47. THE CALM BEFORE THE STORM

Of course, after a little mishap at the treehouse, Bastian spent most of the day talking to Laura, though unfortunately, only remotely. Where do these kids get all their energy?

Meanwhile, Maja, absorbed by work and market analysis (maybe she’ll open her own business after all), cooled off a bit. A glance at photos from high school brought back nostalgic memories of her own prom. It’s a bit sad that such an important event in a teenager’s life might pass by without Bastian…

Moreover, Jace had already covered all the relationship interactions with Bastian. From “Talk about Woohoo,” to discussions about positive relationship dynamics, all the way to lessons on romantic satisfaction. And, not to forget, Bastian was still qualifying for the responsible trait.

So, when Maja saw Bastian sneaking around the house in the evening, clearly dressed for prom, she strategically pretended not to notice. Unless he comes back at an inappropriate hour… Then they’ll have a talk. But for now, let him enjoy his first love. After all, it’s Kindness Day...

This party was special, as its theme was special – Can you feel the love tonight? And it truly was that way.

Bas: You look beautiful. I’ve never seen you without glasses before; you have amazing eyes.

Laura: Did you see? Barb is dancing with Paul, I think they’re into each other! Mary is dating Pearl, the one she sits on the couch together with, and Rom is flirting with Artur!

Bas: I must admit, I didn’t notice. It's hard to focus on anything else when you're by my side, completely captivating my every thought.

The King and Jester of the prom were Barb and Paul! Very deserved titles! This party was really great.

Laura: Thanks for the wonderful evening. And for the selfie together.

Laura: But we better start heading out. It’s getting late, and I’d rather not get in more trouble with my dads. If they catch me now, I think I’ll be grounded for life.

The Sunday Carnival wasn’t very successful. Maja got terribly sick. The weather wasn’t inviting for celebrating either.

And on Monday morning, Bastian was called to the principal’s office… He feared a reprimand for Friday. He and Laura had skipped tests, and although his grades weren’t affected, such behavior could have had other serious consequences. 

But nothing like that happened, because the principal had other news!

Principal: Yesss… So, I think we can overlook your recent absence. After all, you’re the best student at San Sequoi High, and, as we just found out, you’re also a full scholarship recipient at Foxbury Institute! Congratulations!

Bas: What? That’s amazing! Thank you for the good news!

Principal: If you’d like, you can graduate early. You wouldn’t be able to attend the graduation ceremony, but you could start your studies sooner.

Bas: Actually, graduating early works for me! I just want to participate in the school game design contest, if that’s not a problem.

Principal: Not at all! It’s settled! After the computer team festival tomorrow, I’ll prepare the paperwork. Congratulations again!

Next day.

Laura: Good luck with today’s contest! I’m sure your game will win. I’ll be cheering for you.

Bas: Thanks. And I wanted to tell you something. I spoke with the principal yesterday, and I can graduate early, you know? I could start my studies at Foxbury sooner!

Bas: This is a huge opportunity for me.

Laura: Uh-huh. So you’ll be leaving?

Bas: Yeah, I’ll probably be the youngest student. I haven’t received the acceptance letter yet, but I’ve already got the full scholarship.

Laura: Well then… congrats. I have to go to class. See you later?

Laura didn’t seem excited about Bastian’s success. Maybe she’s angry about something? Did he forget an anniversary? Or was he just imagining it? He’ll think about it later. Meanwhile, the computer team’s science festival begins! Bastian, as captain, is of course participating in the contest.

The game creation contest results were in, and Bastian got a score of 32, which he presented to Mr. Medard, who was the judge that day.

Bas: Mr. Medard, will there be a prize for this?

Mr. Medard: Not this time. This event doesn’t work too well. But you can already receive your graduation diploma! Congratulations and good luck at college!

In other achievements, Bastian also collected all the elements, even the bonus one from Sixam, and completed the Nerdy Birdie aspiration. High school really was a time of triumphs in many areas for him!

Meeting with Laura was another reason for pride and joy. Luckily, it seemed that Laura wasn’t mad at him anymore. At least, there was nothing to suggest that. Just in case, he didn’t bring up the topic. No need to stir up trouble. Better enjoy the Discount Day and have Bubble Tea together.

Bas: Mom, Dad. I got a letter.

Maja: OMW! Well, open it up, what are you waiting for? I’m so excited!

Bas: The authorities at Foxbury Institute are honored to inform you that Sebastian Drozd has been accepted… I GOT IN! TO ALL THE DISTINGUISHED DEGREES!

Maja: I’m so proud of you, my son. And I’m not just saying that because it’s on my Bucket list. You’re knocking out one aspiration after another. You’ve just completed the Overachiever aspiration! I hope you achieve every goal in life with that same ease.

Bas: Thanks, Mom. That means a lot to me.

Laura: So when are you leaving?

Bas: This weekend. Maybe you could come with me?

Laura: I’m not sure that’s a good idea…

Bas: Come on, you’ll see my dorm and the campus…

Laura: You’ll live in the dorm? I was hoping you’d stay here, Foxbury is so close. You could commute.

Bas: But I don’t want to. It’ll be more convenient to live there and just come back on weekends. Laura, is something wrong?

Laura: No, nothing’s wrong! You’re just leaving me! Just like Atlas! At first, you’ll be too busy to visit, then you’ll stop calling, and only make excuses!

Laura: And then you won’t even have time to text me. Because everything will be more important than me!

Bas: Laura, what are you talking about? Is that why you and Atlas broke up? You never told me about this.

Laura: You never asked.

Bas: Do you… Do you still want to be his girlfriend?

Laura: NO! Bas, no! It’s just that… you’re so much like him! You’re both so ambitious! Good students, great achievements! You’ll go there and forget about me! I’ll just be a distraction, taking up your time while you’re striving for bigger and bigger successes!

Bas: I would never do that!

Laura: No? Even now… we were together, and you pulled out that laptop. When you go there, everything will change.

Bas: Laura, nothing will change. I promise you…

Laura: How? How can you promise me that?

Bas: I…

Laura: You see, you can’t. You can’t promise me that, Bas. Because you don’t know what will happen. What you’ll feel in a month, in six months. And I… I can’t go through that again! So it’s better to break up now.

Bas: Better for whom?

Laura: For everyone. I’m sorry, Bas. I… I have to go. Goodbye.

Bastian couldn’t believe what had just happened. So many questions filled his mind, and he didn’t have answers to any of them. Probably for the first time in his life. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jtauh8GcxBY

So, before you go

Was there something I could've said

To make your heart beat better?

If only I'd have known you had a storm to weather

So, before you go

Was there something I could've said

To make it all stop hurting?

It kills me how your mind can make you feel so worthless

So, before you go

<<<Previous chapter: 46. PROMPOSAL

>>>Next chapter: 48. STARLIGHT ACCOLADES