm fine, Wendy. George likes to over exaggerate."

"Hmm . . . Alright . . . If you say so. Just know you can talk to me whenever you need!"

"I know. I'll see you soon."

"Alright! Bye bye!"

Beep.

As soon as I'd hung up, my face drooped. My little sister is too sweet and innocent to have to be dealing with my problems. She deserves a better sister. Not some low-life nobody.

"Hey! Amy!" I hear a voice coming from behind me call.

I turn around to find George jogging towards me. He'd already called my sister, what could possibly need me for?

"Amy, please! This doesn't have be the way things turn out for you," He began, "I can help you! I'll get a job- no, two jobs! That way you'l-"

I put my hand over his mouth tightly.

"Don't do that. You have such a good life ahead of you. Don't waste it on me." I replied, slowly taking my hand away from his face.

"Please, this is what I want to do with my life," George retaliated, grabbing hold of my hands, "I want to be by your side and help you in any way I can. My time can never be wasted if I'm spending it on you."