The Bridge to College

Chapter 1 Admissions

Jess Aarons was never the best student. He kept a C average to stay on the track and cross country team but that was about it. He was good at math and science but rarely applied himself. Somehow, when he took the ACT the previous spring he managed to pass highly with math, about average with english, and science. His friend Leslie Burke however, was a straight A student and passed the English and science section with flying colors. She struggled a bit with math but with Jess' help kept up an A+. Jess always wondered how Leslie was able to be such a good student while such a daydreamer. He would have to ask her about it sometime. She always had great grades, except after the accident she had a brief stint with bad grades. But who could blame her, the trauma would definitely cause issues with everyone. Jess clenches his eyes in memory of him finding a knocked out Leslie in the creek just in time to save her. 

       Back on topic, Leslie had not shut up about signing up for colleges, and for some reason she even nagged Jess about going to college. He didn't even know what he wanted to do for a living, maybe engineering, a car mechanic, or some form of artist. Jess did enjoy working on his car. But his parents would never approve of Jess becoming an artist, so he'd major in engineering or car mechanics more likely. Leslie frequently goes on and on about applying for the same school. So Jess had sent out one college admission form to the University of Mount Kalarai in Armenton, Montana the school Leslie hoped to go the most. It was said to allow boys and girls to dorm together which was his and Leslie's plan as well as the excellent track team and art clubs.

   BRRING! The final bell of the high school day had rung. Today was the last day of school, and Jess was grateful. He just finished having to do a bunch of finals, and ended the day with study hall. He had been thinking to himself, in thoughts so deep the bell in some way woke him up. He stands up and grabs his backpack to put his calculus book in and slings the bag over his shoulder. As he leaves the class he notices the tall blonde girl waiting for him leaning on one of the lockers.

"What took you so long Jess," Leslie asked impatiently with a hint of curiosity.

"Sorry, I was thinking about something," Jess said with a tired tone, "Finals had me drained. I think I did okay though."

"JESS AARONS," Leslie faked scolded, "I told you, that you should study harder not just what you think would be enough to get a C! You really should have applied yourself more, or we may not go to the same college!"

"Maybe that would be better," Jess teases a faint smile teasing at his lips.

Leslie gently socks Jess who stumbles into a locker. "Then who would help you with your homework," Leslie replied smartly.

Damn she always knew what to say. "Alright you got me beat," Jess said, "Come on I'll drive you home."

Despite Jess' family's financial trouble, over 2 years of saving up at a job at Windle Burger, Jess finally managed to nearly save up for a small red car. On his 18th birthday, his Father Jack surprised him by paying for the rest. Leslie never even bothered to take the permit test. While she gladly will go with Jess, she said the carbon emissions were too destructive. Also she told Bill that Jess will take her where she needs to go.

Leslie follows Jess to his car, which for his financial state was rather nice. It wasn't fancy but Jess took excellent care of his car. Leslie noted that it was a little windy for a June day but it wasn't that odd considering that it was only June 1st. She had a large smile on her face, which was the Leslie norm but this time it was bigger. Jess had opened the car door for Leslie when he noticed it.

"Hey Leslie what's up," Jess asked, "Why are you so happy?"

"Oh nothing except," Leslie said reaching into her fanny pack, "This accidentally came in my mail. Sorry if I opened it, but you have been accepted into the University of Mount Kalerai!!" She seemed so excited that Jess wasn't even annoyed she opened it. Then again Leslie used to do that, during her mail phase in Junior High.

Jess took the acceptance letter gently from Leslie, "That's great," he said, "Then again who would drive you to Montana."

Leslie laughs and replied with, "What are you waiting for. Let's go to Windle Burger first, I'll pay."

Jess hops in the car and drives towards his old work place.