My Future Doesn't Have Room for You novel · Chapter 8 of 24

Chapter 8: Honors Night

The school's Winter Scholarship Night was on Thursday, and I almost didn't go.

Penn's aid office had asked for more documents, and I had spent two days sending them.

The lawyer's letter went out, then the Social Security record, then a note from my guidance counselor.

She had met me at the school door on Monday and said, "I'm not asking questions. I'm making copies."

Now she was standing at the edge of the gym at six o'clock, in her good blazer, waving me to a seat in the front row.

The gym had folding chairs, a podium and a banner with the school mascot.

Every senior who had won something was seated up front, and their families filled the bleachers.

I sat alone with Esther, who had insisted on coming in her church coat.

At six-fifteen, the doors at the back opened.

Janet walked in wearing the navy dress she wore to funerals, with Gary behind her and the twins at her sides.

Kayla had a bunch of grocery-store roses.

Janet found me across the room, smiled, and took the aisle seat in the second row, close enough to touch.

"Dear God," Esther said under her breath.

The principal opened with the usual thanks and went down the list.

A band scholarship, a state science prize, two small local awards.

Janet clapped for each one, loudly.

When he reached the end of the list, he cleared his throat.

"And finally, a student who has earned the highest honor this school has seen in years. A full scholarship to the University of Pennsylvania. Hallie Braeburn."

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