Chapter 19
Alex arrives at school on Monday morning with a grin and his acceptance letter to Charleston University. No surprise there, but we all congratulate him.
Seb gets his emails during lunch. He was too hyper to read the fine print, but they were both full rides, including tuition, room, and a meal plan.
He bounces around all afternoon, unable to contain his excitement.
Jonathan also got offers from both schools, not full rides, but partial scholarships.
For the rest of the week, everyone we know gets acceptance or rejection letters.
Bay receives his acceptance on Wednesday to Charleston University, and he and Alex accept an invitation to meet the diving team on Friday after school.
They will miss the preseason meet but aren’t worried about it.
We’re all hoping Bay gets some scholarship money for diving.
Holly gets a full scholarship to USC, UNC, and Clemson for track. Jaxon was accepted to the same schools but won’t hear about a scholarship until later in the track season.
I have to wait until Friday, but I also get accepted into Charleston University and USC. I call Dad, Sue, Mal, and Sarah right away. Dad is extremely proud of me, showing up after work with a bouquet of flowers and cupcakes. It’s pretty incredible to see everyone reaching their dreams.
Steven invites all of us to dinner at his house on Saturday evening to celebrate.
On Friday, Seb and E join me in visiting Jake after school, while Alex and Bay visit the dive team in the city.
“Hello!” I call as we enter the condo.
“Just a minute, I’m doing a handstand,” Jake yells back. “Meet you on the balcony.”
Smiling at Seb and E, I grab us water bottles, and Ray enters from his office, telling us he ordered pizzas for dinner.
We take seats on the patio furniture to wait for Jake.
It’s a cloudy but warm day today. We had a thunderstorm during afternoon classes, so there’s a little water at the edge of the deck.
I hear Jake’s patio door open as Will wheels him outside. “Hi handsome, Will,” I greet. Jake has a smirk on his face again. “Why ya smirking today?”
Will locks the wheels with a little smile on his face and steps back.
Tilting my head, I wonder what’s going on.
Jake stands on his own, which is outstanding, and brings a smile to my face, but then he walks towards me.
He walks! My mouth drops open as Seb jumps up, moving his chair away.
Jake takes the four steps to the sofa and drops beside me.
“Oh my God, Jake! You walked. You can walk!” Leaning over, I wrap my arms around him.
Tiny tremors are running through his muscles, but who cares?
He walked. “I’m so, so proud of you. Congratulations handsome. ”
Jake holds on to me for a few minutes until the trembling subsides. As we pull back, we are both grinning like fools with glassy eyes.
Seb comes in for a bro hug once we separate, with E offering a smile and congratulations too.
“I took a step Tuesday and two last night, but I wanted to walk to you when I showed you,” Jake tells me, still smiling at his accomplishment.
“I couldn’t be happier for you, truly. You’ll be dancing around in no time.” He’s come such a long way, and I can’t wait for the day he’s completely healed.
Ray brings several pizza boxes and paper plates out to the patio for us.
After Jake is back in his wheelchair, we dig in.
I tell them about my acceptance letters, and Seb tells us about the conditions of his scholarship offers.
USC is paying all his tuition and textbook fees, as well as a meal plan.
They’ll also cover a dorm room or the equivalent amount for housing.
The basketball team provides workout clothes, training gear, and two pairs of sneakers each year.
Charleston University is offering tuition, a meal plan, and a private dorm room.
He said that since Charleston is a smaller school, he wasn’t expecting as many perks.
Seb wants to attend the local school since it looks like we’ll all be here, but Troy is encouraging him to take his time in accepting.
He has until graduation, so there’s no rush.
I’ve already decided to stay local unless something drastic happens. I’m not ready to leave Jake and Dad.
The night ends with ice cream and a basketball game. I spend a few minutes alone with Jake, kissing him, then Seb and E walk me to my Jeep. After a kiss and hug from Seb, we part ways until my first track meet in the morning.