pull me back | a drag me down spin off

【twenty】

My eyes stay focused on the two important envelopes in front of me. The university names that are displayed almost seem too good to be true. The envelope in my right hand is addressed from California Western School of Law. The one in my left hand is from Harvard Law School. I slowly begin to tear open the one in my right hand, and unfold the typed piece of paper that is neatly tucked away inside of it.

My hands begin to shake as I read the bolded words on the page. The second I see accepted and early admissions, I almost burst into tears on the spot. I got in. I actually got into a law school in San Diego, one of the best law schools in the country.

My hands automatically rip open the Harvard letter, making sure not to tear the entire thing to shreds. Quickly getting the paper out, I scan over the words in a fast manner.

"No fucking way." I say aloud, my voice is barely audible.

"Grace did you use my surfing wax today?" Dad's distant voice calls out. My watering eyes look up from the piece of paper. Dad stops in his tracks when he sees me crying. "What happened? Why are you crying?"

"I got accepted into California Western School of Law." I gulp.

"The one in San Diego?" His eyes widen in happiness.

"Yes, but that's not all." I hold out the letter Harvard sent me.

He furrows his eyebrows, but slowly takes the paper from my hand. When he looks down at the verdict, I can see his entire face drop. "Is this-"

"Yup, it's real." I wipe away a few tears streaming down my cheeks.

"You got in?" His voice also begins to shake.

"Yeah, I got in." I happily smile, still in utter shock.

"Harvard Law School accepted you." Tears form in his eyes as he looks up at me.

"Yup, and there's only a fifteen percent acceptance rate." I run a hand through my hair and inhale a breath.

"Gray, I'm speechless. This is the best news I've ever received." He blinks back tears as he steps closer to me and wraps his big arms around my waist.

I cling onto his body and hug him with every ounce of my being. He sways our connected bodies back and forth, as we cry in unison.

"I am so fucking proud of you, baby. You have no idea." He says while placing his hand on the back of my head.

"I did it, Dad. I got accepted into both of my dream law schools."

"I can't believe you're going to be heading off to Massachusetts." He breaks away from our hug.

"Actually, I'll be heading off to San Diego. I want to stay in California." I make my decision on the spot.

A confused expression falls on his face. "But Harvard-"

"Was a chance to prove my worth. I worked my ass off for four years and was able to get accepted. That was all I needed to achieve. California Western School of Law is where I want to be." I nod, assuring him that I am more than thrilled with this settlement.

"Whatever you decide, I will support you every step of the way." He nods and places his hand on my shoulder.

"I can't even believe it." I shake my head in disbelief.

"We need to celebrate the big news. When Duke and your mother come home, we need to do something special. It's not everyday you get accepted into not only one, but two, major law schools." Dad sends me a proud smile. Tears are still covering his orbs.