Chapter 16
My hand shookas I clicked the final answer on my board exam, and I sucked in a breath and held it while the loading symbol spun on the screen.
When a short survey popped upinsteadof my results, I tensed my jaw, still holding that breath as I clicked through it.
Another loading symbol appeared.
My heart galloped, and I don’t think I even blinked as I stared at the screen.
Waiting.
Waiting.
Pass.
The air rushed from my lungs, and my cheeks lifted in a grin.I did it. I was suddenly filled with a burst of excited energy and was practically vibrating in my seat as I gathered my things. I stood, exited the testing room, and reported to the proctor at the front desk to check out.
“Congratulations,” she said with a smile, handing me the printed document with my results.
I was still grinning. “Thank you.”
When I walked out of the testing center, I pulled my phone from my purse and turned it on. I hadn’t looked at it before I took the exam because I knew I’d have messages, and I didn’t want to psych myself out reading them.
Sure enough, when my phone came to life, messages began rolling in, and I scrolled through the notifications.
Mom
I know you’ll do great today! So proud of you! Call me when you’re done!
Wes
I won’t think any less of you if you fail, seester.
Morgan
Ignore your brother. He thinks he’s doing reverse psychology. You’re going to pass!
Callie
Good luck today, Haley!
Lucas
Good luck, kid!
Marie
You got this! Remember, we’re going out either way! Pass - celebrating. Fail - wallowing in well-deserved self-pity. Love you!
The last message made me pause.
Blake
Good luck.
It was simple and straightforward. Bland even. But I smiled like an idiot at it.
I clicked open his message. I told Marie she would be the first to know how I did…but I took a selfie with the paper that said “pass”, and I sent it to Blake, makinghimthe first.
