The Ocean Between Us by Susan Wiggs

Author:Susan Wiggs [Wiggs, Susan]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: MIRA
Published: 2004-12-05T20:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER TWENTY

“You’re scheduled to take your physical aptitude exam for the Academy today,” Emma reminded Brian as he pulled into a parking space in the high school student lot adjacent to the athletics complex. “In fifteen minutes, as a matter of fact.”

“How do you know that, Miss Nosy?”

“Cory’s taking his today, so I figured you’d be in the same group.”

“Forget it. I’m not going.” He yanked the truck into Park.

The woods surrounding the school were murky with shadows. As the year slid toward winter, the days had grown depressingly short. This far north, the sun didn’t rise until after eight in the morning, and then it set before four. Today, with the rain falling thick and straight, she couldn’t remember if it had risen at all.

Emma studied her brother’s profile. He was scowling as he rifled through his duffel bag.

“It’s part of the application procedure,” she said. “You can’t skip it.”

“Watch me.”

“What’s the big deal? Are you afraid you’ll flunk?” She laughed incredulously. “Cory told me what was on the test. A standing broad jump. Chin-ups, a shuttle run, some push-ups and a basketball throw. What’s the big deal? You can do that stuff in your sleep. Shoot, I bet even I can do it.”

“Then do it.”

“Oh, come on, Brian. Why won’t you take the test?”

“Because it’s stupid. It’s a waste of time. I told you, I’m not going to the Naval Academy. I’ve told everybody that, but no one believes me.”

“I believe you,” she said. “But you should finish the application. At least get the appointment so you’ll have that option. You don’t have to make up your mind yet.”

“I’ve made up my mind. I’m not going and I refuse to waste my time with this stupid application.”

She shook her head. “I’m not the one who scheduled the test. You did. You can’t stand up your ALO.”

The admissions liaison officer was in charge of guiding each candidate through the maze of application requirements. He was usually an active or retired Naval officer whose favor often made the difference between getting in and getting rejected. It was smart to stay in his good graces.

“I didn’t schedule anything,” Brian claimed. “I got a letter telling me to show up in the gym this afternoon with the other candidates. Big deal. He won’t even notice I’m not there.”

His hostility startled her. He was usually so easygoing. “Brian—”

“I’m going to be late for a Key Club meeting,” he snapped, pushing open the car door. “Look, if you’re so damned concerned about appointments to the Naval Academy, you go take the stupid test.” He shoved a large manila envelope into her lap. “Here’s all the paperwork. Go for it. Knock yourself out.”

After he left, she sat for a few minutes by herself. She was supposed to be on her way to tennis practice. She was all suited up under her sweats, but didn’t relish a dash through the rain across the athletics complex.

She was annoyed at Brian, but she also felt a reluctant admiration for him.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.