Chapter 16
Hannah tensed up as the phone rang. “Hello, admissions office!” a woman’s voice cheered into the phone.
“Hello, my name’s Hannah Morgan and I was wondering if...” Hannah told her her whole story and plan. The woman, whom she learned was named Melanie, gave her the name and number of another man in admissions, Mr. Donnelley.
Hannah phoned him and explained her situation. He told her that typically they wouldn’t accept students this late, but luckily he sympathized with her and was willing to make an exception. She’d have to fly out to the college and meet with him and the scholarship program to arrange her financial package and finalize her enrollment. Then she’d sign up for classes and get a campus tour. Without a thought she scheduled a date, thanked him, and hung up the phone with a huge smile upon her face. “It’s happening!” Now all she had to do was get a plane ticket.
She sat thinking in the living room. All the money I earned working went into one family account. She could withdrawal the money herself, but if her mom found out, she’d be furious. The only other think of was Nick. “It’s a lot to ask, but I’d pay him back.”
Hannah grabbed her purse and headed out to her car.
* * * *
“What a pleasant surprise,” Nick beamed as he opened the door to Hannah.
Inside the two made small talked for a while, Hannah wasn’t sure how to approach him. Finally she decided to just blurt it out.
“Nick could I borrow some money for a plane ticket and hotel room. I promise to pay you back.”
Stunned Nick asked, “Where are you going?” Hannah told him about her dealings with UCLA. “That’s wonderful Hannah! Wow, you sure work fast!”
“Well I figured I’d already wasted too much time. So can I? My meeting with them is next Wednesday, so I have to call the travel agent soon.”
“Of course you can have money for a plane ticket, but as for the hotel...why don’t you just stay with my family? I’ll fly out with you, I’ve been meaning to visit them.”
“Oh I wouldn’t want to impose. They don’t even know me.”
“You wouldn’t be imposing. My mom always loves to meet my friends. And I’m sure she’d adore you.”
“Are you sure? I’m really OK with staying at some cheap hotel.”
“Don’t be silly. It’ll be fine. Plus this way you'll get to see those silly people that I always talk about.”
Hannah agreed and thanked him profusely for doing this for her. Nick made the flight arrangements and called his mom to let her know they’d be arriving Tuesday afternoon. Then the two set out for a day on the beach. Enjoying their new found closeness they laughed together disbelieving that there was ever a time they could not manage to get along.
Chapter 17
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