Dear Boss,
This was a wrenching day for me. I have never argued with a master or refused a valid request. If the League believes that my actions require discipline, then so be it. In my defense, I was confident that Sara would reverse her decision upon further consideration. My stalling tactics bought her time to reflect.
It embarrassed Sara to have me witness her physical reaction, although it ultimately seemed to bring her a measure of solace.
Empathy is a difficult emotion. I felt glimmers of her grief, enough to note how profound it was.
We are halfway through the month, and the tangible goals are complete. I shall be turning my focus to emotional ones. This weekend has given us a good launching point.
Regards,
Grant
20
A Not Good Reason
I awakened Monday morning in a terrible grump. The last few days had been too full of emotional stuff. My birthday. The missing French credit and my college plans disintegrating. Packing away the memories of my brother and discovering his secrets. The scent of fresh paint that indicated my home of fifteen years could be gone at any moment.
There was nothing stable in my life. Why hadn’t I collapsed yet? Or maybe I had, given the scowl that felt carved into my face. I couldn’t even fake a smile with all of the drama tangling inside me.
I’d have to tell my folks about the college catastrophe today.
Or maybe not. Maybe I should ask Grant to do some research before talking to my parents. Knowing my options was an easily defended excuse.
After throwing on some workout clothes, I spent the next hour in the exercise room, trying to sweat away the frustration. It’d been months since I’d lifted weights, a fact I should’ve remembered before going in there. By the time I made it back to my room, my clothes were drenched and my legs trembled.
So yeah, Sara. Mess things up and then make them worse.
As I was leaving the bathroom after my shower, my phone rang with Lacey’s ringtone. I debated for a couple of rings before tapping Answer. “Hey.”
“I’m at home. Can you come over?”
She sounded happy. Not in the mood. “When?”
“Now? And can you pick up Kimberley on the way?”
“Fine.” Didn’t want to. Didnotwant to. “Is something going on?”
“Yeah, I’ll tell you when you get here.”
As I pulled onto the street where Kimberley lived, I could see her waiting outside. I stopped at the curb.
It was unpredictable what details Kimberley remembered, but I’d give it a shot anyway. “Do you know what’s up?”
“I don’t think so.” She snapped her seat belt into place. “But Lacey is really excited, whatever it is.”
When Kimberley and I reached Lacey’s house, she was standing on the front porch, clutching a letter. Once I got close enough, I could see the Piedmont College letterhead.
She got one too? Why?
“Look.” Vibrating with excitement, she handed the letter to me.
I skimmed it and shuddered. Her letter was the complete opposite of the one I’d received. She hadn’t expected to attend there, and now she could. “They’re giving you a scholarship.” A pretty good one, too.
“Yeah. Between it and my college fund, I can afford Piedmont.”
Kimberley squealed and flung herself into Lacey’s arms. “That’s wonderful.”
