Page 87 of Busted Dreams

“What was that?”

“My school.” Short, succinct.

“And what was the opportunity?” she demanded, her voice shrill.

“I was offered a spot to study abroad next semester in Italy. For obvious reasons, I’m not taking it.” He sighed.

“Why?”

“Trinity, that’s not even a real question. You live here now. How would you support yourself? Not to mention, you’re on probation. You wouldn’t be allowed to stay here on your own.”

“You’ve always wanted this.” She scooted to the edge of the chair she’d claimed for the night. “It was your dream.”

“Dreams change. You’re more important to me than going abroad. There will be plenty of time for that later.” He gentled his voice as if to placate her. But Trinity was having none of it, getting more upset and animated by the minute.

“Dreams don’t change. You get them or you don’t.” She cast a wild gaze around the room. “Dad busted all of mine, and now I’m busting all of yours. You hate me, don’t you?” Her breath came in quicker and quicker succession as she waved her hands in front of her chest.

“Of course I don’t hate you.” He stood up, but when he tried to approach her, she bounced out of her chair and backed up several steps.

“No, don’t. I-I need to go to my room.” Then she fled down the hallway.

“Fuck,” Thatcher said. In the last few days, I’d lost track of how many times he’d said the word, and that was only when I was able to see him.

“Man, I’m sorry,” Beck said, picking up his beer from the table. “That sucks. If there’s anything we can do, let us know.”

“It’s fine. I knew from the moment it was first floated to me I’d have to turn it down. I already had Trinity. No matter what she thinks, I’d rather be here with her than go away for four or five months. I’d have to leave you guys too, and I’m not ready to do that just yet. Anyway, there is something I’m working on.” Thatcher grinned. “But I’ll hold it to myself for now.”

“Okay,” I said, glad he wasn’t too upset about the semester abroad.

Jonah’s phone vibrated on the table next.

“Weird, I don’t recognize the number. Hello?” He motioned to Thatcher to turn the volume down. “I am. You’re serious? I don’t know what to say. I’ve not given it any thought really. Yes, I will. That sounds good. Thank you.” He hung up and lifted his head. Such pure, naked happiness shown through that I beamed at him, not even knowing why he was happy.

“That was a program director for Journalism and Media Production at DU. He read my essay, and he wants me to look into their program. He thinks I’ll be a good fit.”

“That’s fantastic! What about scholarships, tuition?” I wanted to jump on him, but I refrained, just stupidly happy something good was finally happening for him.

“He said there are options, and that if I was serious about applying, he would help me.” He seemed stunned.

I couldn’t contain myself any longer. I catapulted into his unsuspecting arms, screeching my happiness into his ear.

“Okay, okay! Stop, Astrid! I’m not going to be able to hear out of that ear.” He laughed, falling to his back and taking me with him.

“I feel like there are some gaps.” Thatcher commented to Beck.

“I think so. How did this guy read your essay? What essay?” Beck tossed a pillow at us.

Without a bit of regret or sadness, Jonah told them everything. Except for the fact that he opened the letter right before lunch, but that wasn’t the important part here.

“I’m so glad people are starting to see how talented you are. You’re so much smarter than I ever was, little brother. This is the first of many good things to come.” Beck plucked him right from under me and hugged him tight.

“What about your videos? They’re awesome. It’s not like you’re going to be at Tippy’s forever.” Jonah clapped Beck on the back as they hugged.

“Right? I’ve been talking to some people, and a trip to LA might be in my future. I say we all go out for a weekend.”

“Right, with what money? Flights are expensive.” Jonah scoffed, but he still couldn’t stop smiling.

“Just let me worry about that.” Beck released him and sat back down.

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