Misunderstood (A Neighbor from Hell YA #1) - R.L. Mathewson Page 0,108
consider another applicant, but that letter,” the man sitting in front of him said, pointing at the letter in Sebastian’s hands that he was still trying to wrap his mind around, “has put us in a very difficult position. You see, we want the boy described in that letter, because that’s the kind of person that we hope all of our students will develop into by the time they leave us.”
“Is the boy she described in that letter you?”
Before Sebastian could answer, Uncle Jason spoke. “Yes, he is.”
“What would you say if we offered you a partial scholarship?” someone else asked before Sebastian could wrap his mind around everything that was happening.
“I would have to respectfully decline and wait until next year to apply again,” Sebastian said absently as he found himself reading the letter Mikey wrote again.
“Why is that?” Uncle Jason asked as Sebastian looked up and gave the only answer that he could.
“Because my parents shouldn’t have to pay for my mistakes.”
Chapter 45
“I’m an idiot,” Sebastian said with a groan.
“And if you hadn’t been saying that for the past week, I’d probably be concerned,” Mikey said, shrugging it off as she took in the large sign in Aunt Haley’s and Uncle Jason’s kitchen, congratulating her, Elizabeth, and Braxton for getting into Latin Scribe High School.
There was still no word from Latin Scribe about his application, but then again, he didn’t need a letter to tell him that he’d messed up. He already had thirty-two letters telling him the same thing, his scores were impressive but they just weren’t willing to take a chance on him. He didn’t need to hear it from one more school to know that it was over.
At least there was cake, Sebastian thought as he stole Mikey’s plate. With a glare and a grumble, she stole Jonathan’s, who simply settled on glaring before he moved to take it back, thought better of it, and stole Mathew’s. He should probably get something to drink to help wash down all the frosting, Sebastian thought as he glanced at the refrigerator only to decide that he wasn’t thirsty when he found Braxton’s father glaring at him again.
He seemed to do that a lot, Sebastian thought as he shifted his focus to Cole to find him laughing at something that Chloe was showing him on her phone, while Katie watched his every move from across the room. That probably wouldn’t end well, Sebastian thought even as he couldn’t help but notice that everyone was in a good mood.
Well, everyone except for Braxton and his father, who had somehow managed to disappear in the last minute. Thankful for the small reprieve from glaring, Sebastian glanced back down at Mikey just as she managed to help herself to a Coke. Realizing just how thirsty he was, Sebastian plucked the soda out of her hands and finished it off.
“Jerk face,” Mikey mumbled, making him smile as he reached back to place the empty can on the counter only to see Aunt Haley trying to soothe Hunter, who was crying softly in her arms.
“What’s wrong?” Sebastian asked as he placed his plate on the counter.
“Hunter’s blankie. I can’t find it,” Aunt Haley said, worrying her bottom lip as she glanced around the kitchen.
“It’s probably outside in his playpen. I’ll go get it,” Sebastian said, already making his way toward the back door where they’d spent most of the afternoon swimming.
“Thank you, sweetie,” Aunt Haley said as she tried to distract Hunter with a small slice of cake, but he simply shook his head and buried his face against her neck.
Sebastian walked into the living room and headed for the patio doors when a hand on his shoulder stopped him. Frowning, he looked back to find Uncle Jason handing him a blank white envelope.
“What’s this?” Sebastian asked, sending Uncle Jason a questioning look.
“Look for yourself,” Uncle Jason said, gesturing to the envelope in Sebastian’s hands.
Frowning, Sebastian opened the envelope and–
Was forced to reach out and slap his hand against the wall when his legs threatened to give out as he read the first line again. Latin Scribe High School was giving him a chance with a full academic scholarship and absolutely no mention of probation.
“Is this real?” Sebastian asked, praying that this wasn’t some kind of sick joke.
“It better be. I had to fight with your aunt and Grandma over who got to give it to you,” Uncle Jason said with a chuckle only to add, “You’ve earned it.”