Chapter 97 Side Story 4

Chapter 97 Side Story 4
Jessica.

"100%," I tell them, grinning.

"That's even better," I hear Emma say, and I smile. "I'm so happy for you, Jessie. Will you be going to the campus?"

"Not really, I'm opting for the distance learning option. I don't think I want to be apart from Devon and live away from him yet." Call me childish, but I really didn't want to live away from Devon. It's why I chose to study at the University of San Francisco.

"Do whatever suits you," Sophie says. "Good luck!"

"I appreciate it!" I answer solemnly. We talk for a few more moments before I end the call, a smile on my face. Their words of encouragement fill me with a renewed sense of purpose, and I am grateful for the unwavering support of my family. They are happy for me. I wouldn't ask for anything more.

When Devon comes home that evening, he asks if I've told my sisters already.

"Yes," I reply, nodding. "And just like you said, they're happy for me."

"Told you they would," Devon replies, and I chuckle.

"What are you going to do now?" Devon asks me, and I shrug, looking outside the window.

"Guess I have to wait for the university's reply," I answer, letting out a sigh.

"That's going to be nerve-wracking," Devon says, and I nod, feeling doubt creep inside me once more. Devon walks closer to give me a peck on the cheek. "You're going to get in; I just know it."

"Thank you. It would be the best thing that has ever happened to me," I mutter.

"And I'll be with you every step of the way," he murmurs. I smile, pressing my lips against his before placing my head on his chest.

"I'm so grateful to have you in my life," I mumble.

"Me too," he replies. Feeling excitement buzzing in my veins, I can't wait for the university's response and to begin this new phase of my life.
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The sun sets over San Francisco, casting a warm, golden glow through the windows of our house. I sit at my desk, bathed in the soft evening light, with my laptop open in front of me. It's been days since I submitted my application to the University of San Francisco, and the waiting is driving me to the brink of madness. I can't stop checking my phone and laptop, hoping for something, anything.

With each passing minute, my anxiety deepens. My eyes dart anxiously between the email application and my silent phone, as if my mere gaze could summon a response. My heart races with each refresh of my inbox, but the familiar empty screen greets me every time. No response. No news. Just silence.

I sigh, leaning back in my chair and running a hand through my hair. The uncertainty gnaws at me, a relentless, unrelenting force that refuses to let me be. The future I had envisioned for myself, one filled with academic pursuits, has become a hazy dream, slipping further from my grasp with each passing day.

I know I shouldn't be this anxious. After all, it hasn't been that long since I submitted my application. But the silence is maddening, and the doubts creep in like unwelcome guests. What if they reject me? What if I'm not good enough? What if my dreams of further education remain forever out of reach?

Devon soon notices my restlessness and gazes gently at me. "You've checked that laptop twenty times in the last two hours," he states, his voice gentle. I glance at him, rubbing my arms as I look at the laptop screen once more.

"That much?" I ask, and he nods.

"I was counting," he murmurs. "Hey, are you alright?"

"Yeah, just waiting for a response," I mumble, fiddling with my fingers as I glance at him. A corner of his lips turns up in a smile as he gazes at me.

"You'll get one, don't be so worried."

"Hmm..." I shrug, pressing my lips together. "That isn't working much," I mutter. Devon stands up, approaching me, his footsteps a gentle thud on the wooden flooring. He places a gentle hand on my shoulder, and I can feel the warmth of his touch seeping into my skin. Instinctively, I lean into his touch. Leaning forward, he gazes at me through his glasses, a soft smile on his face.

"Jessica," he begins softly, his voice a soothing balm to my frayed nerves, "how about we take a break from all this waiting and worrying?"

I look up at him, my eyes searching his for answers I can't find in my inbox. His eyes, those beautiful, reassuring eyes, hold a promise of something better, something outside the confines of my anxiety.

"What do you mean?" I ask, my voice trembling with a mix of hope and confusion.

"He smiles down at me, his fingers brushing a loose strand of hair behind my ear. 'I have a business trip to Italy coming up,' he says, 'and I'd like you to come with me. It'll be a chance for you to relax, see a beautiful city, and take your mind off things for a while.'"

"I stare at him, finding his words incredible. When his expression doesn't waver, I speak up. 'Really? You want me to come along with you to Italy?'"

"'Of course, I just want you to be happy,' he murmurs, kissing my cheeks. I glance back at the laptop screen, my heart racing with excitement. Well, perusing the streets of Italy sounds like a much better option than sitting in front of this laptop all day."

"I nod gleefully, clutching his hands. 'Okay! I'm in. Let's go to Italy,' I announce, my voice barely above a whisper."

"'Perfect,' he murmurs, kissing my forehead and closing the laptop in front of me. 'Come on, go and prepare for our trip. I know you'll need to pack your things,' he mutters against my shoulder, and I giggle, standing to my feet. Turning around to face him, I smack a kiss on his cheek before walking out."

"'Thank you!' I yell as I sprint towards the room, some of my worries easing away. Days later, after my preparations are complete, we drive to the airport where we board a private jet to Italy.

We pull up to a private hangar, and I'm greeted by the sight of a sleek, white jet, gleaming in the sunlight. My breath catches as Devon takes my hand, leading me toward the aircraft. A flight attendant, dressed impeccably in a tailored uniform, waits at the steps, ready to welcome us on board.

"Good morning, Mr. and Mrs. Reeves. My name is Rosslyn, and I will be your flight attendant for today. Please make yourself comfortable as we will be departing soon," she continues, and we nod, going to sit down in the plush leather seats, with Devon following me right after, settling in the next one.

The interior is spacious, with large windows offering breathtaking views of the tarmac and the city beyond.