His Sunflower

14. Yes to Yale

" I see you haven't thrown away my stuff yet." Elara commented going through the contents in her bag and rummaging for a lip moisturizer.

" What do you mean yet?" He cross-questioned her giving her a look fixing her tie and pulling on her jacket. She smiled seeing his reaction when she thought to text Archer.

El-Good morning. Reached?

She hit the sent button and instantly got a reply.

Ar- Yes, howz ur head?

She smiled at the message closed the door of the car after she sat.

El-Brownie points for concern, going for some red tape work, call later?

Ar-Sure, come back, my heart can't wait to flutter again at the sight of you...

She found herself scared at how much, just a single text could have such a large effect on her, how it made her heartbeat so fast..

She knew she was falling for him and she was falling so hard.......

She sucked a deep breath in thinking of the words ringing in her mind again and again when Sebastian asked her if everything was okay.

" Just nervous, by the way, Clare met our parents, pretty serious, huh?" She poked him in his ribs and mocked.

" Hey, hey don't go there, Xavier has made his purpose of existence to pull my legs!" He widened her eyes while laughing and protesting against it.

" So, do um, do you like her?" He asked casually making a turn and she jumped on her seat turning to face him totally surprised.

" Sebastian Lucas Curtis, are you asking for my approval for dating your girlfriend? Really what wand did Clare flick to turn the playboy into a loyal pup?" 

" Okay, seriously stop Elara." He said laughing so hard and eventually, silence followed till they reached their destination.

The paparazzi surrounded their car as soon as they entered the premises of Blake industries. A couple of bodyguards helped them into the building and Sebastian had his arms around Elara's shoulders, so she wouldn't get hurt.

" Good afternoon Mr. Curtis, we would like to apologize for the paparazzi. Mr. Blake is waiting for you two." The polite lady with a very vibrant smile said.

" Lead the way miss-"

" Walter, Amelia Walter, Mr. Curtis." She led them to the conference room on the sixth floor of the skyscraper. Elara was a bit disappointed as she wanted to see the view from the highest floor, although Sebastian lived on a floor high enough to have a glinting view of the city lights.

" Good afternoon you two. Everyone, this is Sebastian Curtis and his sister Elara Curtis, the prodigy who made the official app for our company." Jason greeted them both with firm handshakes and introductions took place.

The meeting and the official interview ran for over four hours and Elara was absolutely elated for all the praises and the good word she had got from everyone. Although she was exhausted, she still explained her plans for future updates and how data management was made easier and efficient. With three cups of coffee, she had spoken about the features for over two hours and everyone paid attention.

" Thank you, everyone. You may leave the room now." Jason said in a professional tone as everyone scrambled out but Elara and Sebastian. When the last person had left, the door opened and entered Cathedral Blake, as professional as always.

" Good afternoon, Mr. Curtis. Miss Curtis." She greeted as they sat opposite to each other on the table and Cathedral cleared her throat before speaking," Elara, you are a very talented programmer and that needs to be appreciated."

" You know, since it was a competition, we can't legally pay yo-"

" Oh no, I did it because I love to do it, not for the money. I don't want anything in return." She explained.

" Actually, we wanted to appreciate your talent. Cathedral and I would like to offer you a scholarship to Yale and an internship during your time in college. We came to know that you dreamt of going to an ivy league. So what do you say?" Jason proposed an offer while Elara sat dumbstruck and her eyes as wide as a panoramic view. She troubled herself for some words but nothing would come out so she let out a chuckle and smiled.

" Yale would be good. Thank you." Elara replied still not believing her ears and chuckling again. Everyone shook hands and congratulated them on the deal and the scholarship.

" You knew about the scholarship didn't you?" Elara asked her brother as they rode the elevator to the ground floor.

" No, I just told them about you. but congratulations little one. I'm happy for you." He smiled and ruffled her hair and patted on her shoulder.

" You are happier because I would stay closer to New York." 

" So smart at computers, yet so weak in geography, you will be staying in New York." He corrected her as they walked out towards the parking, obviously surrounded by the paparazzi.