This chapter is dedicated to [AintBishes]! You're my latest supporter! Thanks a lot! :) Sorry for keeping you all waiting! Here's the update! 

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Chapter 20: New Beginnings

"Kevin! Come downstairs!" Dad's voice echoed throughout the house. Jon opened my bedroom door and helped me walk out. I clutched his hand, lightly.

"What's up?" I whispered.

"You'll see for yourself." He replied as we made a turn to walk downstairs.

"Am I in trouble?" I questioned, my brain whizzing so as to remember anything stupid I had done. No. Nothing at all.

He chuckled beside me. "You'll see, young man."

Somehow, Jon succeeded in scaring the crap out of me! I nervously made my way downstairs with him.

"There's my boy!" Dad cheered, his voice hinting utter pride.

My eyebrow puckered up inquisitively at the sudden appreciation.

I could hear mom chuckling, her voice cracking while doing so. Wait a second. Was she crying?

What the hell was happening?!

"Dad..." I trailed carefully, my final step landing on the carpeted floor.

"Kevin, I would like you to meet Mr. David Moore here. He's the Managing Director of the University of Yale." Dad triumphed.

My eyebrows shot up in surprise. The MD of Yale was here?! Woah!

"Nice meeting you, Mr. Moore." I replied, my hand sticking out. Mr. Moore gave me a firm handshake.

"An immense pleasure to meet you too, Kevin!" He addressed. I beamed as a reply. It seemed like the gates of heaven had opened up for me and the angels were playing their harps! In the midst of all the drama, something good happened! I didn't know what was to come next but I sure had a hunch.

"Shall we discuss this in the living room, please?" Dad offered. I felt movement and walked in tow, soft fingers enclosing my hand.

"Kevi, who's he?" Eva whispered, curiosity lingering in her voice.

I chuckled. "Someone huge! Someone who's part of this University I want to go to."

She made an "Ohh" sound and we followed the crowd. Soon we were all seated with Jon helping me in.

"Mr. Moore, would you like to have something to begin with?" Mom offered.

He chuckled softly. 'Sounds like a pleasant fellow.' I thought.

"It's very kind of you to offer, Mrs. Sanders, but I wouldn't have anything. Thank you." He explained.

"Jonathan here makes fantastic food which I advise you shouldn't resist." Dad suggested, playfully. Jonathan chuckled and I knew he looked bashful.

"Ah! He sure does, probably, but I don't want to risk facing my wife after doing so! She says I look like a pumpkin and it's not at all a sweet endearment!" He whispered.

Everyone at the table chuckled before things came back to being serious.

"Now. The reason why I'm here is probably puzzling you, right Kevin?" Mr. Moore asked.

I smiled. "I'm not that puzzled, honestly. I've got a slight hint already."

"Told you this guy's smart! That's good..." Mr. Moore trailed while I smirked in response.

"Kevin, I've seen your skill and I'm immensely impressed. You're a very blessed child, my boy. God has been kind. Weeks prior to your basketball match, your coach suggested your Dean to invite me to watch the game too. I think he knew of your desire about studying in Yale. I had received the offer and I was indeed glad to be a part of it. We didn't disclose the news of me coming over. I had come along with one of my colleagues. My reason for attending your match was because of how greatly I had heard about you and most of it was because of your excellent basketball skills! Yale needs students like you. The University not only focuses on education but we offer limitless opportunities to the students so that they can excel in all fields. That is the reason why we offer scholarships even through the Sports Quota. I think, if you join our University, you wouldn't fail to make us proud and for the fact that a boy like you overcoming so many obstacles in life, tackling problems that even we find difficult, you'll shine and make a name for yourself! It's not that you aren't good at academics but this is where you exactly shine. So I humbly ask you to join the University.

"Here is your acceptance letter, dear boy. Cent percent scholarship..." He finished.

I was rooted to the ground, not able to move a muscle. This monologue had to be the most inspirational and touching one in my entire life! Many people did encourage me. There were a few people's encouragements that I totally cherished. But I never knew he too would be part of those few people...

I suddenly felt charged. Hope ignited in me to prove to the world that I was no different. Suddenly it felt like my life was falling back into place. That everything would be okay. One step at a time like tiny baby steps. This could be my new beginning...

"Thank you so very much, Mr. Moore. I'll not fail to make you proud, sir." I stated.

He patted my back warmly and whispered for only me to hear. "I know you'll not. I'm counting on you, boy!" I grinned back in response.

"It's so very kind of you, Mr. Moore. Thank you so much!" Mom cooed. Dad chuckled beside her.

"Don't mention it. By the way, Kevin, all the details are in the letter. Classes will begin from November 14th onwards. Be well prepared and yes, do well in your exams this term!" He wished. I nodded. I heard the scraping of the chairs and Mr. Moore wished me a good bye. Their voices faded away and I grazed my fingers on the smooth paper that I was holding ever so dearly.

"Eva?"

"Hmm?"

Thank God she was still here! I wanted to hear all that was written inside it!

"Would you read this out to me, please?"

"Sure." She replied in a sing-song voice and I grinned at her.

Eva scurried towards me and I handed her the letter.

"Dear Mr. Sanders, We are delighted to offer you a place..." I smiled to myself as she continued reading and often stopped to ask me the pronunciation of tough words.

+ + +

"May you both shine in your respective years at the University and may you always make us proud! We know you both will do well! To Kevin and Riley!" Dad toasted.

"To Kevin and Riley!" Everyone cheered and the wine glasses clinked together.

Best part about the whole thing, Riley got a cent percent scholarship too at Yale! He and I were graded together!

"This is absolutely wonderful! Both of them receiving cent percent scholarship!" Mr. Jacobsen commented.

"Indeed it is and it has happened for the best!" Dad replied.

"Getting into your dream University is like woah! That too Ivy League! It's not fair that you guys are going to be there together and I'm going to be secluded! Ugh!" Abigail cursed and everyone chuckled.

"Then stay." I teased, dramatically with my hand over my heart. Everyone at the table giggled. I received a harsh shove to which I cussed.

"So, Riley and Kevin, are you guys going house hunting or are you both going to stay in dorms?" Mrs. Watson asked while slicing her share of pork.

"Dorms." Riley replied.

"Apartment." I stated.

I faced the direction of the voice and scowled. I could sense him frowning at me too.

A thick layer of tension hovered between us and everybody could sense it.

"Uh...haven't you both talked about it yet? There's still time to decide but didn't you guys discuss this matter?" My mother asked, her tone careful.

"It's decided. We're staying in an apartment. It's more convenient." I replied, clenching my fork tight.

"You don't get to decide everything! We're staying in dorms. They're much better!" Riley seethed.

"Is that your reason? "They're much better"?" I mocked, imitating the way he said it.

"They indeed are! The University will provide everything!" He reasoned, his voice rising by an octave.

"Look, the University is already providing us with everything! I don't want to see them doing more of a favour to us! Plus it's a new place! Connecticut! Don't you want to be on your own, like, to explore or something?! Live a little!" I ranted, trying to drive some sense into him. He wanted to stay in a dorm? He couldn't be serious!

There was silence for sometime. The air thickened with tension all the more. Wow! It was surprising how my parents didn't kick us out of the dining room till now! Talking loudly here was an offence!

Abigail broke the silence.

"Would you please excuse the three of us?"

"No. Sit." Mr. Watson ordered.

I scooted closer to her chair.

"Why did you want to be excused?" I whispered to Abigail.

"Why did you guys not make up yet?" She asked, her voice sounding hurt.

I sighed and continued eating. The table grew eerily quiet. Way to go to spoil a reunion dinner! That too it was Riley and my victory dinner!

"And here's the celebrated Tiramisu!" Dad broke the awful silence as Jon began serving everyone.

I bit into my first bite of the heavenly goodness and all of a sudden my anger and agitation towards Riley washed away! This delicacy was divine and I savoured every morsel! The cream flowed on my tongue and the entire table grew into a comfortable silence of longing and savouring!

"This. Is. Just. So. Amazing." Abigail commented with a moan.

I chuckled next to her and felt her shoot me a look.

"You're the best, Jonathan! Love your food, man! You can even make poison delicious, buddy! I would readily eat that too!" Riley praised. The slicing of food could be heard all around and the aroma wafting in the air was captivating.

Jon chuckled and thanked everyone silently.

Soon dinner was over. Our parents went to the living room to have their chats which mostly included the stock market and their childhood days. Abigail, Riley, Eva and I were left alone. Jon had gone back to the kitchen.

I could hear our other servants clearing up the mess on the carpet. Jon was our labelled chef and homemaker. We needed nobody other than him. He was family.

"Eva? Sweetie, let's tuck you to sleep..." Mom cooed.

Eva whined at that.

"But I want to spend time with Kevi, Abi and Riles!" She pleaded.

"No honey. It's time for you to sleep. You can see them tomorrow, if you wish." Mom suggested, her footsteps nearing.

"But Riley will not be there!" She whined, almost in the brink of tears. I sighed, a small smile on my face.

"I'll be here, princess. When you wake up tomorrow, I'll come to serve you fresh banana pancakes in your bedroom. We can eat together. Then we can go to the park too if you wish." He chided.

Eva giggled.

"Do I get extra maple syrup?" She asked, timidly.

"You get whatever you want." He replied.

I smiled at Riley. He was always very protective and sweet to my sister. He treated her like she was his sister too!

Mom sighed at the blackmail. I laughed at that.

"C'mon Eva! Riley has promised he'll be here! Let's go now!" She said.

Eva walked towards her.

"What about Abi?" She asked.

The three of us laughed at her.

"I'll be here too." She added and made a noise of a peck. A flying kiss for my Eva.

"Goodnight, Kevi. I love you!" She wished, her voice groggy.

I chuckled. "Love you more, love!"

All was quiet after they left.

"Umm...guys?" Abigail initiated. She knew she was treading on thin ice.

"If you think we're going to patch up with you acting as a referee standing here, then it's not going to happen! Give us some space!" Riley countered.

She huffed.

"Fine. Fuck the both of you!" Swearing, she strutted out.

"You didn't have to talk to her like that." I reasoned.

"Was there any other way she would get the message loud and clear?" He defended.

I sighed in response.

"I'm sorry."

My ears perked up and my eyebrow rose pointedly.

"Yeah. I'm sorry, Kevin. I was acting like a douche that day!" He swore and took a chair to sit next to me.

"That you were." I replied, looking at him.

"Thanks for making me feel better!" He said.

I chuckled softly. Slowly, I could feel the tension easing between the two of us.

The silence was comfortable.

"I really messed up, man! I shouldn't have said those things. I don't know what had gotten into me that day for me to behave like that to you! I did speak for your betterment but you were right. I've no right to decide what is best for you! That's totally your call. Plus, I shouldn't have tread on your past with Abigail. And yeah, I should've given Caroline a chance to explain herself. I'm sorry I assumed too much." He finished and exhaled a heavy breath which I didn't know he was holding.

I smiled at his confession. I knew Riley. He was never one to hurt people intentionally. And if he did, it was all because he cared too much about the person and seeing the person in a fucked up state would often cause his inner feelings to go into a turmoil. Basically, facing Riley in such situations would sometimes end up hurting you.

"It's okay, man. I'm not mad at you anymore. And yeah, sorry for punching you." I admitted, regret washing over me.

He chuckled. "It's okay. All is in the past though your aim was perfect."

We laughed at that.

"I'm assuming you guys patched up?" Abigail prepped at a distance.

"Come here, beautiful." Riley commented and she walked towards us.

"Yeah...?" She trailed.

We pulled her towards us as she let out a squeal and kissed her on her cheeks.

"We did." We replied.

She began giggling at us.

"Love you both!" She squealed and pulled us into a bear hug.

"So no dorm?" Riley asked, his voice muffled.

"No dorm." I replied.

"Shut up, both of you!" Abi stated and we burst out laughing.