Mr. I Don't Smile

30. beginnings

30. beginnings

Ciera

2 new inbox messages

Dear Miss Ciera Knowles,

I am pleased to inform you that you have been admitted to the music program for the the next academic year beginning September.

Admission to our program is very competitive and we scrutinize each application very carefully. We have admitted you because we think you will be able to make an important contribution to this college. In return, we hope that the personal supervision we offer, together with the collegial atmosphere of our students, will make your stay very rewarding–personally and academically.

Professor Hannah Kowalski will be your pro team advisor. All faculty, staff, and students welcome you to the program. Please feel free to contact me at 646-xxx-xxxx or at my email address.

Yours sincerely,
Jefferson Folty, PhD
Juilliard Graduate Advisor

1 new inbox message

Hello, Ciera. Some new information has come to my attention, informing me of the plagiarism you faced during your attempt for the full scholarship.

Your assailant has come forward, but I will not reveal any names. They have revealed that they indeed stole photos of your artwork and passed it off on their own just to prevent you from getting into your dream college.

I am so sorry.

Especially since I still cannot award you the scholarship, though you are the one who deserves it. After the plagiarism drama, my faculty and I chose the runner up for the scholarship. We cannot just take it away though it was meant for you.

But, Ciera, I believe in you. Truly. You could become a better artist than me someday. A few hours after you read this email you should receive a college acceptance letter from École Nationale supérieure des Beaux-Arts. It does not come with any types of scholarships. Because of that, I want to pay for it. All four years. If you'll let me. Once you receive your acceptance letter please contact me right away with your answer.

Yours truly,
Amélie Delacroix

Ohmygosh.

Ohmyfuckinggosh.

I was accepted into Juilliard and into the National School of Fine Arts? Just then, Theo walks into my room. "Did you get the email?" He asks anxiously.

I laughed excitedly. "Which one?"

"The email from Amélie Delacroix. Did you get something else too?"

I jumped into Theo arms and he held me to his body, cradling my head. "Come on, just tell me," he urged.

"I got into Juilliard and the National School of Fine Arts! Both, Theo!"

He held me tighter. "I'm so proud of you, chérie. No one deserves this more than you. Do you know which school you'll accept."

"Of course. The National School of Fine Arts has always been my dream. But it's nice to know I have options and I don't regret applying to Juilliard. Also Amélie offered to pay my full tuition."

"I'm so happy for you."

"Me too. I'm not going to let the past hold me back anymore. I know what I'm capable of."

)()(

x years later

"Mrs. Chastain, you need to hurry. You're on a tight schedule today," my assistant, Charlotte says as she follows me around the room.