Escaping Love (Rewrite) [Book #1]

Chapter 51

|| JACKIE ||

|| Thursday, April 16th ||

We spent the morning talking about our plans for today. Charlotte and I are leaving tomorrow at 10:00 AM. We decided to eat breakfast at the house before going to the San Diego's university to explore the campus. Then head around the town shopping before having dinner at a restaurant.

Of course, the family always wanted to do something big every time we visit. It's no surprise.

Charlotte and I wandered the university with the family trailing behind. We went to the Copley Library and walked around inside.

"Can you imagine what it would be like to go here?" I asked.

"Darling, you know I graduated from this university."

"Oh yeah," I said. I completely forgot, and Charlotte gave me a dramatic gasp before pushing me away. I laughed and went back to holding her hand. "You can show me all the best study places and all the good foods. Take me through all the shortcuts to get to each building and the best clubs on the campus."

"Well, the campus hasn't changed much, and I'm more than happy to give you a tour from what I've learned," Charlotte smiled.

"Lead the way."

She showed me the places that she always studied and the quiet areas on campus. We went to the Hughes Administration Center and the Shiley Theatre. Although I might not need to locate many of these buildings, it was nice to familiarize myself.

"Sometimes I miss being back here," Charlotte said. "Other times, I'm happy that I'm not going through more classes and school work."

"Well, I decided that I was going to major in math and visual arts. I talked with Grace the day she spilled coffee on my white shoes, and she suggested getting an art degree. With the skills and maybe some help from Mrs. Riley, it might be a great consideration."

"Well, whatever makes you happy. Plus, if you do major in math, I will be there to help you through the tough classes," Charlotte said, kissing my temple as we kept wandering the campus. When we finished the tour, Charlotte looked at me. "So, what do you think of the campus?"

"It's beautiful and a sight to behold. It would be amazing to study here after high school," I said.

We walked to the parking garage as I continued telling her the places that I love.

"I admire your passion, and thank you for the tour. But there is one issue I still have to consider," I said, and Charlotte turned her head to me and gave me a questioning look. "I realized it doesn't matter where I go because after doing the research, both routes that I want to go down are offered here and in Washington. It's whether I want to be apart from you or not."

"You know we discussed long-distance already," Charlotte smiled.

"I know, but it won't be easy."

"Well, we have another week. When we return home, we can talk more about it while we look at the packets again."

I nodded and leaned my head on her shoulder as we arrived at the car.

~~~<>~~~<>~~~<>~~~

|| Monday, April 20th ||

I yawned as I arrived in the locker room. After changing clothes, I walked over to the mirrors and washed my face before tying up my hair. I saw Shay walking over to me and hugged me from behind.

"Hey, gorgeous," Shay said.

I smiled at her, "Hi, beautiful. How was Emma's birthday?"

"It was great! She loved the ring. I told her you sent your wishes," Shay smiled.