MAYA

"They came."My aunt announced happily to Violet and I as soon as we walked downstairs for breakfast.

Violet and I looked at each other before scrambling forward to get the letters from her. Mine was from the University of Michigan and hers was from the University of South California.

"What are you doing? Open them."My aunt demanded.

"Nope, we'll text you the results later."Violet replied taking my hand and dragging me out of the house.

We didn't even have breakfast, there wasn't time. Just then both our phones pinged with messages from the group chat.

"We need to get to school."Violet declared unlocking her car.

I got in next to her clutching my letter to my chest. I had gotten letters from other universities but this one was the big one and the final one. Elijah and I were still sticking to our promise to go to the same university and I knew he really wanted to go to Michigan. It was his dream university and even if he hadn't opened his letter yet his was a guaranteed acceptance. As for me it was still a fifty fifty shot so I was very unsure. I didn't care where I went, all that I cared about was that Elijah and I went to the same school.

"You nervous?"Violet asked glancing at me.

"Yes, very."I replied feeling like my heart was beating out of my chest.

"I am too but I believe in us."Violet replied taking my hand in hers.

She was brave and I was too but at the moment I couldn't seem to grasp at all that courage.

Elijah and I had been anticipating this moment for the longest time possible and I didn't want to be the reason we both failed. Ever since we got back together three months ago things had been going so good between us. Elijah was finally in therapy and things couldn't be better. When we had a problem instead of him lashing out or closing me off, he'd learnt to communicate his feelings. I had also taken time to make him understand our connection better and once he was over the fear of treating me and himself like an egg we were okay. Everything was finally on track and this was just one more hurdle we had to get past through.

I had thought long and hard about the course I wanted to pursue and I'd finally decided on being a physical therapist. Tamara had inspired me with the work she had done with Elijah and I liked helping people. I also liked keeping fit so a physical therapist was the best option for me.

"We're here."Violet announced pulling up into her usual spot.

Everyone had already arrived except for us and we could tell by their anxious faces that they were waiting for us. We had all agreed to open our final letters together that's why we had skipped breakfast at home. We had even prohibited each other from looking online so that we could all share the experience. We had helped each other with our exams and essays so our grades weren't going to be an issue.

I got out of the car and immediately walked into Elijah's arms who was waiting for me with my daily dose of serotonin.

"Good morning bug."Elijah greeted his voice rumbling making me tingle all over.

"Morning."I replied my voice coming out muffled.

Elijah and I had spent five weeks apart but he had finally made his way back to me and from that moment on I'd learnt to treasure each moment I got with him. Our relationship had been rocky at the beginning of the year after we got back together but we had worked on it as a couple and now we were stronger than ever.

"Okay enough cuddling, are we doing this or not?"Finn asked sounding very nervous.

I let go of Elijah and faced my friends but still leaning on him, my back to his chest.

"Let's do this."Wendy declared looking worried too.

We all agreed it was time so everyone got out their letters and we opened them simultaneously. I was shaking but I could feel Elijah was there with me so he gave me all the courage I needed. The first word I saw once I peeked at the letter was congratulations and I didn't need to read anything else to know that I was in. I sagged relieved against Elijah's chest and he was quick to catch me. I looked up at him and he was grinning at me. We had made it.

I looked at the rest of my friends and they all had happy relieved looks on their faces. Finn was going to the University of South California with Wade and Violet. Wendy had applied to Stanford and according to the winning grin on her face we had won. Jace was going to Michigan with Elijah and I.

"Hell yes! That's what I'm talking about."Finn yelled happily picking up Wendy who was closest to him and twirling her around.

We had worked so hard in both academics and extra curriculars to get to where we were and it was finally playing out in our favor.

"I'm in a celebratory mood. What do say we skip school for the day and go have fun?"Wade suggested.

"I've had a perfect school record, I'm not about to break it."Wendy resisted.

"Don't worry shortie, you'll still be valedictorian. Your efforts have paid off and its finally time to enjoy your win."Finn teased her.

"Do you want to go?"Elijah whispered in my ear.

"Yes but maybe we can get away later to celebrate privately."I replied making him grin.

"We're going."Elijah declared for the both of us.

We ended up convincing Wendy to skip with us since it was six against one.

"First stop, Starbucks. We didn't have breakfast and I need my daily dose of caffeine."Violet declared taking Wade's hand and leading him to her car.

"Ride with me?"Elijah requested and I nodded since Wade had taken my place.

I got into the passenger side next to Elijah and texted my aunt a photo of my acceptance letter. I had been accepted on a track scholarship so that lifted the financial burden off my aunt for a while.

"I'm proud of you bug."Elijah said taking my hand in his to kiss the back of it.

"Ditto. I can't believe we're going to the same university. I can't wait to join but I'm still scared."I confessed when the reality started setting in.

"Why?"Elijah asked.

"I've never been on my own before. I know you'll be there but we won't always be together. Here at home I'm always with someone familiar but there I'll be alone a lot. Not to mention the hostels, what if my roommate is mean and picks on me."I lamented.

"Stop freaking out, it will be okay, I'll always be with you, that I can assure you. As for the living conditions I was thinking that you and I can rent an apartment together."Elijah suggested looking nervous.

Living together with Elijah? I hadn't even thought of that. It sounded fun but also scary at the same time.

"You don't have to say yes right now and I don't want you to feel obligated to say yes. We can even do it after a semester or two. Whatever you're comfortable with."Elijah added when I didn't reply immediately.

"I appreciate the thought but I don't think we're ready to live together. Yes we can try but maybe in sophomore or junior year. We'll be together but I think it will be good if we try to be independent first. If it doesn't work then we'll live together like you've suggested."I replied.

I could tell Elijah was disappointed but he also knew I was right. I didn't want us to burn out too fast plus it would be good for us to have a little bit of independence. We would be in the same university so we were bound to see each other a lot but it would also be good for us to maintain some distance.

"I know and I understand, I'm sorry for pushing you."Elijah apologized.

"You didn't push, you communicated an idea which is a good one just at the wrong time. We're young and have the rest of our lives ahead of us."I reassured him.

"You're right."Elijah replied smiling at me.

I was excited for the possibilities awaiting us in the future because I knew that I had an amazing boyfriend by my side.

We arrived at Starbucks and since Violet and Wade had talked us into skipping school coffee was on them. We all got our orders before driving to a different cafe for breakfast.

"I wish we were old enough to drink. Mimosas sound amazing just about now."Violet groaned as she dug into her syrup covered pancakes.

"Three more years then you can proudly drink all the mimosas you want."I replied consoling her.

My words didn't help because all I got was a grunt and a scowl in reply.

"I can't believe we actually all got in to our dream universities."Jace commented rereading his letter for the tenth time.

"Of course we got in, we worked our asses off."Wendy replied looking very proud of herself.

"But there's a downside to this, we're all going our separate ways."Finn commented sadly and the whole table went silent.

He was right, some of us were going to the same university but the whole gang was breaking up into different schools.

"Damn you're right. Maya, you and I will be in different schools, different States. I won't see you as much anymore."Violet cried pulling me into a hug.

"We both knew that when we were applying Vee."I reasoned with her.

"I know but it's only hitting me now. We are so doomed."She exaggerated and started fake crying.

Girl should have been taking acting classes and not studying to be a pediatrician.

"We'll be okay Vee, we'll be home for all the holidays and we can visit each other too."I consoled her.

It took a few minutes for her to calm down enough to let me go. I looked at Elijah who rolled his eyes at me making a funny face so I could laugh. Well at least I would have him in Michigan.

"I propose we go out big. We do one last thing together as a group especially over the summer after graduation."Finn proposed.

"Party."Jace suggested.

"We're always partying, think bigger."Finn replied.

"We can all take a cruise together."Wendy suggested.

"I am not getting in a boat to go in the middle of the ocean, definitely not. Other ideas."Wade demanded.

We all knew he had a fear of sharks even though we lived in a landlocked state.

"How about a trip? We can go to Norway, I loved it when we were there. The weather will be great for skiing."I suggested remembering having the same talk with Eli.

He frowned at me because he had wanted us to go just the two of us but he would get over it.

"Now you're talking. I love that idea. We just have to convince our parents to fund us."Wade replied.

"We'll manage and if we go as a group it will be cheaper."Finn added.

After my suggestion it was a buzz of activity as everyone discussed how good of a idea it would be and everything they would get to do.

"You little lady are in so much trouble. We were supposed to take that trip together."Elijah scolded in my ear.

"I know but it will be so much better as a group and besides we can always get away."I replied deploying the puppy eyes.

"You're lucky I love you."Elijah groaned kissing my forehead.

I grinned victoriously knowing I had won that battle. There would be a price to pay later but I knew I could afford it.

We all contributed to pay for breakfast after we were done and we all left together. Finn suggested we go to a bowling alley while Wendy wanted to go ice skating. We had enough time so we all agreed to go ice skating first then we would go bowling later as we got lunch at the same time.

It felt good to be rebelling as a team because if we got into trouble we could all share the blame.

"I thought football players were supposed to be graceful on their feet."I laughed at Elijah as I helped him up for the tenth time after he fell.

The ice rink was empty since it was early morning and it was just the seven of us having fun. I liked the fact that there weren't so many people since it allowed us to be goofy and go crazy.

"I thought so too."Elijah groaned as he got up.

"Are you okay?"I asked taking his hand so he wouldn't fall again.

"Yeah but my ass is sore."Elijah replied.

"I'm sorry."I soothed.

"I'll be fine, just help me to the wall so I can take a break."Elijah requested.

He wrapped his hand around my shoulder and with my support we skated to the end. Elijah sighed in relief when he sagged against the wall.

"We can leave."I suggested to him.

"No you're having fun, I can't take that from you. Go I'll be fine."He replied.

"Are you sure?"I asked him not liking the idea of leaving him alone.

"Yes, go."He assured me.

I smiled at him and skated backwards away from him.

"Show off."He laughed rolling his eyes at me.

"Yes I am."I grinned at him before turning around and skating away.

I wasn't that good but I didn't keep falling like Elijah. It was fun and I was enjoying being with my friends. I kept glancing at where Elijah was seating on the wall taking random photos of everyone but especially me as far as I could tell. I also got the occasional winks and sly smiles.

Wendy and Violet started skating alongside me matching my pace and I thought we were just having fun until they dropped a bomb on me.

"So you and Eli seem hot for each other."Violet teased.

"Yeah we are boyfriend and girlfriend."I replied innocently not knowing that I was walking into a trap.

"So have you two done it yet?"Wendy asked without even easing me in.

"Done what?"I choked out trying to play dumb but they were starter than that.

"Don't be coy May. We're your best friends, you can tell us anything. Why haven't you done it yet?"Violet asked me.

"Can we drop this?"I requested not in the mood to talk about my sex life with Elijah to the two gossips next to me.

"Are you not ready or isn't he?"Wendy insisted.

"This is actually none of your business so I would appreciate it if you butted our of my business."I replied firmly feeling offended.

I skated past them and directly towards Elijah.

"I'm ready to go now."I announced to him before skating towards the entrance and taking a seat.

"Hey bug wait up."Elijah yelled after me sounding confused.

By the time he caught up I had returned my skate shoes and was already headed outside.

"What did they say to you?"Elijah asked because he had seen me talking to Violet and Wendy before I ran out of there.

"Nothing."I grumbled even if we had just abandoned our friends.

Elijah didn't push me further, just gave me time to myself as he led me towards the car. He opened the door for me and made sure I was okay before closing the door and going around to the driver's side. He started the car and drove out of the parking lot.

Elijah kept glancing at me weirdly and its because he was unsure of what to do with me. I wasn't mad at him but at those two meddlesome Mary's who didn't know when to quit. It was none of their business wether Elijah and I were having sex or not.

"Why haven't we had sex yet?"I asked randomly making Elijah swerve the car slightly out of course.

Good thing he was driving at a low speed so he was able to control the car better.

"Where's this coming from?"He asked.

I raised an eyebrow at him that interpreted to "Who do you think?"

"Oh well it's none of their business but it's because we aren't ready."Elijah replied.

"Do you want to have sex with me?"I asked Elijah surprised at where all the bravery was coming from.

"Now?"He choked out looking even more surprised.

"Not now now but do you?"I retorted.

"Yeah of course, you are beautiful, sexy and with to curves that are to die for. I would be crazy not to desire you but our first time must be special because to us its more than the physical stuff. It will be a new experience for us so there's no need to rush."Elijah replied.

"I understand and completely agree. Can you drop me off at home?"I requested Elijah not really in the mood to hang out anymore.

"I thought we were going to spend the day together?"Elijah asked.

"I'm sorry and we will tomorrow."I replied.

Elijah didn't looked pleased with my answer but he didn't fight me on it. He drove me home and parked at the gate.

"Thank you for a wonderful morning. I love you."I appreciated him leaning in to kiss him softly on the lips.

He kissed me back before letting me go. I let myself into the house and went directly to my room since no one was home. As soon as I was in my room I immediately felt tired from all the morning activities so I decided to take a shower and a nap. Day time naps were awesome and it didn't take me long to fall asleep.

I was woken up a few hours later by an insistent ringing next to my head. I reached blindly for my phone and picked the call knowing it was Elijah from the ringtone.

"Mmh."I mumbled still sleepy and my face buried in my pillow.

"Sorry did I wake you?"He asked.

"Yeah, are you okay?"I replied turning around so that I was now lying on my back.

"Yeah, I'm picking you up in half an hour. Wear something nice."He requested me and before I could ask him any more questions he hang up.

I lay there for five minutes wondering what that conversation was all about before sitting up on the bed. That was a very weird conversation but I had been rather rude to him when we parted ways earlier so I needed to make up for it. And besides Elijah rarely asked for anything from me so I had to oblige.

I took another shower and because Elijah had asked so nicely I wore a cute short spaghetti strapped checked dress. I paired it with a pair of black heels and a black jean jacket.

Elijah texted me he was downstairs just as I was finishing up tying my locks. I put everything I'd need into a purse and walked downstairs. Everyone was home except for Violet and they were talking to Elijah in the kitchen. He looked up as soon as I walked in, a beautiful appreciative smile gracing his lips. He looked mighty fine too in a white button up with rolled up sleeves tucked into a pair of black jeans and brown boots.

"You look beautiful."He whispered kissing my hair as soon as I latched myself onto his side.

"Thank you, you clean up nice too."I grinned