Running From You

Chapter 20

NORA

"I got in! Mom! I got in!" I yell as I run through the house, so happy I could burst.

"You got in where?" mom comes from her study, looking confused.

"USC! The letter just came," I wave the college acceptance letter in front of her face.

"Honey, that's great!" mom finally catches on and gives me a fierce hug, which I return. "This needs celebrating," she smiles at me, already digging out her cell phone. "I'll make a reservation someplace nice for tomorrow, alright?"

"Yeah, sounds good," I can't help but grin.

"Aren't you supposed to be getting ready for the meet?"

"Oh, right, yeah," the cloud of happiness momentarily made me forget. "You really have to work today?"

"Yes, I'm sorry, honey," she gives me an apologetic look. "But I'll be rooting for you."

"Yeah, thanks," I force a smile. I try telling myself that I don't care if she's in the stands or not, that I've done just fine these past years without family coming to watch me compete. I'll be fine. I always am.

I eat my breakfast and pack up everything and then head out the door, the acceptance letter still in my grip. I have to show my friends.

"I'm so happy for you!" Olive tackles me in a bear hug when I show my friends the letter in the school parking lots.

"Congrats, girl!" Jordyn moves in to hug me next, followed by Zoe, Lexie, Hailey and Michelle. I also texted the twins, not able to wait for Monday to tell them, and they showered me in congratulations. I can't stop smiling.

"Thanks, guys," I grin, leaving the letter in my car since I don't really have any need of it in the invitational.

The meet goes well, with me being so energized that I do well in all my events, mom's absence soon forgotten.

In the evening after we're back at the school, I'm exhausted but at the same time strangely restless. And I already know what I need to make this day perfect. I say bye to my friends and run to catch up to Tyler and Evan, who're just getting in the latter's car.

"No, you're not," I grab Tyler's sleeve and pull him to a stop. He looks at me surprised.

"What's up, buttercup?" Evan raises a brow at me. I don't know if Tyler has told him about our arrangement, and I don't want to be the one to tell him. Not that I would mind if he never knows at all.

"Uh," I try to come up with a good excuse, "I just need to talk to Tyler about something. I'll give him a ride home, after." I try to act nonchalant, as if nothing weird is going on.

Tyler's eyes darken as he catches on to what I'm insinuating.

Evan looks between us and a smile tugs at the corner of his mouth. "Sure. Give him a good ride, yeah?" he chuckles and disappears into the car.

I open my mouth but nothing comes out. Evan reverses off the slot and winks and waves at us before driving away.

"So," I say, my mouth dry, "he knows, doesn't he?"

Tyler laughs, "Yeah."

"Fantastic," I mutter, covering my face with my hands. How embarrassing. I just know he's going to tease me mercilessly.

"It's no big deal" Tyler drags my hands down. "You told Olive, didn't you?"

"Yeah," I nod. "But it's different."