Toe to Toe (On Pointe Book 1) by Penelope Freed (comprehension books txt) 📗

“I’m so proud of you baby!” my mom cries, giving me an extra squeeze before letting me go. My dad immediately gives me a hug too. “I knew you could do it,” she adds, reaching out to read the paper for herself.

I collapse on the couch, my knees turning to jelly. “Oh no,” I groan, hanging my head between my knees.

“What sweetie?” my dad says, taking the paper from my mom to read the details I hadn’t bothered with. My mom sits down next to me on the couch, wrapping her arm around my shoulder and pulling me into her side.

“How am I going to decide between my two dream schools?” I groan. “CBS has been my dream for forever. But PSB…” I trail off.

“You don’t have to decide tonight sweetie. How about tonight we just enjoy the fact that you have two wonderful places that want you. Decisions can wait, at least for a couple of days. I think this calls for a celebration, don’t you?” my mom says looking up at my dad. “Why don’t you see if any of your friends want to come and we’ll go out for dinner.”

“Can we get sushi?” I ask, already digging through my bag for my phone.

“Absolutely,” my dad says, “Let me know when you’re ready to go.” He disappears into the kitchen, dropping a kiss on my head as he passes.

I grab my phone and immediately text the group chat.

Me: I got an acceptance letter from CBS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Did you get your letter Lisa?

My phone explodes in a mass of gifs from Katy, making me giggle.

Lisa: Congrats Hannah! I knew you would get in. I got waitlisted

Lisa sends a few smiling emojis after her message. I barely have a chance to see them before Katy sends another series of gifs, each one more ridiculous than the last. The flailing Kermit one is my personal favorite.

Katy: Ok, I’m done. For now. On a side note, I just got an acceptance letter from PSB, apparently it got lost in the mail. I’m as shocked as you, lol

Me: You guys!!!!! I’m so happy for you both. Not shocking at all Katy, don’t be like that. We’re going to Noriko to celebrate, can you both come with?

While I wait for them to respond, I debate sending a text to Olivia. My thumb hovers over her name in my text messages. Normally I would have invited her without question, but after everything that’s happened, I don’t think she’d even respond to my text. I debate for another moment. Do I invite her? Or will she think I’m trying to rub it in somehow? Do I owe her an apology for making assumptions about last night? Heat stirs in my belly at the thought. I don’t want to apologize, who can blame me for making that assumption when that’s exactly what it looked like? No. I’m not going to apologize.

In fact, maybe she’s the one who owes me an apology. I check my phone to see if there’s an answer from Lisa or Katy.

Katy: We’re already on our way to Cole’s game. It’s the playoffs, gotta cheer him on!

This is followed by a selfie of her, Hunter and Jack in the back seat of her dad’s Suburban. Jack is holding a sign in his lap with Cole’s name on it and Katy has his jersey number painted on her cheek. Hunter’s face is painted the blue and yellow of UCLA’s colors. They’re ridiculous but adorable.

Me: Have fun and cheer for us too! Lisa?

Lisa: Yes! My mom said I can go! I’ll have her drop me off at your house but I NEED a shower first.

Me: Yes, showering is essential. See you when you get here.

Twenty minutes later, I am showered and dressed in my favorite skinny jeans and cozy sweater. I’m determined to forget about Olivia and focus on the good things in my life. My dreams are literally coming true right now, I’m not going to let Olivia ruin my mood. I tuck the sadness that threatens to ruin my celebration away, I’ll deal with it later. Not tonight. Tonight is about celebrating.

Besides, I have two true best friends who have earned the title and Lisa deserves to be celebrated tonight too. She placed in the top twelve at YIGP, and she got accepted to PSB and waitlisted to CBS. No matter how prestigious the school, her parents don’t see it as an accomplishment, but I sure do. They just don’t see ballet as more than a hobby for her, no matter how talented she is. Even if she had gotten a scholarship, Lisa told me her parents aren’t letting her go anyway. They want her to do this intense Japanese exam prep class over the summer. One that’s actually in Japan.

I hear Lisa’s mom dropping her off outside so I tuck my phone in my pocket and run downstairs, throwing my hair up in a ponytail as I go. “Mom! Dad! You ready? Lisa’s here!” I open the front door and throw myself at Lisa, grabbing her in a giant hug. “Congrats!” I say, stepping back. Lisa smiles, shrugging her shoulders.

“It’s not like I’m going to get to go anyway,” Lisa’s smile turns sad and I pull her to my dad’s car, determined to make sure Lisa celebrates tonight, even if her parents kind of suck. It’s time I started acting like a real best friend. We climb into the backseat, getting buckled. “Hey,” Lisa pokes me in the ribs. “Are you ok? I heard you and Olivia in the dressing room…” She looks at me expectantly.

“It’s a long story, but I’ll tell you later. We’re celebrating you and me, no Olivia allowed.” I glance back at the house to see my parents locking the front door. “I’m so tired of it, I don’t want to think about her anymore. It’s exhausting and I’m over it.”

“Hey Lisa, congrats sweetie,” my mom says, climbing into the front seat.

“Thanks Mrs. O’Brian,” Lisa says. My dad