“Oh my God, tell me!”

My legs flailed, Irish jig–style, because I was so excited I couldn’t stand it (literally, ha). “It’s at the Art Institute of Chicago. All expenses paid, for a week. I arrive on January twenty-ninth.”

This time I did have to jerk the phone away.

A second later I interrupted her whooping. “Wait, wait, the second thing is even better!”

“You also get a pet unicorn?”

“Better. Chloe, I took this step because of you. I really meant it when I told you before that seeing you go after what you want inspired me. Thank you.”

It was quiet for a second. “You did this yourself. I’m really proud of you.” Her familiar sweet voice wrapped around me like a hug.

I did another flaily-leg jig. “Hey, I’m going to see you in two weeks.”

She squealed. “Two weeks! Ah! I can’t believe it!”

Neither could I. Things didn’t usually fall into place for me, but that just meant it was about time, right?

Chloe CHAPTER 60 HELL OF A GREETING

January 16–29

The next two weeks d r a g g e d on, even though Drew and I texted in our free time… and maybe also in my not-so-free-time, like during class, whoops.

Some were lighter:

<Chloe>

I know they’re putting you up in a hotel, but you’re also welcome to stay in my dorm

You can borrow pajamas

<Drew>

I only wear satin, and they have to be something worthy for my flock of sheep

Satin tuxedo it is

Then I will match James Baaand

Too much?

No, not baaad

Some were more serious:

<Drew>

I’m scared I won’t be good enough

<Chloe>

You got in!

You earned your place!

What if I was the fluke?

The one who was admitted when the admissions person was drunk?

Drunk people’s opinions matter too

They go to art museums

True

Though… I wouldn’t know

I don’t like to drink

Not that I’ve tried, of course, being underage

I don’t really drink either

I can’t afford to buy Pepcid AC AND alcohol

Does that really work?

Supposedly?

Or you can just embrace the Asian glow

Who said redness is uncool?

Maybe I think people who have all the alcohol metabolizing genes are the sad ones

Except for the admissions guy who let me in

He rules

You will be GREAT

I promise

Chang’e believes in you

The goddess or the sheep?

Both

Phew

Ok

As long as the sheep was included

Then I can do this

Okay, so even our serious ones turned lighthearted.

During those two weeks, I became obsessed with sitting as still as a scarecrow in class so I could feel whether my phone was vibrating with a text. I mistook every slight sound and muscle tic for a notification and played emotional roulette instead of paying attention to the lecture.