The second semester wraps up in a blink and suddenly, summer is here. I’ve managed to maintain my academic scholarship and even made the dean’s list. My parents are thrilled, and for once, they’re not nagging me about the upcoming year.
“Hey, Soph!” I answer my cousin’s call from Oklahoma with a grin.
“Hey, girl! How’s your summer going?”
“Great. Mostly beach bumming. What about you?”
“Ugh! This heat is brutal. But I’m hitting the road with some friends in a week before we all split up.”
“Split up?” I ask, puzzled.
“Yeah, most of us at Bacone College are from Oklahoma. But the college is going under and shutting down.”
“Oh no! That’s terrible! What’s going to happen?”
“Some other state college bought us out so people can transfer there. But lucky for me, they don’t offer my major so I can’t transfer.”
“Wait, I’m confused. How does that make you lucky?” I ask, my eyebrows furrowing.
“Because I’m transferring to Duke!” Sophie squeals.
“You’re what!”
“Yup! I’m heading to Duke in the fall!”
“Oh my God, Soph! That’s amazing!”
“I know! We can be roomies!”
I laugh. “Yeah, I don’t think Drew will be thrilled about sharing a bathroom with another girl.”
“Huh?”
“I don’t live on campus, Soph.”
“Umm, eww! Syd, you need to change that, like yesterday!”
“I never really thought about it. I mean, I live like fifteen minutes away. I just ride in with Colin every morning, study in the library when I don’t have a class or watch practice until we go home.”
“Oh my god! You sound so boring! What about the movie nights and late-night pizza parties in the dorm lounges? What about the sorority and senior house parties? How are you ever gonna hook up with guys?”
“I-what?” I sputter, taken aback.
“You’re missing out on the best time of your life, Sydney!” Sophie declares. “I’m telling you, talk to your parents. Convince them. And next year will be the best year ever!”
I lay back down on my towel in the sand after hanging up with Soph. I mull over her words. Living on campus could be cool, I guess. I wouldn’t have my parents breathing down my neck all the time. I wouldn’t have to deal with my annoying brother and his high school drama. And living with Sophie would be a blast. Every time she visits from Oklahoma, we have a blast. I sigh, wondering how to broach the subject with my parents. I just dropped the bomb on Colin about being an assistant coach. He seemed willing, which he always is when it comes to supporting my dreams and goals. We both share a love for football. I stay on the beach until sunset, take a dip in the pool, and lounge until I dry off just before dinner. I shower and head downstairs to help with dinner. I grab four plates, silverware, and napkins to set the table while my mom is busy at the stove.
“Thanks, honey.” She smiles at me. “I’m still so proud of you, Sydney. My little college girl, making the dean’s list. Finishing off her freshman year with a 4.0!” My mom gushes as she stirs the pasta sauce, still basking in my achievements.
Dad walks into the kitchen, planting a kiss on her lips. “Smells good, baby,” he compliments. “And soon to be assistant coach, you must be excited for school to start again already,” Colin adds, having overheard our conversation when he entered the room.
My parents are in such good spirits, and with my mom still over the moon about my grades, I decide it’s the perfect time to drop my bombshell. I cross my fingers behind my back and take a deep breath. “So, I’ve been thinking about something…”
They both look at me, curious. “What’s up?”
I hesitate, trying to find the right words. “Well, between school and coaching, I’ll be spending a lot of time on campus…” I dance around the subject, my nerves getting the best of me, until I finally just blurt it out. “I want to move into the dorms.”
My mom, who had been stirring something on the stove, turns to me, surprised. “Really?”
Colin, my stepdad, looks confused. “Why? We live so close, and I drive there every day.”
I take a deep breath. “I’m not in high school anymore. I don’t want to rely on you guys for rides. All my friends are living on campus, and I want to join them.” I watch as my parents exchange a look, communicating silently as they often do.
I decide to pull out all the stops. “I feel like I’m missing out on the full college experience by living at home.” I give them my best puppy dog eyes, a trick that used to work wonders when I was a kid.
Colin’s eyes widen. “College experiences? Like what? Parties…drinking?”
I shake my head quickly. “No, not like that. Sophie called me today. She’s transferring to Duke in the fall and wants to be roommates. You guys trust me and Sophie. We just want to experience campus life together. Please?”
My mom sighs, looking at me with a mix of sadness and understanding. “I guess you’re right. You’re not my little girl anymore. It’s time for you to spread your wings.”
I can’t help the excitement that bubbles up. “Really? You’re okay with it?”
Colin echoes my words, but his tone is more skeptical. “Really? You’re okay with this?”
My mom gives him a loving smile. “You were the one who told me she’d grow up one day and we couldn’t protect her forever.”
He looks taken aback. “I did? I don’t remember saying that.” He sighs heavily, then nods. “Fine. You’re right. You’re old enough to make your own decisions.”
I can’t help but beam at his words. But then he adds, “But if you make the wrong decisions, you’re coming right back here, and I’m never letting you leave the house again!” He rushes through the words, sounding every bit the overprotective father he is. I just smile and hug him.
“I know, Dad. I love you too,” I say, kissing him on the cheek.
Just then, Drew bursts through the door with Luna, our dog, barking and wagging her tail. The whole family is here, and the usual chaos ensues. I pull out my phone and quickly text Sophie.
I hit send just as Drew snatches my phone.
“Who are you texting? A secret boyfriend?” he teases, darting around the couch.
“Give me back my phone!” I chase after him, laughing.
“Guys! Dinner’s getting cold,” Mom calls from the kitchen.
“Luna! Block him!” I command. Luna obediently blocks Drew’s path, and I manage to tackle him into a headlock.
“Ouch! Get off me!” Drew yelps as I pry my phone from his hand.
“That’s what you get for messing with me.” I release him, and we all take our seats at the dinner table.
My phone buzzes with a new message from Sophie.
I can’t help but smile. I won’t miss wrestling with Drew, that’s for sure. And I can’t deny it—I’m even more excited for my sophomore year. #bestyearever.
