Page 19 of Forging Legacy

As if he can sense my distress, he eases away from me on the bench. “Sorry. I’m being pushy. I just really think you’re awesome.”

His cheeks get small spots of pink, causing me to flush as well. I laugh. “We’re both worked up over this test, I think.”

He smiles. “I’ll let you get to grading. See you Friday?”

I nod and watch him walk away. I gather my things and head toward the math department office, where the admin pulls a list of the other student teaching assistants for Dr. Yoon’s class. When I lean on the wall outside the office to email the group about divvying up the tests, I see an unread message from Imperial College in London.

I gasp as I click to read it.

Dear Ms. Montgomery: I am delighted to inform you that you’ve been selected…

I stop reading and close my eyes. My heart races. Is this really happening? I hum a little bit and open my eyes, returning to the message.

…for our graduate fellowship in algebraic geometry, including tuition remission, a monthly stipend, accommodation in our private graduate student housing, as well as a meal plan for our residential dining halls. Assuming completion of your degree and receipt of final transcripts…

I stop reading again, eyes watering. This is it. This is what I’ve been working for. My dreams are so close I can feel them with my fingertips. I stamp out thoughts of Wyatt and his exam and his soccer career. I need to focus on finishing this semester.

I pull up a group chat with Thora and my mom, typing three words in all caps:

I GOT IT!

Their responses come almost immediately, and I smile, knowing I’ll be celebrating with them.

Chapter15

Fern

Thora and Momflank me as we walk up Forbes Avenue in the fading daylight. I was excited that the timing worked so they could both be in the neighborhood to celebrate with me as soon as I got the note from Imperial College. Thora points at the bougie new chain restaurant with a bright sign. “This calls for milkshakes,” she says, tugging us inside.

I try not to look at the price tag for three shakes—they don’t even have alcohol stirred in, so why onearthdo they cost this much—and we find a high table to sit. Mom’s eyes water as she holds up her plastic cup brimming with whipped cream and cherries. “To my hardworking girl, who never takes her eye off the prize.”

“Cheers to that!” Thora plucks a cookie from the top of her treat and bites into it.

I click my cup against each of theirs and savor the sweet drink. “It all feels surreal,” I say after swallowing. “Like … this has been the goal for so long. What’s the goal now?”

Thora rolls her eyes. “Getting the damn degree, Montgomery. That’s the goal. Do you have your student visa yet?”

I shake my head. “No, I needed the acceptance letter first.”

“Oh, right.” She taps her fingers on the table. “Not gonna lie, I’m anxious about my own acceptance letter now.”

Mom squeezes both our forearms. “I just know you’ll both be heading off to London together. Thora, what makes you want to do a law degree over there, though?”

Thora’s eyes widen, and she waggles her brows. “International business, baby. I want to go everywhere. I want clients in Tokyo. I want to facilitate deals in Delhi. London is a starting place.”

I set down my milkshake and squeeze Mom’s hand. “Don’t worry. I plan to come back stateside after my degree. I’m just looking for a very specific program expertise.”

Thora laughs. “Only about 30 people in the world understand what you do with your math, babe. And that’s fine because you’re a beautiful algebra wizard.”

Mom’s eyes watery as she sips her shake. “Fern, you’ve always seen numbers differently from other people. I don’t know where that comes from, but it’s very special, and I know you’ve worked so hard.” She dabs at her eye with a napkin.

I draw in a shuddering breath. “Mom, you’ve been supportive. Always. We did this together. I wish you could come with me!”

She waves a hand. “Maybe someday. For a visit.” We share a grin until I feel my phone buzz in my pocket. Frowning, wondering who it could be, I glance down. It’s Wyatt. I forgot I had given him my number at lunch. I press my lips together and send the call to voicemail as Thora and Mom talk about how nice it would be if Mom flew first class to see us both in London. Thora snorts. “It’s not like anyone from my family will be coming over.”

I slurp the last of my shake. There’s no way I’ll be hungry for dinner after this. “Never say never, Thor.”

She squints and points at the ceiling. “The only way my parents are coming to London is if they’re on the run from the law.” Thora’s purse begins to beep. “Ah, shit. I gotta get to the arena. I’m working the hockey game tonight.”

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