Page 8 of Embers in the Dark

“Hello?” I’m always weary when answering these unknown calls.

“Hi. I’m calling for Ms. Rios, please,” a woman says on the other side of the call.

“Speaking,” I say in response, still unsure who is calling.

“This is admissions from Orange University in Boston. I hope I’m catching you at a good time? I apologize for calling later in the day like this,” she says.

My heart rate ticks up.

“It’s no problem at all.” I try to even out my breathing.

“Well, I know you submitted an application for our sports medicine program. It’s a highly sought-after major and we had a long waitlist,” she says.

I stay quiet, hoping she’ll continue explaining.

“We actually had a slot open up last-minute. Classes haven’t started yet and I wanted to call and let you know as soon as possible. I know you’re currently at Singer University in Connecticut, correct?”

“Um, yes, but I’m majoring in kinesiology,” I stumble out.

“That’s okay. I can see from your transcripts that many ofyour classes fulfill both majors. Many students here double major in kinesiology and sports medicine. You don’t need much to finish off the requirements for both,” she explains while my head is spinning.

“Oh, well, that’s good news. Would this affect my graduation date? Do I have to take an extra year of classes to graduate?” I ask.

“The way our classes work with the two majors, you might need to take a few extra classes, which could possibly mean an extra semester, but I could have the counselor take a closer look at your courses and give you a better idea of what things would look like. You’d likely walk in the spring, then graduate later if you needed a few more classes. But we could get more specifics later, if you decide to accept our program,” she explains.

I try not to yelp with excitement. I can't believe this is happening. “Oh, um, alright. How much time do I have to decide?”

“I believe Singer is on the same schedule as Orange University and has a late start, correct?” she asks.

“Yes, school will start after Labor Day.” It’s one of the few universities that starts late in the semester, which was one of the reasons why I chose it. I love ending late and starting late in the semester. Many universities start earlier in August.

“I know I’m giving you a lot to think about right now. Take a few days and give me a call back. If you decide to attend, we’d love to have you. And I know you’ll have to get things figured out, like sorting out housing and also get things in order at your current school,” she says.

I have roommates I’d have to leave behind. What would I say to my friends? I know they want what’s best for me, but it still hurts to move away from them. What will I tell them if I decide to leave? I feel sick just thinking about it.

Then my mind goes to Myles. How would he react?Would he understand? My stomach sinks at the realization that he won’t be understanding in the least.

“I appreciate this opportunity. I’ll let you know as soon as I decide,” I tell her in response.

“Wonderful. I’ll email you so you have my contact information.” She rattles off my email to confirm it.

The moment I hang up the call, I take in a deep breath, and I swear, I think I may throw up. What in the actual fuck is happening?

Without thinking twice, I pull up my contacts and call my mentor at the internship I’ve been doing this summer.

“Hey, Baylee. You driving back?” Farrah answers.

“You won’t believe who just called me!” I nearly scream into the phone.

“Um, who?” She sounds weary.

“Orange University! I got accepted!” This time I do scream. I can’t contain my excitement.

“Shut the fuck up!” Now she’s screaming into the phone too.

Farrah and I had an instant friendship when I started this summer at Conn Physical Therapy. She isn’t much older than me, but she specializes in sports PT and is one of the reasons I want to go into the specialty. She was one of the cheerleaders to get me to look into applying to other programs and now, here I am.

“I know! You’re my first call.” I’m beyond excited right now.

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