We are pleased to inform you that you have been accepted to Stanford University…

Congratulations. We are pleased to inform you that you have been accepted to the University of California, Los Angeles…

We are pleased to inform you that you have been accepted to the University of California, Davis…

I stared at the 3 acceptance letters in front of me.

Before leaving school, I noticed the three letters in my mailbox. I quickly took them out and hid them in my satchel.  

It was now Homeroom and after taking a deep breath, I opened them.

I smiled at first, proud and happy that my hard work had paid off, but then my smile started to disappear.

But this isn’t what I wanted….

The schools I would be leaping in joy if I were to be accepted were the University of the Arts, NYU, Tisch School of the Arts…not these…

“Min! Are those your acceptance letters?” My Homeroom teacher appeared behind me. She reached over and took the letters from my shaking hands. 

“Stanford, UCLA and Davis! Congratulations!” She beamed, putting an arm around me.

“Thank you”

“Wow. Your father must be beaming with pride. Good Job, Min” She said, handing me back my letters.

“Thank you” I said again. She smiled and squeezed my shoulder before going back to her desk.

I noticed Ruth glaring at her and then shifted her eyes to me. I noticed her eyes were teary, but they were also filled with rage.

She looked away and I noticed her crumpling a piece of paper.

Did she not get accepted to her first choice?

Since I arrived, I didn’t think Ruth liked me. From what I heard she was the top student before I showed up and I seemed to have kicked her off her pedestal.

I shrugged it off; it wasn’t my problem, but once I saw the letters in front of me, a wave of guilt hit me.

Here I was with 3 acceptance letters to 3 top schools and I wasn’t happy.

There was probably kids out there crying about not being accepted and here I was disappointed that I was accepted.

I could be taking the place of someone who really wanted to get in.

Someone like Ruth.

I think I should tell my stepfather today. I can’t wait for Fei; I have to do this now.

I jumped at the sound of the bell signifying homeroom was over.

Not now exactly, but I’ll tell him later.

I packed my things and made my way out of the classroom.

I felt someone shove my shoulder and Ruth walked down the hall hastily.

I sighed and walked to my next class.

-

“Whoa. Stanford huh?” Leo said, looking at my letters.

“You do know Stanford has a Dance program”, Haru said, playing with my fingers.

“I’m aware, but I applied for the business school”

“When are you telling your dad?”

“Soon”

“Do you think he’ll let you use your college fund for Dance? What if he takes it away?”

“I said I’ll tell him soon” I mumbled, standing up and yanking my hand away.

I walked over to stage and jumped up.

“I’m sure he’ll accept it, but Haru’s right. You can’t put if off much longer,” Leo said gently.

I lay down on floor, ignoring Haru and Leo’s whispers. I stared at the lighting on the ceiling, trying to decide how to bring up the topic.

Time is running out!

I screamed and jolted up holding my head.

“Min?” I heard Haru’s worried voice.

I shook my head; Haru and Leo had jumped on the stage and were now looking down at me worried.

“Sorry, there was a bug” I said, catching my breath.

They sighed in relief. Leo offered his hand and he pulled me up with ease.

They jumped off the stage and I tried to figure out what just happened.

She was scared and desperate.

I closed my eyes, trying to see if I could remember anything.

Nothing.

I’m sorry.