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And theof Boarding School Boy Our ties The head of school thinks I was a distraction for Josh, which means she thinks that I take our relationship more seriously than he does But that’s not true He did take it seriously

Does he still?

He hasn’t given me any reason to doubt him, but the more time we spend apart, the more clearly I see that our relationship was founded on unstable ground His loneliness How long will it take before he realizes that havingalone? I was convenient I was a distraction

Josh is a ro in love, and he craves love to fill the void left by his absentee parents Maybe our relationship didn’t happen quickly because we’re perfect for each other, but because we each got swept away by it – him because of this insatiable need,crush Did those three years of longing cloud my perception of reality? Hoell do I really know him? Since I’ve last seen him in person, I’ve been faced with several incarnations that I didn’t even know existed

And he still hasn’t h school What if Dartland, and he’s not there? What am I supposed to do without hi that doesn’t involve hiile as a wall of bones

I get through ued by these doubts because I’ve been away froht before my last day of class, I’m surprised by a call fro that it’s actually Josh It is But a folloorry kicks in, and I’ in DC for winter break"

Josh laughs "No, I’ with happy news For once It’s an invitation to a Christmas party at the Met Black tie Movers and shakers It’ll probably be atrocious, but ood sign

"And you’ll get to wear a fancy dress, and I’ll get to show you off Asas you still want this world to know you exist?"

"Yes! Yes, please"

He laughs again "Then it’s a date"

When his mother reclaims her phone, I leave hter than it’s been in weeks Josh was laughing We’re going on a public date His parents want to spend time with me

I stop in my tracks His parents want to spend tin, really I check my mailbox There are two envelopes stuffed into the back, one fat and one skinny I pull theiddy with renewed cheer, until I realize that neither envelope is from Josh

One is from la Sorbonne, and the other is from Columbia

One is an acceptance letter, and the other is a rejection

Chapter twenty-five

"I can’t decide which is better, your hair or your dress" Maether"