4. Acceptance Letter

Mary and Zoe sat together at their usual lunch spot in the school cafeteria, chatting about their weekend plans and upcoming assignments. The cafeteria buzzed with the usual noise of students talking and trays clattering, creating a lively atmosphere.

Suddenly, Mary's attention was drawn to a nearby table where Sarah, a classmate was animatedly sharing details with her friends.

"And then Ethan and I went to that new café downtown on Sunday," Sarah exclaimed, her voice carrying over the cafeteria noise.

Mary's jaw dropped slightly, and Zoe's eyes widened in surprise. They exchanged a look of confusion mixed with disbelief.

"Wait, what?" Mary whispered to Zoe, trying to process the unexpected news. They both leaned in slightly, unintentionally eavesdropping on Sarah's conversation.

"Seriously? How was it?" one of Sarah's friends asked eagerly.

Mary leaned closer to Zoe, her voice barely above a whisper, "Is he asking everyone out like he asked me?"

Zoe replied with a playful smirk, "Well, Mary, looks like Ethan's running a coffee shop tour, and you got a VIP ticket!"

Mary chuckled, shaking her head. "Seriously, Zoe? I thought I was the only customer in his café!"

Zoe shrugged dramatically. "Looks like you've got competition, Mary. Better step up your coffee game!"

Mary laughed, feeling lighter despite the unexpected news. "I guess so! Who knew Ethan was such a social butterfly?"

Zoe grinned mischievously. "Next thing you know, he'll be inviting the whole school for coffee!

"I wonder who else he's been inviting for coffee," Mary mused, half-serious and half-teasing.

Zoe leaned in conspiratorially. "Maybe there's a coffee club we don't know about, and he's the president!"

Mary laughed, imagining Ethan with a tiny coffee cup pin on his jacket. "President Ethan, serving up lattes and smiles to everyone!"

Mary and Zoe exchanged mischievous glances as Ethan entered the cafeteria. Zoe nudged Mary playfully and whispered, "Speak of the devil!"

Mary stifled a laugh and whispered back, "President Ethan has arrived! I wonder if he brought his official coffee mug today."

Zoe giggled, covering her mouth to muffle the sound. "Maybe he's conducting interviews for the coffee club right now. 'Do you take your coffee with cream or sugar?'"

Mary couldn't hold back her laughter, earning a curious glance from Ethan as he approached their table. He greeted them with a warm smile. "Hey, guys. Mind if I join you?"

Mary and Zoe exchanged amused glances before Zoe replied, still fighting back giggles, "Sure, President Ethan. Take a seat."

Mary and Zoe exchanged exasperated glances as Ethan settled in with them. They couldn't help but feel annoyed at his obliviousness to their awareness of his attempts to ask both Mary and Sarah out.

***

Unlocking the mailbox, Rosemary sifted through the usual bills and advertisements until her fingers brushed against an envelope with the Castle Hill High School logo. Her heart skipped a beat as she carefully opened it, her eyes scanning the contents eagerly.

Inside, neatly printed on official letterhead, was Mary's acceptance letter. A rush of joy and relief washed over Rosemary as she read through the details. Mary had been accepted into Castle Hill High School, a school renowned for its excellent academic programs, including a strong emphasis on computer science.

Unable to contain her excitement, Rosemary hurried back inside, the letter clutched tightly in her hand. She could hardly wait for Mary to return from school and share the good news with her.

Later that evening, as Mary arrived home from school, Rosemary greeted her with a beaming smile. "Mary!" she called out eagerly, waving the acceptance letter in her hand.

Mary, who was just setting down her backpack, looked up in surprise. "What is it, Mom?" she asked, curious and slightly taken aback by her mom's enthusiastic demeanor.

With tears of joy in her eyes, Rosemary handed Mary the acceptance letter. "You got in, sweetheart! You're going to Castle Hill!"

Mary's eyes widened in disbelief as she took the letter from her mom's hands. She quickly scanned the contents, a smile slowly spreading across her face as the reality sunk in. "I got in," she whispered, her voice filled with happiness and excitement.

Mary couldn't wait to share the news with Zoe, knowing her reaction would be priceless. She quickly grabbed her phone and typed:

Mary: Guess what?! I got accepted into Castle Hill! 🎉

Zoe's reply popped up almost instantly

Zoe: No way!! Does this mean you'll have to wear a uniform? 😂

Mary: Yep, I'll be rocking the plaid skirts and knee-high socks! You better start practicing your curtsy for when I'm officially royalty. 👑

Zoe: Haha, oh please! Do I have to call you "Your Highness" now? 😜

Mary: Only on Wednesdays. On Fridays, you can call me "Supreme Ruler of the Cafeteria."

Zoe: Deal! But seriously, I'm so happy for you, Mary. You're going to crush it!

Mary: Thanks, Zoe! Can't wait to rule the school with my iron fist... and my calculator. 

Zoe: "Wait, does that mean today was your last day at our school? We didn't even have a farewell party for you!"

Mary: "No, not today. I will start at Castle Hill next on Next Week. We still have a few days to plan an epic farewell!"

Zoe: How about we gather everyone at the park this weekend? Snacks, games, and embarrassing stories about you—it's a must."

Mary: "That sounds perfect. We can have a picnic and maybe even a mini roast session. Just no digging up those middle school photos, please."

Zoe: "No promises! 😉 But seriously, it's going to be great. We all want to give you the best send-off."

Mary: "Sounds like the perfect farewell to me. I can't wait"

The rest of the week at school was a whirlwind of emotions and activities for Mary and Zoe. Knowing it was their last few days together before Mary moved to Castle Hill High School, they decided to make the most of every moment.

Wednesday

During lunch, they decided to have a mini photoshoot around the school, capturing memories in their favorite spots: the cafeteria, the library, and even their secret hideout behind the gym. They laughed and posed, trying to fit as many silly faces into the camera frame as possible.

Zoe suggested, "Let's make a scrapbook. That way, you can take a piece of us with you to Castle Hill."

Mary loved the idea. "Yes! And you have to sign it with the most embarrassing story you can remember about me."

Thursday

They spent Thursday creating the scrapbook during their free periods. Mary printed out the photos from their shoot, and they both contributed little mementos: doodles, notes they had passed in class, and tickets from school events they had attended together.

As they were gluing in a particularly hilarious photo of Zoe making a ridiculous face, Mary paused. "I'm really going to miss this place," she said, her voice tinged with sadness.

Zoe wrapped an arm around her. "Me too. But hey, new adventures, right? And you'll visit every chance you get."

Friday

Friday was all about preparing for the weekend's farewell picnic. Zoe had made a list of everyone they wanted to invite and the snacks they needed to bring. They spent the afternoon shopping for supplies, giggling over which snacks would be a hit.

"Do you think we should get those spicy chips?" Zoe asked, holding up a bag.

Mary laughed. "Only if you want to see everyone's faces turn bright red!"

Saturday

The day of the picnic finally arrived. Mary and Zoe arrived early at the park to set up. They laid out a blanket, set up a small table with snacks, and even hung a banner that read "Farewell, Mary!" in bright, cheerful letters.

Their friends trickled in, and soon the park was filled with laughter and chatter. They played games, reminisced about their time at school, and shared embarrassing and heartwarming stories about Mary. The scrapbook was a hit, with everyone eager to sign it and leave their personal messages.

Towards the end of the picnic, Zoe stood up with a glass of soda in hand. "Attention, everyone! I'd like to propose a toast to Mary. Here's to new beginnings, amazing opportunities, and always being our wonderful, hilarious friend. We'll miss you!"

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