“Everything had already been laid out for me at Stanford. He's got friends in the School of Medicine who talked to friends to make sure I would get the best classes and the best teachers and everything. Both of my older siblings went through the same program, so our family is kinda treated like royalty there, you know? ALL of that just really rubbed me the wrong way. I'm already struggling with self-esteem issues, worrying about whether or not I really measure up. The LAST thing I want is any doubt that the grades I receive or the classes I get placed into are because I truly earned them and aren't given to me because of my family's connections."

“But you don't have to declare a major at Stanford," Belle pointed out.

"You could've still taken all the pre-law coursework you wanted and just bypassed all your father's pre-med hookups.”

Sam shook her head.

“I don't know if that would be better or worse. My parents are still known at the school. Their connections could still pull weight. And to be perfectly honest, once I compared the coursework offered and what I know of both schools, I realized I sacrifice nothing by going to Cal instead of Stanford, AND I get out from under my parents’ thumb."

Belle smiled.

“And you get to go to school with both me and Matty."

Sam blushed and looked down into her lap. "Yes... the thought had occurred.”

“Especially Matty.”

Sam's blush deepened, and she closed her eyes for a moment. Taking a deep breath, she picked her head up and looked intently straight at

Belle. VERY intently.

“Tell me you don't want me in the way and I'1L shred the Cal acceptance letter," she stated quite sincerely.

“I won't go back to Stanford, but I can still go to UCLA or something.”

“What? Why would you say that?" Belle chirped.

Sam remained steadfast. "Just tell me the truth. If you don't want me in the way, I won't get in your way."

“What? No. I'd LOVE for you to come with us. I told Matty that Like fifteen minutes ago. Matty, tell her!"

Sam glanced at me for confirmation, and I nodded.

“She said you've become her best friend outside of Mari, that she feels like you understand what she's going through with her complicated feelings for me, and that she can talk to you about anything and you'll know what to do."

Sam looked genuinely touched. "Really?"

Belle crawled forward across the bed and grabbed both of Sam's hands in her own. "Really. I am THRILLED that you're coming with us."

“I thought you were the happiest girl in the world at the idea of going off to Berkeley alone with him."

“why does everybody keep saying that?!" Belle squealed in exasperation.

“What I'm so thrilled about is that I get to go to college with HIM.

The idea of Matty going to USC or Cornell terrified the HELL out of me."

Sam gave her a skeptical look.