college application
After submitting my college applications, I
excitedly went to find Ethan.
Outside the pool hall, I heard someone exclaim,
“You didn’t apply to UCLA? What about Chloe?”
Ethan sank a shot, casually saying, “She can go
by herself. I was just kidding her. I never planned to go to UCLA.”
“That’s our Ethan, so heartless he can deceive
such a cute girl,” someone else chimed in.
Ethan chuckled, “She was getting kinda clingy, honestly.”
Outside the door, I felt like my heart had been
pierced by a sword, the pain so intense it turned numb.
I squatted down and cried for almost half an
<
hour before my emotions began to settle. From
the initial sadness and heartbreak, to the later
resentment and unwillingness, my feelings had
been a rollercoaster. Now, I found myself
strangely calm. The tumultuous emotions had
receded like the tide, leaving behind a quiet
stillness.
Wiping my tears and taking a few deep breaths,
I walked into the pool hall.
Ethan had just finished a masterful game, and
everyone was clapping. Seeing me, he put his
cue down and waved me over.
“What are you doing out in this heat? I thought
you hated the sun?”
I stared into his eyes and said seriously, “I just
finished submitting my college application.”
For a moment, I thought I saw guilt flicker in his
eyes, but maybe I was imagining it.
Ethan coughed slightly, “Yeah, application day. I
finished mine too.”
I continued to stare at him. “You promised that
if we got into the same college, we would…”
“Chloe, I’m sorry, I forgot to tell you
something.” Ethan looked away. “My mom
doesn’t want me to study medicine. She made
me apply to NYU.”
“But you said you wanted to be a doctor,” I
whispered.
He frowned, looking frustrated. “You know how
pushy my mom is. She says being a doctor is
too much work, thankless, and forced me to
apply to NYU for finance.”
I looked down, silent. So, this was his excuse.
Ethan, did you really think anyone would believe
that? Your mom can be strong–willed, but when
has she ever truly won an argument with you?
<
They always ended with her giving in.
I didn’t voice any of my questions. I just looked
up at him and calmly asked, “So, we won’t be going to college together?”
“I’m sorry, Chloe.” Ethan reached out to try and appease me. “Don’t be mad. I’ll buy you some pizza tonight. Besides, it’s not like we’ll lose
touch. We can still call and video chat.”
I didn’t reply. I just turned and left. Ethan, there is no ‘later.‘ I’m never talking to you again.
During the summer, Ethan invited me out a few
times, but I always made excuses. After that, he
stopped asking. However, he was active on
social media, so I still saw his updates. He was
completely letting loose, traveling all over the
country with a group of friends. One week he
was in California, the next he was in Montana.
