Chapter 168 The Choice

Chapter 168 The Choice
Aveline's POV

The gymnasium was packed for Crestwood’s official College Recognition Ceremony. Long tables covered in blue cloth lined the center floor, and the stands were filled with families, coaches, teachers, and students.

Banners for different universities hung from the rafters. I sat near the back row, my folder flat in my lap. After weeks of rewriting my application essay, the University of Michigan had sent its acceptance letter. Today was the day the school celebrated our scholarships and next steps.

The University of Minnesota still hadn't given me a final decision because I remained on their waiting list. Minnesota had been the only option I wanted. It felt like the only place far enough away from Connecticut to let me start over, completely untangled from the lies I had been carrying.

But sitting here, listening to the chatter of the crowd, I looked down at the Michigan papers. I had spent so long running away, waiting for a letter from a different state to tell me who I was allowed to be. Looking at the maize and blue logo, I realized I didn't want to put my life on hold for a school that was keeping me on standby.

Michigan wasn't just a sudden opportunity that felt suspicious anymore; it was a real path forward that I was actively choosing for myself.

"Asher Carter," the athletic director called out through the microphone.

I stood up, adjusting my varsity jacket, and walked down the gym steps. I walked to the central table, signed the ceremonial intent form for Michigan, and put on the cap. As the crowd clapped, I caught Kieran’s eye across the gym floor. He was standing near the varsity hockey bench, a quiet smile on his face.

The moment the ceremony ended, the place turned into total chaos. Teammates, teachers, and Coach Hale crowded around the tables to offer congratulations. My guidance counselor shook my hand, smiling warmly.

"I'm glad you finally made your decision, Asher," he said. "Michigan is getting an incredible player."

"Thank you, sir," I said, keeping my voice deep.

I walked out of the noise toward the quiet side hallway, holding the University of Michigan pin in my hand. The happiness from the ceremony came with a sudden, cold thought. What would happen when the truth finally came out? Will Michigan still want me after everyone discovers I have been living a lie? Will my scholarship remain? What if the truth destroys the future I just celebrated?

I didn't have those answers, but I refused to let the fear take away this day. Minnesota had once felt like the future I was waiting for. Now, Michigan was the future I had chosen.

"Look at you," a familiar voice said from the lockers behind me.

I turned and saw Kieran walking down the corridor, his own Michigan cap pulled low. He stopped in front of me, his lips turning up.

"The cap suits you," he said. "I knew you’d finally admit Michigan was the better choice."

"Don't get ahead of yourself, Hampton," I said, leaning closer. "Minnesota hasn't rejected me yet. I am still on the waiting list."

Kieran stepped closer, his eyes locked on mine. "If Minnesota accepted you tomorrow, would you actually leave?"

"I don't know what I'd feel," I said, looking back up at him. "But I know what I chose today. This feels right."

A relieved smile spread across his face as he leaned his shoulder against mine, and we began discussing what college would really be like. We talked about the massive campus rink, the business classes, and what it would feel like to finally leave Crestwood behind.

Even though we were planning to share an apartment off-campus, the sheer size of a university athletic program felt worlds away from our high school routine.

"You're going to miss me when the season starts," Kieran said. "The travel schedule for the men's varsity line is brutal. Between the away games and separate practices, you'll be sitting on your side of the campus wishing you had your captain around."

I let out a short laugh. "I think I'll survive the peace and quiet, Kieran. You aren't that unforgettable."

"Try telling yourself that when our schedules don't match up," he replied, leaning down slightly. "You're already going to miss me, and we haven't even left Connecticut yet."

"Come with me," Kieran said suddenly, checking the empty hallway. "I want to show you something before the team heads to the bus."

He led me out of the main building, walking past the crowded student parking lot until we reached the old equipment shed behind the practice rink. It was completely private, far away from the noise of the ceremony. When I pushed the door open, I stopped.

Kieran hadn't set up any massive, loud public stunt with posters and cameras. He knew how much I hated being put on display, especially after Katty's spectacle in the lobby. He had kept it simple. Two regular hockey sticks were leaning against the equipment crate, their blades wrapped in fresh white tape. Written across the tape in clean, black marker was a simple sentence.

PROM WITH THE CAPTAIN?

Kieran stepped into the shed behind me, closing the door. He stood there with his hands in his pockets, confident and steady. He didn't look nervous at all. He acted as though he already knew exactly what my answer was going to be.

"You are incredibly arrogant, you know that?" I said, turning around to face him. "What makes you think I don't already have a date?"

"Because your date is standing right in front of you," Kieran responded. He took a step closer, his eyes steady. "And besides, I'm not asking because I think you'll say no. I'm asking because I want to hear you say yes."

I looked at the sticks, then looked back at his face, trying to hide the smile tugging at my lips. "I should make you wait for the answer just to ruin your confidence."

"You could try," he murmured, his voice dropping into a low, gentle line as he reached out and took my hand.

"Since we're going to the same school now, Ave. You might as well go to prom with me too."

I took a slow breath and finally nodded.
"Yes," I whispered. "I'll go with you."

I rested my forehead against his for a moment. Neither of us spoke. I just stayed there, letting myself forget about everything. I didn't want the moment to end.