Weeks passed since our spontaneous trip across the country. An announcement had been made to inform the applicants of Lexi's writing program, that the chosen candidates would be contacted shortly. Lexi feigned indifference, but I couldn't ignore the persistent tapping of her foot and chewing of her lip every time she opened her laptop screen. Since there was nothing left to do but wait, I seized every opportunity to distract her. In the chance she wasn't chosen, which I thought was highly unlikely, I introduced her to other options. This didn't have to be the only mean to follow her dreams.

      On one of our free nights, I created a lengthy Power Point presentation listing the many other available programs and the very many reasons that the writing route was the right one to take. All whilst making sure that she continued to see the faith I held in her upcoming acceptance into her dream program. Though I placed great effort in showing her different options, I remained certain that she wouldn't need them. The more I thought about it, the more I believed everything would work out. I suspected the ordeal was part of the bigger plans of my offer. Perhaps I was destined to meet Lexi; destined to change her life for the better, so that she could in turn change the lives of others. She had the tendency to speak little, but her words could make a difference. With the potential I saw in her, I could finally understand why us of all people were given the special opportunity. As much as this was for Lexi, I firmly believed that those who had granted the offer, had the interest of many others at heart. The thought gave me an even greater sense of purpose and a deeper admiration for Lexi.

      As a favor for her parents, Lexi missed Tuesday's morning classes to drive Beau and Lacey to a dentist appointment. The lone drive to school that morning had felt strange, but I supposed I would have to get used to not having her around.

       Spending the morning with Conrad, I realised that I would genuinely miss the boy and his friends. A part of me felt guilty for getting to know the gang. The boys hadn't known me long enough or had created a deep enough bond for them to be deeply affected by my death. But if the roles were reversed, I would be saddened by the news of any of their deaths, and I couldn't help but feel as though I was hurting more people than necessary. No matter my guilty thoughts, I found it rather difficult to have regrets in the presence of such an energetic group. Talking about their party to be held that weekend, the boys were practically bouncing through the halls, and I couldn't help but mirror their mood.

       "You can invite the girl's too" Conrad told me.

       "Alright." I tried to picture Lexi's reaction to my invite. "But I don't know if it's their thing."

       Lexi would certainly have reservations. A gathering of so many people would make her anxious, but if I could help her past that, I knew she would enjoy herself. No matter her decision, she would want me to go, and I was not prepared to waste any of the few days I had left with her. I didn't have much of choice. I would have to convince her. I grimaced at the expected difficulty of the task.

        "Tell them it'll be fun," Conrad urged. "If they don't enjoy it, they can leave. But no one leaves a Conrad Meyer's party unsatisfied."

        Carefully observing his expression, I smirked. "I'll make sure Angela's there."

       Conrad froze. Just as soon as the look of panic appeared on his face, he played it cool, rolling his eyes with feigned indifference.

       "I know your thoughts are stuck on love, but that is certainly not why I'm inviting them. I'm being nice. I am a nice person." Conrad's voice faded as if he was finished, but he took one look at my amused disbelief, and words involuntarily tumbled from his lips. "Really. That's it. My invitation has no hidden agenda. None. Nada. Understood?"

       I snorted, smirk only growing. I might have believed him, had he not grown so defensive. It was in my experience, that when one become excessively defensive, they had reason to doubt what they were defending.

       Briefly narrowing his eyes, Conrad suddenly looked up brightly, pleased with a distraction. "Your girlfriend has returned!" he announced, pushing me towards the approaching girl. "Don't keep her waiting. She looks excited too, doesn't she? Go place your meddling nose elsewhere."

       I laughed at his quick attempt to be rid of me, and I would have lingered, continued to tease him if I too hadn't noticed Lexi's elation. She was glowing; steps light and eyes sparkling. Conrad's latest snide remark didn't even register, excitement swelling in my chest as I struggled to maintain my strides at a normal pace. I barely resisted the urge to run up to Lexi because I knew what this moment was. I knew what that smile meant.

       I met her down the hall, in four long strides, practically bouncing. Stood in front of her, I waited, eyes wide and leaning forward in anticipation. The silent question on my features was obvious, and by the way Lexi's smile widened in response, I couldn't stop myself from pulling her into my arms. Wrapping my arms around her small torso, I spun her around.

       "I haven't even said anything yet." She giggled.

       I put her down, stepping back just enough so that I could see her face. "Go on then."

       Lexi only waited a beat. "They loved it." She grinned. "They'll definitely be watching me closely, especially with deadlines, but they've decided to give me a chance."

        I was sure my body was shaking then, shaking with contained excitement. "I don't think you understand how much it's hurting me not to break out in a happy dance, right now."

       Lexi laughed again, smiling from her ears all the way down to her toes. "You'd swear you're more excited than I am."

       "I—Just..." I tried to find the right words. "Just imagine all the good things this will bring. This is the beginning of your dream career, your dream life."

       "I think you're a few steps ahead."

       "None of that." I shook my head insistently. "You earned this. And maybe this is just the first step of many, but there is nothing stopping you now, from reaching the top of that staircase."

       Lexi shook her head fondly. "It's amazing how sure you are of this."

      "I have never been surer or more excited about anything in my life."

      "I can tell." Lexi laughed. "You really do look like you're in pain."

      I nodded. I didn't know what to do with myself. There were so many ways I wished to celebrate, so many things I wanted to say that I didn't know where to start.

       "If it helps, you can do that dance." Lexi crinkled her nose as if she feared the result of her offer.

       "You won't be embarrassed?"

       "I probably will be," she teased. "But I think my curiosity of your dancing abilities surpasses any embarrassment I'll feel."

       "You're going to regret saying that." I grinned, stepping backwards to give myself ample room. I didn't hold back. I let my arms and legs swing every which way, whole body shaking with dance moves. Dance moves that I couldn't name, for I was sure no one else had dared to move as absurdly.

       Lexi's friends found us moments later; me still moving absurdly as Lexi watched me between her fingers, sincere giggles escaping her lips.

       Hours later I remained as enthusiastic about celebrating. I spent the day planning. I surely failed my pop quiz, as I spent the entirety of the period daydreaming of my future celebrations. Lexi thought the celebration unnecessary, but she seemed incapable of refusing my enthusiasm.

       "I'll even cook supper," I drawled, leaning against the locker next to Lexi's. "With appetizers and a fancy dessert. The whole shebang."

      "Sounds great," she laughed. "Is your grandfather going to be there?" She tried to be casual about it, careful not to exhibit much on her face.

       "Probably not. I'm sure he has more errands."

       Lexi nodded nonchalantly, but I noticed the flash of disappointment on her features.

       "I can't make any promises, but I can certainly ask," I added quickly. I doubted that I could make it happen, but I hated the idea of disappointing her.

      "If he's busy, it's alright. I don't want him going out of his way."

      "He really does want to meet you," I swore. "I promise he's not avoiding you."

      I spent so much time with her family, attending many of the Broughton's dinners. I'd gone to the park with her cousins, and shopping with her favourite uncle. I even had tea with her grandmother. Meeting the individuals that had helped make her who she was, brought me great joy. And I was sure she wanted the same. I wanted her to meet grandpa just as much as she did.

       "While we're on the subject of gatherings, how would you feel about attending a slightly more numerous gathering Saturday night?" I asked, hopping to differ the subject.

       Lexi cocked a curious brow.

       "Before you blatantly refuse, please consider it," I started carefully, pausing before breaking the news. "Conrad's throwing a party."

       Lexi immediately cringed.

       "You're supposed to consider it," I complained with a chuckle. "It won't be that bad."

       Lexi's face of uncertainty remained.

       "I know you'll want me to go, but I don't want to go without you." I shot her my best puppy eyes. "I'm positive you'll enjoy yourself, and if I'm wrong, we can leave."

       Lexi studied me a few moments longer. "This is really important to you?"

       "Not really," I admitted with a shrug. "I do think it'll be fun, but it's more important to Conrad."

       Lexi frowned but the smirk that threatened her lips told me that she already had the same suspicions that I had.

       "I think he wants Ange to go," I nudged. "What if she's one of the few people he's compatible with? You wouldn't want to ruin one of the moments they could potentially realize so, would you?" I added puckered lips to my puppy eyes, a killer combo.

       Jaw slacked; Lexi faced my innocent look. Finally, she shook her head in amused disbelief. "Are you using guilt to convince me?" she demanded, playfully placing her hands on her hips.

       "Of course, not." My exaggerated tone claimed the idea preposterous. "I'm just doing what's best for our friends."

       Having placed emphasis on the word our, Lexi shoved me lightly. Amused, she walked to the next class without me, still not having given me a proper answer. I ran to catch up to her.

       "So..." I started hopefully.

       "Yes." Lexi laughed. "We can go... I sure hope you don't forget to ask Angela though. This is for them after-all, isn't it?"

        With a wide smile, I nodded eagerly "I'll get right on it."