Page 43 of Finding Fate

“Yeah, seeing you almost every day this summer at work just wasn’t enough.”

Jet gave them a funny look, and Annie laughed. “We’ve had like more than half our classes together today,” she explained.

He nodded as the bell rang, and the teacher shut the door, calling for quiet.

Mr. Girst went over his rules and expectations and then assigned everyone a textbook. They were instructed to begin reading the first chapter and finish it at home that night, along with a description of three different things they learned.

Jet was becoming anxious for the bell after only a few pages. Reading was incredibly boring unless it was about cars.

“Class, I need your attention before the bell,” Mr. Girst said when there were only a few minutes left. Relieved sighs could be heard around the classroom as books slammed shut. “Okay, seniors, I have a note to pass out to you about a college application seminar the school counselors are holding. It will be this Friday after school in the cafeteria.”

Jet performed a mental eye roll. “Great, we’re only one day into the school year, and they’re already going to start drilling us about college.”

“Are we required to go?” someone asked from the front of the room.

“No, you are not required to go. There will be a mandatory session in a few months, but it is highly recommended that you attend this time, especially if you want a head start on things. And raise your hand, Mr. Yates. Now take one, and pass it back,” he said, passing a small stack to each person in the front row.

The notes had just reached the back when the bell rang. “Remember to do your homework!” Mr. Girst called out as students were shoving their books into their bags and running out of the room.

“This should be fun. I can’t wait to start college and move out,” Annie said to Jet and Emma as they headed to meet their friends outside.

“I know,” Emma bounced excitedly. “I bet the parties will be so awesome.”

“Y’all do realize that this is just a seminar about when and how to apply to college, right? It’s not the real thing.”

“Yes, Jet, we’re well aware of that,” Emma said, tossing him a dismissive wave of her hand as she rolled her sky blue eyes. “But it’s the first step to get us closer to it.”

“Exactly! Should we head over together after class Friday, babe?”

“I’ve got football practice.”

Annie’s face fell, used to her early morning track practices. “That’s right.”

“I’ll head over with you,” Emma offered.

“Thanks.”

“Alright, sweetheart,” Jet said when they reached the sidewalk that lead to the field. “I’ve got to get to practice. I’ll catch you later?”

“Okay, have fun,” she said and gave him a quick kiss.

He took off, feeling bad that he didn’t even want to go with the girls to the seminar, but the idea of sitting around listening to the counselors talk about how they were going to be making important decisions about the rest of their lives didn’t thrill him.

* * *

“Hey, guys,” Annie said as she and Emma approached the large oak in the courtyard where Izzy and Tucker were waiting on one of the benches covered in shade.

“Hey,” Tucker answered roughly.

“What’s up with you?”

“Oh, he’s still annoyed about everyone gawking at us all day long. He needs to get over it,” Izzy replied, tousling his hair until he grinned.

“Then I would suggest you don’t look over at the water fountains,” Emma commented.

They glanced over to find Lisa whispering amongst a group of friends and glaring at Izzy. Tucker scowled, his jaw clenching as he wrapped a protective arm around her.

“Well, this’ll be great for his mood,”Annie thought sardonically. “At least, he doesn’t look like he wants to strangle her like he did at the bonfire last month.”

---