“Hey, I kind of like Usha. I mean, I still don’t want to get into a relationship, but I really want to spend more time with her,” Cassie informs me.
“Really? I thought with everything that happened last weekend, it would’ve made things awkward,”
“Well, not really. I went back to her apartment afterward, and we connected. She told me about her dad and how close they are. And oh my God, her artwork is amazing. I was totally blown away by this painting of hers. It was a rose, but half of it was decaying because of pollution from the city and the other half was flourishing in a forest. She’s so talented.”
“I don’t understand why you don’t want a relationship. I bet you and her would make a great couple,” I claim.
“I don’t know. I just don’t want to get hurt,” she explains.
“I get that, trust me, but I believe the small moments of happiness are worth whatever price even if it brings pain. Life is about taking chances. Just give it one more try. What do you have to lose? Your heart has already been broken, maybe the right girl can put it back together.”
“I don’t know,” she answers, looking away. “Do you think Jenna will have our papers graded?”
Of course, she changes the subject. “Maybe, but we only turned them in on Monday.”
“Good morning class,” Jenna Porter says as she walks in. “Good news, everyone. I’ve got your stories graded. You all have a chance to revise your work and hand it back to me to improve your grade. You all can easily earn 100% on every assignment if you put forth the effort. I want to see you all succeed.”
“Sarah, can I speak with you after class,” Ms. Porter says as she hands back our work. She didn’t hand mine back for some reason. “You as well, Cassie.”
Cassie gives me a shrug. After class, we both walk up to the professor as everyone else leaves. “Sarah and Cassie, I have got to say both of your stories were the best I’ve read in a long time. I want to encourage both of you to enter the writing contest we have every November. I am not sure if either of you are aware, but we host a huge short story contest with a scholarship prize for the top three participants. I think you both would do well.”
Cassie and I both share a glance, and neither of us can hide our excitement. “Yeah, let’s do it!” Cassie exclaims.
“Okay, I’m in. How big is this scholarship?” I ask Jenna.
“First place is a $10,000 scholarship, second place is $5,000, and third place is $1,000,” she explains.
“Well, I’m definitely not passing that opportunity,” I declare.
“It’s good to hear, I’ll email you both the flyer with all the information. I’m looking forward to seeing what the two of you come up with, and I’d be happy to take a look and edit your work for you,” she says.
“Awesome! Thanks!” we both say.