Promises We Keep

19

MARCUS POV

"Are you sure your Uncle is out of town?" I ask Grace again.

"Seriously if you ask me that one more time, I'm throwing you out the window," Grace says, scrolling through her Spotify playlist looking for a song to play.

We've been laying on her bed listening to music and the police scanner all day. She said we needed best friend time since I've been spending so much time with Ken. I agree. It's nice just relaxing and joking around with her. Well, when she's not being all irritating.

"I need to tell you something, Gracey," I say.

She stops scrolling through her phone and looks at me. "Don't tell me you're pregnant."

"Ha. Funny," I deadpan, not amused. If anyone's going to get pregnant it would be Ken. Maybe. I shake away the thought. "It's about college."

"Finally realized you're not going to get in haven't you? It's okay. I'll visit you at the soup kitchen when I'm famous."

"Grace, I'm trying to have a serious conversation. Do you want me to slap you?" Jesus! Why do I like hanging out with her again?

"Okay, I'm done. What's up," she laughs.

"I talked to Ken about the schools he's applying for. They are all out of state."

"Seriously? He's not applying to any here, not even UChicago?"

"Nope," I shake my head.

"Rich bastard," she mutters.

"Yeah well, his top choice is MIT and I'm sure he's going to get in. I'm going to apply there too. If I get in, then I'm going."

"How are you going to afford MIT? This is ridiculous, Marcus. It's not realistic. You can't choose a school based on a boy."

"It's not like it's not a good school, Gracey. It has a really good Brain and Cognitive Science Department. I already looked into it. They also have a good music program. I want you to apply too. Your uncle would definitely be able to swing it if you try for some scholarships."

"You're serious about this," she says, looking stressed out.

"I've been alone practically my whole life Grace. Now that I have both you and Ken, I want to be with you guys. We should go to the same school and Ken isn't budging on his choice. It has to be MIT."

Grace rolls her eyes. I know Ken said it would be better for us to go to different schools, but fuck that shit. The ass is just acting scared and I'm not having it.

"Okay. I'll apply and if I get in, I will go. But what about you? Ken and I can swing tuition. Do you have a plan for yourself?"

"Full scholarship," I say, gritting my teeth. I know I've got the grades, but that's pretty much all I got. I never joined any clubs or extracurriculars. I was too busy getting into trouble. Why would MIT give me a scholarship?

"You got a Plan B?" Grace asks grimly, probably thinking the same thing.

"I was hoping you could help me with that?" She thinks for a moment and then glances at me, chewing on her bottom lip. "Why does it look like you're going to say something that's going to piss me off?"

"Because I am."

I sigh. "What?"

"Your dad's address is in some fancy suburban neighborhood. He's got a lot of money right? How about-"

"No. Actually, correction. Fuck no," I spit, the thought of him already riling me up.

"I know. Sorry. It was a stupid idea. He's a dick. I just feel like he owes you something and I just want him to pay. You deserve it," she says, frowning at the thought of him.