Street Love (An Interracial Love Story)

Chapter 38

Tony’s POV

“Tooonnnny!” Emily comes barging through my bedroom and Evie throws herself off of me was soon as possible but not before Emily catches us making out.

“EEEWWW!!” she screams then slams the door shut.

I laugh and Evie’s dark cheeks show a hint of pink.

“Oh gosh.” She fixes up her bra before climbing off my bed. “We’ve traumatized her.”

“She’ll be fine.” I throw my shirt back on then follow Evie down the hallway.

“Hola mama.” She’s at the kitchen counter, putting away groceries.

“Hola baby boy. You got something in the mail. La carta está en la mesa. (The letter is on the table.)”

I wander over to the dining table and Evie follows me.

“It’s from Charleston, Ev.” I’m suddenly really nervous. I sent my application in for concurrent enrollment in their culinary program back in May. If I get accepted, I’ll be able to go to Charleston during my senior year.

“Well, are you gonna open it?” Evie stands behind me and wraps her arms around my waist.

“I guess I should.” My hands shake a little as I slowly tear the manila envelope open.

“It’s thick so that’s a good sign,” my mom says walking up to us.

I finally get it open and pull out the stack of papers. The first is a letter and I start reading it aloud:

Dear Mr. Cortez,

It is with great pleasure that I inform you of your acceptance to Charleston Culinary Academy.

Evie and my mom both scream and I smile.

“Keep reading, keep reading!” they both urge me.

Your application passed all three rounds of the acceptance process and wowed several of our admissions officers. In fact, your personal statement was so exquisite that we would like to offer you a full scholarship to the academy for the 2015-2016 school year.

My mom starts crying and I take her hand. Evie rests her head on my shoulder.

Also, due to your financial status, you are eligible for free transportation to and from the academy should you choose to attend.

You will find that being accepted into the academy is only the first of several steps in beginning your culinary education and career. Included in this packet are several resources that many Charleston students and alumni have found useful.

The deadline to reply is July 1, 2015. Your acceptance (or refusal) of admission can be sent via U.S. postal service or in person at our admissions office. Please note that you must present a valid I.D. if you wish to reply in person. When replying via written letter, please reference your student I.D. You will find this number at the bottom of this letter.

In addition, should you choose to attend the academy, you will be invited to the orientation on July 31, 2015. At this orientation, you will be given a class schedule, room accommodations (should you wish to stay on campus), transportation guidelines and a tour of the campus. Many students wish to bring their families to this orientation and you are more than welcome to do so as well.

We hope to hear from you soon.

Krystle Fay
Charleston Academy
Dean of Admissions

Your student I.D. number is:
4034927

“I am so proud of you mijo.” My mom kisses my cheek then we start flipping through the rest of the stuff.

Transportation Options

Housing 101

Food Plans

A Breakdown of Your Academics at Charleston

All the brochures have pictures of smiling kids inside and outside the kitchen. And there seems to be every race represented, so that’s good.

“Congrats Tony.” Evie hugs me and I hug her back. “I’m really happy for you.”

“I’m gonna start dinner,” my mom heads back to the kitchen counter. “Pozole okay with you guys?”

“Yeah.”

Evie and I flip through some more brochures and there’s so much information.

“You should write your response right now baby.” Evie grabs her laptop from near the front door and sits down at the dining table. “I could help you… Not that you really need my help ‘cause your personal statement kicked butt.”

I laugh then sit down. “I always want your help Evie.” It takes us 30 minutes before it’s perfect.

I.D. Number: 4034927

Dear Charleston Culinary Academy Office of Admissions,

I am more than pleased to accept your offer for the 2015-2016 school year. In addition, I am extremely thankful for the provisions the academy is providing for me. Words cannot describe how thankful I am.

My family members and I will be present at the July orientation.

Thank you again for this opportunity.

Sincerely,
Antonio Cortez

“Short, sweet and to the point.” Evie smiles.

I grab an envelope and a stamp from the kitchen drawer then seal the letter. Evie writes the address because her handwriting is better than mine.

“There.” She smiles again. She hasn’t stopped smiling since I first read the acceptance letter and it’s getting contagious.

“Can we take it to the post office right now?” I ask. “It’s down the street.”

“I think that’s a good idea.” Evie stands up and I help her slip on her jacket.

“Can we come?” Emily and Donny come out of the room with paint on their faces. Emily has a rainbow on her forehead, her left cheek is covered in pink and her right cheek says Donny in crooked black letters. Donny has a fairy painted on his right cheek and huge whites circles painted around his eyes.

I don’t say anything and neither does Evie. They look ridiculous.

“How about you guys help me with the pozole?” My mom chimes in.

“What’s pozole?” Donny asks. His spanish pronunciation was actually perfect and I can’t help but smile a little.

“It’s a really good soup with vegetables and chicken and these squishy things,” Emily says.

“You wanna help me make it?” My mom asks Donny. “I’m making a special pot just for you. It won’t be spicy.”

“Ohhh.” Donny’s eyes get wide. “Sure. I want to help.”

“Can I help too?” Emily asks.

“Yes. But you guys gotta go wash your hands first.”

The two go running down the hallway.

“Thanks mom,” I say.

“You’re welcome. Now go. The food is gonna be done in an hour.”

I slip on my shoes and we head towards the post office.