Diamond in the Rough by India Lee

Author:India Lee [India Lee]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Publisher: Unknown
Published: 2011-10-17T06:00:00+00:00

~

“Well, isn’t it good to see your face,” Mira mused as Gemma made her way into the dining room. It wasn’t often that her family sat down for a dinner together but Gemma had insisted on making a grand gesture to present the news she had. Even Gemma’s grandmother was at the table, sitting with her hands folded, beaming at Gemma with pride. Her grandmother had always looked at Gemma this way, but she couldn’t wait until she saw that same expression on Mira, Emily and Malcolm’s faces.

Emily set the table as Malcolm made his way in through the back entrance, a large platter of barbecued items in his hands. Happy that Gemma showed any desire to spend time with them, he had spent the day prepping food in the backyard, humming merrily. It was clear to Gemma that Malcolm was feeling relaxed for the first time since he had started moving back to Manhattan. She was hopeful that this meant he’d be receptive to her impending requests.

“So, my dear,” Emily said with clear curiosity in her voice. “Are you ready to tell us why you were locked away for so long?”

“Yes,” Gemma sighed. Here we go. She set down a set of a dozen folders in the middle of the table. They were divided by color – green, orange and yellow. “This is why.” Mira, Malcolm and Emily eyed Gemma, then each other. Gemma’s grandmother clapped her hands excitedly. Malcolm reached for a folder first, flipping through one then another. His eyebrows lifted slightly and the corners of his mouth began to form a smile.

“What is this?” Malcolm asked though it was obvious he already knew. Mira and Emily reached for folders too.

“The green ones are schools I’m sure I can get into. The orange ones are reaches and the yellow ones are safeties. These are just printouts of all the applications but my actual applications are all filled out, personal statements and essays all done. When school starts, I’ll start getting recommendations and transcripts and SAT scores together.” She looked across the table, studying everyone’s expressions. As much as she had hoped to see pride in their faces, she knew they would have to first get through shock and awe.

“Oh honey,” Emily said as she turned to Malcolm with a hand over her mouth. It looked as if her eyes were brimming with tears. “She applied to our alma mater.” Gemma bit her lip. She didn’t realize how much this had meant to her parents and suddenly felt inexplicably uncomfortable. She turned to Mira to see her nodding slowly as she read through one of the applications.

“So U. Penn wanted to know who your biggest inspiration is and you expect me to believe that you truly find it to be me?” Mira said as she closed a folder and handed it back to Gemma. “And that this isn’t some gimmick to get us all to agree to let you go on vacation?”

“Oh, Mira,” Malcolm laughed. “I can always depend on you to keep a firm hand but my heart is just a puddle of love and pride right now.

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