“I'm chasing that light tonight
Another step on my tightrope
I know that I'll be alright.”
….

She looks at me expectantly.

“What?” I ask, folding my arms and batting my lashes innocently.

“You're supposed to tell me something?” She raises a brow at me.

I take a sip of the soda in front of me and drop it back on the table gingerly.
“I just want to see how long you can stay without losing it, darling.”

She purses her lips, still staring at me unblinkingly. I'll admit her stare is scaring me and I want to look away but I really want to keep taunting her.
“Just tell me. And I swear…if it's not something good–”

“What're you gonna do?” I raise a brow at her. A smirk tugs at my lips.

Her lips part in surprise and she shakes her head at me.

“Oh you wanna know?” she tries.

I nod and reach out for the cup in front of me once more, taking a refreshing sip. “I do. Tell me.”

That's where she loses.
“Oh fine. Just tell me, please!” She results to giving me puppy dog eyes that I can't help but admit are as cute as she intended them to be.

“Okay fine,” I say and a victory smile spreads out on my face. “It's really big news and I'm so excited to finally tell someone.”

“Just tell me! God, you know how to make someone wait.”

I chuckle at her reaction and finally proceed to tell her. I rest my elbows on the table and my cheeks on my palm.

“So…a few weeks ago, while I was contemplating my life, I just had this sudden inspiration out of nowhere to submit a picture of mine to a college I've actually always wanted to go to. I heard they produce a lot of good photographers and I've been keeping my eye on it for some time. So…I applied for a scholarship and after a few more processes, I got the scholarship!”

Her eyes widen in shock and a wide grin spreads out on her face. She places her hand over her mouth and the twinkle in her eyes tell me that she's genuinely shocked and happy for me.

“Oh my God, no way Jordan! I'm so happy for you, this is amazing!”

She gets up from her side of the table and rushes over to me to give me a big hug. I shut my eyes and rest my head on her shoulder as she envelopes me in her warmth.

She hugs me tighter and whispers something I don't really catch but I don't care at the moment. I'm just really happy about the fact that I got this scholarship and the fact that she's here to share the joy with me.

I received the letter the night before and I was so ecstatic about it. My parents were obviously wondering why I was so much cheerful than usual but I didn't let them know. They didn't deserve to know, well, until I have to move out to college next year.

But for now, I'll have to cruise through senior year and make sure I pass my finals with a nice score and…my life will start to look and feel so much better.

She gives me a peck on the lips and ruffles my curls endearingly before walking over to sit.

“I'm proud of you Jordan.”

My heart warms at her words and I smile.
“I'm happy you're here.”

“Me too,” she replies with a cheeky smile.

I shake my head at her and take a sip of my drink. She focuses her attention on her phone and I do the same.

I go to my mail app and open the letter for the millionth time again. When I do that, I suddenly remember one very important detail that I forgot to tell her.

“Oh and Star, guess what?” She looks up from her phone. My eyes roam her beautiful face and I know I made the right decision with her, for everything.

“What?”

“You remember that picture I took of you at the park, in front of the sunset? The one that I said was one of my favourite pictures to take?”

“Uh huh?”

“That was the picture I submitted.”

“What? Wait, really?”

“Yeah” I say and laugh at her expression.

“Omg, that's…”

“Amazing, I know. You're so stunning that a picture of you with the sunset at the background got me a scholarship to study photography at one of the best photography schools in the state. How does that feel?”

“Um…amazing?” She so at loss for words it's pretty hilarious. She also blushing like crazy from the compliment and I smirk to myself.

“Amazing, for sure. You are exceptionally beautiful Star. Has anyone told you that?”

“Well, yes but–”

I let out a loud laugh at her sassiness.

“I meant yes but it's different coming from you!” She says through her laughter. “I mean, it's more special coming from you.” The smile she gives me melts my heart.

“That's makes me really happy.”

“I'm so happy for you Jordan, you have no idea. Each day I just hoped and hoped that you'll find the courage to break out of the chains your parents were holding you down with and follow your dreams. You are an amazing person and you deserve to be happy no matter what anyone says or thinks.”

“This is why I love you.”

She gives me a warm smile that tells me that she loves me so much as well.