Invisible String

Chapter 6

The muted winter sun lit my room, the pine trees outside my window were dressed with what seemed like white icing. I immediately turn on my phone and text Olivia if she wanted to go skating and to Crema's after. While waiting for her reply, I quickly took a shower in hopes to start fresh today and wash away yesterday's weird flashback. The car ride meant nothing Angelene. 

While walking down the stairs, I could hear the shuffling sounds of the mahjong tiles. NaiNai definitely told mom to bring out the mahjong tiles. I peek into the living room from the spiralling staircase and see them playing. Each person is sitting on a side of the table, carefully guarding their tiles. Mama taught me how to play when I was 8, I learnt most of my mahjong skills from watching them play. There is something so interesting with the game, it's different every time. There's obviously the strategy aspect, but there's also human interaction, the individual skill and even luck.

There's a buzz in my plaid pyjama pant pocket. The text message featured a 'Yes'. Perfect! While waiting for the time to pass before meeting up with Liv, I play some mahjong (And win of course!), and continue polishing up my college app essays. I venture down during my 'study' break, into my basement and look for my skates. They were a bit dulled, but still perfectly good to go skating with. Liv texts me that her mom was dropping her off so I start to leave with Mama as well. We get into the car and start driving downtown. Every year, at the Skyline Park, the city opens a temporary skate rink in the core. On the way there, Mama asked me for any food requests for our Christmas Eve dinner with the Zhu's. We listened to some Christmas music, and sang our hearts out.

Olivia and I meet beside the big Christmas tree before going to tie our skates by a bench. Last Christmas, All I Want for Christmas is You, and Mistletoe are all playing. The day just keeps on getting better!  We skate around a bit, doing twists and turns, pretending like we are figure skaters. Both of us are tired and chilled so we head over to the hot chocolate chalet for some hot chocolate and grab a seat by the Adirondack chairs around a fire.

"How was your ride back Angie" Olivia is side-eyeing me. Ugh I knew she was going to ask.

"It was good, we just caught up and he just dropped me off. My grandma and grandpa arrived yesterday in time for Christmas. Anything fun going on in your life?" I try to change the subject.

"Stop trying to change the subject Angelene Zhou! Ughhh. He better not fuck you over again, you won't be able to rant to me anymore" She laughs. "I do have to tell you something, but promise you'll keep it a secret?"

My heart rate increases. "Yeah, of course. What is it?". I can see a grin set in Liv's face. "I got early admission to NYU!! For Math!". I shriek, I know everyone on the rink is staring at us but I don't care. "OMG Olivia Perrault!! AHHHH! Congrats, I'm so proud!" I say. I smile from ear to ear, it's always been Liv's dream to attend a school on the East Coast, and NYU was so her. "Thanks Angie, I got the email a few hours after school ended, I've been dying to tell someone!" she replies. I brag: "I'm going to visit you and check your dorm out. You better ".

We continued our chat while strolling with our hot chocolates to Crema's. Liv ordered their chocolate croissant and a matcha latte while I ordered their sweet potato waffle and hot chai. We kept on chatting for hours. We went on about Liv's adorable orange tabby cat, Creamsicle, and how he kept climbing dangerously high and eating Liv's socks, to our summer plans after we graduate. Maybe we will take a road trip to Arizona, who knows?

Liv and I part ways, with both our moms picking us up from Crema's. I quickly rest before dinner with NaiNai and YeYe. Dinner was rice, roasted green beans, and my favorite spicy tofu. "Liv, you know my best friend, she told me she got early acceptance into NYU for math today." I start the conversation. Mom buds in: "Wow, that's amazing. Her parents must be really happy". Dad adds his share: "Cool, when are your results coming out Angie?". Four sets of eyes are now on me. "Well...I haven't applied to any college yet, the applications close in a week or so. I'll find out mid-March for most of them." I say. I didn't apply to anywhere with early decision since I couldn't decide on one over the others. I also had a chat with my guidance counselor early on who said it was ok if I didn't apply early since my application would be competitive enough. NaiNai interrupts the awkward silence "Don't stress Angie out, you will get in the right college for you". My parents and grandparents continue their chat about colleges and the ones I planned to apply to.

After washing my share of the dishes and cleaning the kitchen, I went back up to my room to continue where I left off in my college applications. I have spent a lot of time on them already, but I know I'll regret if I don't charge through the last 10ish days. Most of the schools were in California, with some of my 'safe' options in Colorado. The moon illuminated the backyard, everything covered with a thick portion of snow. I stayed up until I was too tired, finishing all my apps...hoping it will be enough for the colleges.