The Freshman, Book 1

Chapter 3 - The Assistant

Natalie's POV

After I got off the phone with my parents, I met up with my friends in the kitchen. "Natalie? Is everything okay?" Kaitlyn asked.

"I... I don't think so. My family is broke," I said. "What started off as the best week of my life just turned into a nightmare."

"We can't lose you! We've... we've bonded!" Zack said.

"I guess there's only one thing to do now..." I said. "I have to enjoy the time I have left. Who's ready to party?"

"Not me. I'm still feeling the effects of last night," Tyler said.

"Don't listen to this wet blanket, Natalie. Let's do this thing. Shots!" Zack said.

"Are you kidding me? We're not drinking at ten in the morning," Abbie said.

"And I'm not letting Natalie just give up and leave!" Chris said. "There's gotta be some way you can stay... I mean, I'm here on a football scholarship."

"I don't think I'm exactly what the football team is looking for," I said.

"Maybe not, but I'm sure there are other scholarships available," Chris said.

"Not a bad idea, Chris. It might be worth a trip to the financial aid office to check it out!" Kaitlyn said. "I was just about to leave anyway, I'll go with you!"

"That'd be great. I could really use a friend there with me..." I said.

As I turned to follow Kaitlyn out the door, Chris caught me by the arm. "You're going now?" Chris asked.

"Of course! There's no time to waste. A girl's life is on the line," Kaitlyn said.

"Kaitlyn's being a little dramatic, but... it is pretty urgent," I said.

Chris glanced at Kaitlyn and turned quickly back to me. "I just... I feel like we've barely gotten to know each other. And if this is going to be one of our last days together..." Chris said. "At least let me walk with you over to the financial aid office? We can stop on the way for coffee or something."

"A coffee might not be the worst idea. It'll give you the energy to face whatever horrors await in the financial aid office of terrooooor!" Kaitlyn said. "I can always meet you there."

"So? Let me walk you?" Chris asked.

"Well, I'd better not," I said. "Sorry, I just don't think I should wait on this."

"Sure, of course. Good luck, okay?" Chris asked.

He gave me a weak smile as Kaitlyn and I headed for the door.

A Few Minutes Later...

"Next!" the woman in the office said.

"Hi there! My friend just realized she's super poor and needs a scholarship!" Kaitlyn said.

"Kaitlyn!" I said.

"What? It's true. Besides, if we're trying to get this done fast, we've got to cut right to the chase," Kaitlyn said.

"Let's see here... any special skills?" the woman asked.

"Actually, I'm a scholar!" I said. "I was the valedictorian at my high school!"

"What? How come you never told me you're a huge nerd?" Kaitlyn asked.

"Just because I happen to get great grades doesn't mean I'm a nerd!" I said.

"Whether you're a nerd or not, all of our academic scholarships have already been distributed," the woman said.

"There has to be something," I said.