Page 161 of Steps

“Probably didn’t get in, anyway,” I mumble tomyself.

But as I read the word ‘accepted,’ joy explodesinside my heart, and I jump up from the bed. “Oh, my God! I got in. I got…” Myvoice trails. I’m too excited. I’ve already decided that California isn’t theplace for me. It’s too far from Varen. So I have to push this exhilarationaside.

Still, if he learns I’ve been accepted, he’llencourage me to go out of guilt. I won’t let him.

Putting the acceptance letter back inside theenvelope, I stick it in my math textbook and hide it in my backpack. Varencan’t see that letter. He can’t know I’ve been accepted.

I sit on the bed and pick at my nails incontemplation. This is the first time I’m hiding something from my boyfriend,and it feels weird.

An hour or so goes by with me just sitting thereuntil I notice it’s starting to darken inside the apartment.

The instant I get up to turn on the lights, Varenopens the door. He plasters on a sweet smile. “Hey.”

“Hey.” I shift from one leg to the other. “Where’dyou go?”

“To the park. Just walked around.”

“K.” I reach in for a hug.

He kisses the side of my head. “How’d it go with yourmom?” he asks when I ease back.

I shrug. “Good enough, I guess.”

Varen sticks his hand in his pocket. “We talkedfor a while until you came home.”

“Hm.” I gnaw at my bottom lip. “You told heryou’re afraid I’ll resent you?”

He rubs the back of his neck and steers his eyesaway from mine, glimpsing the envelope on my bed. “You received an earlyreply?” He looks at me again, eyes now glistening with intrigue.

“Yeah, from UMD.” If I don’t mention the otherschool, I won’t feel as bad. Maybe. “Mom brought it. She invited us to dinnertomorrow night. I’ve decided to open it with everyone.”

“Cool.” He pauses on my face for a few secondsthen glances behind me at the kitchen. “Speaking of dinner, I’ll get started onthat.”

“Oh, let me,” I insist.

Varen refutes, “No, it’s okay. I want to.” Hekisses my cheek before continuing to the kitchen.

My eyes flick to my backpack. That acceptanceletter must stay hidden. I’m not leaving him.

“Aren’t you just bursting with excitement?” Alisonchirps. She appears ecstatic and unable to control herself, like a real sister.

We’ve finished dinner a few minutes ago andgathered in the living room by the electric fireplace. I’m sitting on the sofabetween Alison and my mom. Daniel gets comfy on the tufted ottoman across fromus, and Varen is standing off to the side, waiting.

I open the envelope from UMD and read quickly,“Dear Miss Anderson, thank you for your interest in the University of Maryland.We are pleased to—oh my gosh!” I blurt in glee. “Accepted!”

“Yes!” Alison cheers. “Of course I’m biased sincethat’s my school.”

Mom drapes her arms around me. “Congratulations,honey.”

“Congrats, Toya,” Daniel adds, leaning over to patmy shoulder.

Varen smiles at me but seems unsure about comingcloser.

Mom peers around the living room. “Wait, whathappened to the one from UCLA?”

Everyone gasps. I look at Varen. He wrinkles hisbrows. I lower my eyes from him as I lie, “Actually, I opened it yesterday.Didn’t get in.”

“Oh no,” Daniel says kindly.

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