# Chapter 28

Cory was having a good day. For the first time in ages she felt like a huge weight had been lifted off her shoulders. Her sister in law had dragged her around the little village. They’d found a quaint café, which served sandwiches. They were eating theirs, admiring the view of the lake in front of them. Around the café were pictures, newspaper clippings and photos of the village’s famous but tragic hero, Sir Donald Campbell. He’d been trying to break the speed record in his boat when it had crashed and sunk in the late 60’s. His body had never been found, despite many attempts and rumours to the contrary.

They had planned to drop some lunch back up to the men, and then take a trip around the lake. Cory looked at Clare. She still looked a little pale. “How are you feeling?”

“A little better. This sandwich tastes wonderful I just hope it stays down” Clare continued chewing slowly. She desperately wanted to take a trip on the lake. She hoped the rocking of the boat wouldn’t upset her stomach more.

“Well let me know if you need to go back to the hotel. I don’t mind.” The two ate the rest of their lunch, and dropped the sandwiches up to the men.

Half an hour later, they were aboard a small touring boat. There were a few other sightseers with them. The weather had brought many more people out of doors. Clare and Cory settled into one of the chairs and looked at the towering landscape around them. It was very peaceful. Cory took a deep breath. She loved the outdoors. Her dream was to own a cottage up in the hills. She was excited about taking a trip to America. She hoped that they’d be able to take a tour around the other states of New England. She remembered JJ telling her about the mountains and trees around Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Vermont. She glanced at her companion. Clare looked a lot perkier.

“You definitely look better. Maybe it was just the food last night.” Cory pointed to a group of swans swimming close to the boat. “Look at how graceful they are.”

Clare agreed. “Yeah, but they’re nasty little buggers if you annoy them! It could have been the food. It might even be a bug. I’ve been feeling sick for a few days. Don’t tell your mum but I’ve a sneaking suspicion I could be pregnant.”

Cory gasped. “Seriously? But I thought the doctors said you couldn’t have kids! Do you think there’s a chance?” Clare had been hospitalised mid November due to serious stomach cramps and bleeding. The doctors had found cysts on one of her ovaries. They’d removed the cysts and examined the other ovary. It had some scare tissue and they’d told Clare she would probably never be able to bear children without help.

Clare nodded. “I did some calculations while you were walking. I’ve missed two periods. That in itself isn’t unusual. Since the operation I’ve been irregular but I’ve felt sick all week. It usually disappears by midday. I can’t explain it I feel different. I mentioned it to Mike this morning. He’s a little shell shocked but we’re going to do a test when we get home.”

Cory hugged Clare. “Well I’ll keep my fingers crossed.” She caught something in Clare’s expression. “You are pleased about this aren’t you?”

“Yes. I’m just as shocked as Mike. I’m just not sure we’re ready. It wasn’t planned. We took the doctors predictions and didn’t think there was any point using protection. We had no plans to have kids so early but I was upset when the doctor told us. We decided we’d look into options in a few years. We want to get the house finished and some money saved. But this may be our one chance to have a baby so I’m very excited. Until I get proper test results this is just between us, okay?” Clare placed her hands on her stomach and rubbed gently.

“My lips are sealed. I’m so excited for you. I can’t believe I may be an aunt. So if you’re correct then when will the baby be born?”

Clare did a quick calculation on her fingers, “It could be August or September. I think I’m two months gone. I could be three. My period has been so screwed up. Mike wants us to see the doctor this week. I’m trying not to think about it too much or get my hopes up. I know the chances are slim.”

Cory felt a sudden sense of disappointment. She’d waited so long to be an aunt. Her sister had shown no interest in having children, but Cory had hoped one of her siblings would have a child. She loved kids especially babies. Now her opportunity to spoil a child, as only an aunt could, was here, and she would probably be on the other side of the ocean. She patted Clare’s arm, “It’s so pretty here isn’t it?”

“Serene. I would love to live around here. Maybe if we win the lottery.” Clare relaxed and enjoyed the rest of the journey.

It was late afternoon when they finally returned to the mountain. The men and dogs were waiting patiently in the car park area. Everyone was in high spirits and Mike had suggested an Indian in the town and a film. They chose Windermere for it’s wide variety of choice and because it had a cinema. Cory was just a little worried because Sam seemed to be pretending everything was fine. She hoped it was just for show and he wouldn’t just forget what had been said.

When they returned to the room that evening Sam had become distant. The meal had been nice and the film entertaining. Cory had even relaxed a little but now the atmosphere in the room was decidedly icy. She undressed and put on her sleeping clothes. Sam had begun to pack his bag ready for the journey home. Suddenly he slammed the bag down on the bed. “I don’t fucking understand!”

Cory stood still. For the first time ever she felt scared of Sam. “Why? Why now? You won’t even give me another chance. Why?” He turned towards Cory, anger shining in his eyes. “Tell me what’s going on in that pretty head. I know you have plans. I saw the secret winks and smiles going on between you and Clare. If she can know then why not me?” He advanced towards Cory.

Cory backed up towards the wall. He seemed so angry. She watched as he clenched his fist open and shut. “Sam you’re wrong. I haven’t told Clare anything. I promise. I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

“You’re lying!” As he raised his voice Holly jumped in between them. She stood high in front of Cory and barked at Sam. Bearing her teeth at him and growling. When he backed away she calmed the barking. Sam sat on the bed and dropped his head in his hands. He was shaking. He’d watched Cory all evening. She’d seemed so happy and the little glances and knowing smiles between Mike, Clare and Cory had made him feel awkward and paranoid. He was very aware that he’d been close to hitting Cory. The anger had overtaken him. He felt ashamed. He was sure he wouldn’t have hurt her. He loved her. He called Holly over and patted her. The dog had been trained well. He had trained her to protect Cory. But he'd never imagined she would ever protect his wife from him. She’d made him realise how crazy he was acting.

Cory sensed that Sam’s anger had dissipated. “I swear Sam. The thing between Clare and I is something she told me. Not the other way round. I promised I wouldn’t say anything to anyone. I have to keep that promise.”

“So you’ll keep her promise but you won’t keep the ones you made to me!” He got up and stripped his shirt off.

Cory looked at him. She had no idea what he was talking about. She felt this outburst was more to do with the beer he’d drunk earlier. “What promises?”

“Your fucking wedding vows! For better and worse. Wasn’t that how the line went.” Sam continued to change his clothing. He threw his dirty clothes into the washing bag.

“Low blow Sam. I am not solely to blame for this. You act all innocent but you were never there. Your idea of love is very different from mine. I’m tired and you’re drunk we’ll continue this conversation tomorrow.” She stormed into the bathroom and banged the door. She felt a lot safer knowing Holly would protect her. She heard the room door slam and knew Sam had done his favourite trick of retreating.

They arrived home late Sunday morning. Mike had been a little upset that Sam wasn’t going to try one more climb. Sam had told him he needed to do some paperwork, and Cory had made her own excuses regarding going home. The journey had dragged. Mainly due to the atmosphere and mood emanating from Sam. Nothing had been said about the previous nights encounter but Cory could sense the anger was just simmering below the surface. The occasional times she’d caught Sam’s eye she had seen a mixture of hurt and hate. If looks could kill she’d have been dead a fair few times.

The first thing Cory had done when she’d got in was to call Rachel, and asked her to go to the gym. It had taken a little persuasion but Rachel had agreed. Schoolwork had been the next priority on her list. Having missed the end of the week she had to try and catch up where she thought the children were work wise. She delved into it, doing her best to ignore Sam’s banging in the rooms upstairs.

It took her two hours to clear the decks. She’d planned the English and Math for the week. Rachel had filled her in on what she thought they’d done and needed to do for the SATs tests that were to come after Easter. Her eyes lifted toward the ceiling when she heard the banging start up again. This time she decided to investigate.

She looked into their bedroom first. One side of it had been stripped of the bedside table, shelves and cabinet. The holes in the wall had been filled with filler and fresh paint had been put over the marks. The wardrobe doors were open and no evidence of Sam’s clothes was in there. She walked to the spare room and poked her head around the door. The difference in the room since JJ had stayed there was phenomenal. Sam had rearranged the furniture, stripped the bed, and put the shelves on the wall. The TV was now on a wall mount and the dressing table had his deodorant and aftershave on it. As she turned to walk away she collided with Sam as he carried his magazines out of the office.

“You’ve been busy.” Cory knew it was a lame start to a conversation but she had no idea what else to say.

“You made it clear we’re over. I thought this was what you wanted. I moved out because I use this bathroom. Tomorrow I’ll call the estate agents and see if they’ll come over and value the house. I’ve done a spreadsheet and split the household costs down the middle. I’m assuming you’re staying in the house.” He looked at Cory for affirmation.

She mutely nodded. “I’ll let you know when they can come and look at the house.” With that he moved into the bedroom and shut the door. Cory stood staring at the door. Then she went into her own room, shut the door and flopped onto the bed.

JJ was pissed. She was sporting a bruise on her cheek and a foul mood. The bruise was her fault; the mood was definitely due to Sarah. The real estate agents had come the previous day. Sarah had booked three agents. The first had valued the house at $170 000. That had made JJ happy. With the mortgage deducted it meant that Sarah and she would make about $10 000 each. Unfortunately, Sarah had pushed for more. The two other agents had suggested a price within the $180 000 range. Sarah had finally agreed to putting it on the market for $190 000. JJ had been furious. There was no way they were going to get any offers in that ball park but she couldn’t get Sarah to see that. As far as Sarah was concerned they should get at least $20 000 each. They’d argued, and in the end JJ had relented. The only way to prove it to Sarah was to let her have her way. It was no skin off JJ’s nose. She was living in the house and Sarah was still paying her half of the rent.

The bruise had been from a highflying stick. During the game she’d been stewing over the argument and her ex’s stubborn nature. She’d defended the goal a little too harshly and had been rewarded with a stick in her face. This had given her team a penalty and a chance to score a goal but it had been a painful experience. Luckily the skin hadn’t been cut and a pack of ice and a beer had made her feel better.

Helen had given her the brochure, and several fliers advertising the graduate programs at the college. She’d been very excited when she’d realised that Cory had all the credentials to get into the college. All she needed to do was take the GRE exam. This she felt would be a breeze. Helen had brought her down off that cloud. She’d explained how hard the GRE was. Helen hadn’t achieved a good score and had been accepted on a provisional status. Unfortunately, Helen wasn’t sure whether they’d accept foreign students on this status.

JJ had spent the early hours of the morning searching the Internet for information on the GRE. She’d downloaded a sample practice test and her heart had dropped. The test looked awful. JJ had struggled to answer any of the questions in the English section. The analogies had killed her and she hadn’t even bothered looking at the comprehension. She’d faired better with the math section and had put the analytical section straight into an envelope for Cory. She was warring with herself about whether to tell Cory about the exam. The courses offered at the college were good. It had a sound reputation. It was renowned for it’s teaching degrees. JJ had flicked through the brochure, and had found two courses that she was sure Cory would enjoy taking. One focused around Information Technology. It taught the teachers how to network computers and implement technology in the curriculum. The second option was the Special Needs degree. This one particularly interested JJ as one section did not require the candidate to have the Massachusetts teaching certification. She attached sticker notes to both pages. She’d talk to the blonde later.

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Cory met Rachel outside the gym. Her friend hugged her. “You look a lot better.”

“I feel better.” Cory showed her membership card as she booked in. Rachel did likewise.

“So you said Sam took you to the Lake District. That was thoughtful of him.”

Cory didn’t answer. She knew at some point she had to start telling people about the break up. Now was as good a time as any. “Yes it was thoughtful. Unfortunately I ruined his great plans.”

“What happened?” Rachel sat on the steps waiting for the previous class to finish. Sensing Cory’s hesitation, Rachel asked again. “What did you do?”

“I left him. Told him it was over.” Cory looked at Rachel. “You don’t seem very surprised.”

“Let’s just say I had a feeling you would. We’ve been friends for a few years now Cory. I’ve been listening to you over the past year and you haven’t been happy. Whilst I’ve moaned about Roy’s over active libido, you’ve told me about Sam’s lack of one. Since Christmas you haven’t mentioned Sam much. You haven’t been happy. Last week, despite the tragedy of losing your grandfather you appeared different. There was a sparkle in your eye. Like you were in love.”

Cory couldn’t believe what she was hearing. Was she that transparent? Rachel continued. “And as you’ve just split with Sam then I have a feeling I know who it is.”

“Who what is?” Cory decided she’d play along with Rachel.

“You’re new love interest.” Rachel winked at Cory.

“You’re that certain aren’t you? You think I have some other guy stashed away.”

Rachel shook her head. “No, I don’t think that, Cory.”

The blonde swallowed. Her friend was more astute than she’d given her credit. “So if it’s not some guy who is it?”

“JJ.” Rachel took Cory’s hand, “Cory, I’ve watched and listened to you. You have gushed about her for the past two months. I know all about her, even down to her shoe size!” She winked at Cory.

Cory blushed, “Okay, okay so I got a little excited about having a new friend.”

“It’s not just that. There were those cryptic conversations about what I thought about lesbians and gays in general. At first I thought it was because of the subtext I mentioned in the show. Then last week when I asked what JJ was like your eyes lit up, and you blushed.”

Cory gasped, “I did not!”

“Did too! I asked what she looked like and you blushed. What I want to know is what thought went through your head. See you’re blushing now!”

The smaller woman knew she was. She could feel her cheeks burning. “Okay you’ve got me on that one.”

“So what dirty thoughts keep crossing that mind to make you blush?”

Cory giggled. She felt like a fourteen year old. “I just keep thinking about her body. She looks phenomenal – with and without clothes.” She winked back at Rachel. The two women had little secrets between them. Over the year they’d traded many stories whilst working out and she knew her friend would keep her confidences.

“In all seriousness Cory. If this is what makes you happy then I’m behind you a hundred percent.”

“Thanks. I was going to tell you. I was going to take you down the pub after this. I wanted to tell you because you’re my friend and I may need your help.” The gym door opened as she said this. “I’ll tell you after, okay?” Her friend nodded and they headed into the sweat filled room.

Cory had felt weird performing Body Pump. She kept looking to her side to check if JJ was there. The last time she’d performed Body Pump the tall brunette had put on a marvellous show of brawn and beauty.

After the hour session the two women headed for the showers. Cory had asked Rachel earlier if she’d wanted a drink. Cory had told Sam she’d bring a takeaway back with her. They showered quickly. The conversation focused mainly around work. There were a few others in the changing room and neither wanted to discuss Cory’s private life in public.

The pub they settled for was just down the road from the gym. A halfway point for both of them. Cory ordered a Red Bull for herself, and a Pepsi for Rachel. It was still too early for a hard drink and both of them were driving. They sat in a corner munching on crisps and nuts.

“I’ve just tortured my body for an hour and I end up eating this food.” Rachel muttered through a mouthful of dry roasted peanuts.

“Well look at it this way. What you’ve just eaten was probably the amount of calories you burned so you’re even.” Cory slouched in the seat and rested her head against the back of the pub couch.

“Tough weekend for you?” Rachel turned the conversation serious.

“That’s an understatement. Tough week all round. Saying goodbye to J, losing granddad and splitting up with Sam. All in seven days. I’m exhausted.” She fiddled with a beer mat as she spoke.

“You’re a tough cookie, Cory. Things can only get better.” Rachel continued to eat her way through the peanuts. “So what’s your next move?”

Cory shrugged. “I’ve been asked that question so many times and I still have no answer. It’s one of the reasons I wanted to talk to you. Sam’s moved out of the bedroom. We’re going to share the house until we decide what to do about it.”

“How’s Sam doing?” Rachel felt a little bad for Sam. She liked the guy but she had to admit that he didn’t seem the type of guy she’d have picked for Cory. She’d noticed this when they’d all gone to Scotland for a weekend. Cory had been a very different person than she was at school. Rachel couldn’t quite explain it. At school, Cory was a very confident and in control person. With Sam, that weekend, Cory had seemed to fade. Sam made all the decisions and Cory meekly obeyed.

“He doesn’t understand what’s going on. He’s very angry. I don’t blame him really.” Cory sipped her drink. She’d chosen a Red Bull to try and give her some energy. The class had drained what little energy she had left.

“It takes two, Cory. Roy and I have had our problems in the past. The kids have helped keep us together. Don’t get me wrong I love Roy. But sometimes I wonder if we’d still be together if we didn’t have the kids. I don’t think he’s my soul mate.”

“So you do believe in them?” Cory asked.

“Come on. You know I do. We’ve had these conversations. Look at the show I watch!”

“Sorry Rachel, I didn’t mean to doubt you. It’s just if you know Roy isn’t your soul mate than why didn’t you keep looking?”

“Because sometimes I think that life has dealt me a good hand so far. I have two gorgeous kids and a husband who loves me. That’s good enough for me.”

Cory absorbed what Rachel said. “So do you think I should have settled for Sam? I mean life was good.”

Rachel shrugged her shoulders, and then shook her head. “No. Let’s face the facts, Cory. You’ve fallen for a woman. Do you really think Sam was the one for you?”

Cory shook her head.

“And you’ve always known deep down that you were meant to be with a woman?”

Cory nodded in response.

“So I think you’ve finally found that special person. And more importantly you know you have. You can’t play with fate Cory. No one can.”

“Who made you so wise? But yes you’re right I’ve known for a while about my sexuality.”

Thirty minutes later, Rachel had been filled in on Cory’s past and the week with JJ.

“My question now, is what do I do?” Cory was feeling a buzz through her body. She had no idea what two red Bulls could do to her system.

Rachel considered the question. “Well you have two options: stay or go. Am I right?”

Cory nodded. “If only my decision was that easy.”

“So what have you thought about?”

“Well if I stay Sam and I definitely have to sell the house. I need to find a house and get JJ in the country. I earn enough to support her. Many men support their wives on a teacher’s wage. The trouble is we need to show we’ve been together two years before I can sponsor her. So she’d need a job. If I go then we have the same obstacles. The only thing is JJ may have found a way for me to get into America.” She paused knowing what question Rachel was going to ask.

“And that would be?”

Cory raised an eyebrow. “To go back to college.”

Rachel chuckled, “Oh I’d love to see that. You can barely stay awake in staff meetings. So humour me what are you going to study?”

“I haven’t got that far yet. I’ve never thought about it. I always thought a Master’s degree was for swots. So I’m not sure.”

“It wouldn’t hurt your career. Imagine the jobs you could go for with that degree. You could even lecture at a college. There aren't many primary school teachers with master’s degrees. You’d be able to go for promotion to deputy or even head teacher.” She looked at Cory. The woman didn’t exactly look excited. “What’s wrong?”

“The college idea is a good choice. But can you imagine people’s reactions to my sexuality and chosen partner?”

Rachel frowned. “I see your point. But you wouldn’t have to say anything.”

“I know. I just don’t want to have to hide anymore. I want to be open about the person I love. It makes me mad that it’s okay for me to be in love with a guy but if it’s a woman I should hide. If it came to a choice between JJ and my career, then JJ wins!” Cory was riled. In that one sentence she had solved her problem.

“Cory, I was just spelling out the truth. I’m on your side. You love her very much, don’t you?”

Cory nodded. “I’d do anything to be with her. I know it sounds crazy, we’ve only just met but I know it. So does she. And you’re right the degree would open up many more options for me. I could take two years away, study for my Master’s, build a life with JJ and have no interference from my family.”

“Are you sure?” Rachel didn’t want to lose her friend.

“I want to still look into options over here but I want to start doing something soon. It’s a nightmare being away from JJ. I’m going out there at Easter. We want to start putting a plan into action. I’m going to talk to her about applying for the college. But could you ask Roy to look into options in the computer market. JJ thinks she’s under qualified in that field to find a job.”

“Sure. It might require me telling him why. Do you mind?”

“You can tell him anything you want. I trust you both. Thanks for listening. It’s good to know I have friends who don’t think I’m crazy.” Cory touched her friend’s arm.

“Now I didn’t say anything about you not being crazy!” Rachel giggled, “Cory I should hit the road, the family needs feeding and I have yet to do my planning.”

They both pulled their coats on. “Mine’s all planned. Don’t worry about doing an English plan we can share mine. We have enough resources. I need to get a takeaway on my way back.”

Just before Cory got into her car, she felt Rachel pull on her arm. “Cory I want you to promise me that if things at home get bad you’ll come and stay with us. If you need anything don’t hesitate to ask.”

Cory hugged her friend, “I promise, mate. You’ll be the first to know.” With that the two friends drove in different directions.

The blonde drove a few miles and then pulled into a lay by. She pulled the Indian menu from her gym bag and called the number. After ordering two curries, she hung up and checked her watch. She had asked for the meal to be ready in an hour. That would give her plenty of time to reach the restaurant and talk to JJ. In an earlier exchange of emails they’d decided that Cory would call JJ and let the phone ring three times. That would be JJ’s signal to call the younger woman back. JJ’s number was programmed in Cory’s mobile. Cory hit the call button and counted the rings. One..two..three..on the third ring she hung up. Then she waited. A minute later her mobile sprang to life.

“You called my angel?”

“Hey babe. How are you?” Cory loved hearing JJ’s voice. Her tone was so distinctive. It always made her smile.

“I’m doing okay. Still pissed with Sarah but I’ll get over it. How was the gym?”

“Good. My muscles are going to ache in the morning. I talked to Rachel.”

“How’d it go?”

“She’d already guessed about me and you. This coming out business is very hard. Always weighing up what you think they’re going to say. She was happy for me and supportive.” Cory looked at the sky. Dusk had been and gone and the stars above her twinkled brightly.

“No regrets?” JJ was worried about Cory. Although she knew her girlfriend loved her she was worried that the strain would be too much, and she’d settle back into her old life.

“Never. I wasn’t moaning I just never really thought about it before. When I was with Deb I didn’t want anyone to know. Now I want to shout it from the hilltops but I know i have to be careful. If we decide to stay here we’ll need my job and even I’m not that naďve to think they’d welcome an openly gay teacher. They couldn’t sack me for it but they’d make my life hell.”

“I’m sorry.” JJ hadn’t a clue what to say.

“Babe quit apologising. This is my choice. Speaking of choices I think I want to look further into the college courses.”

“Seriously?”

“Yes. I talked to Rachel. She made me realise that maybe a break away would be good. It wouldn’t hurt my career, I could be with you and after two years we could look at our options. At least we’d have two years together. There’s a big teacher shortage here so I’m sure I could get a job on my return, with or without you.” Cory said the part reluctantly.

There was a pause. Neither of them spoke.

“J, are you there?” Cory could tell she’d upset her friend.

“Yes. Just a little shocked at your last line.” Shocked wasn’t the word. She’d felt a shiver over her whole body.

Cory gave a little giggle. It seemed to lift the mood. “I just meant realistically I have to think about the future. I know we’re forever but just in case I also know I could get a job. Possibly a job outside the teaching profession. It would depend on the course I did. I could be a specialist that goes into schools giving advice.”

JJ thought about this. The blonde had definitely considered her options. She sighed. “Okay we’ll look into it.”

Cory paused. “You don’t sound very excited about it. Yesterday you were gushing over the idea and now it’s a maybe. Is this your way of telling me I can’t get into the program? But you wrote this morning that Helen said I could get a place.”

JJ bit the bullet; it was now or never. “I know. I kind of left something out.”

“What do you mean? You kind of left something out. You either did or you didn’t?” Cory was frustrated. She’d gotten her hopes up and now they seemed to be quickly deflating.

“I lied. Well not so much lied. I just found something out and I didn’t know how to tell you.”

“JJ you’re babbling. Spit it out. What don’t I know?”

The brunette took a deep breath. “There’s an entrance exam.”

“Oh.” Cory squeaked. “How bad?”

“Intense. It looks hard, Cor. I’m sorry I should have checked this out before I even mentioned it. After hearing the stories about your driving test experiences I know how you feel about exams.” Although she’d laughed when Cory had told her the stories, more because of the expression and actions the blonde had used. JJ knew there was a serious side to the failed exams.

Cory suffered from examination nerves. This often resulted in her being either violently sick or deprived of sleep for days before a test. In certain circumstances she suffered from both. She also lost the control of some of her body parts at times. This was why she’d taken four attempts to pass her driving test. She’d had no problems with driving. Her driving instructor had said she was a natural. Ten lessons and Cory had applied for her practical test. Everything had been fine until an examiner had sat next to her and then she’d lost it. Her legs had shaken and she’d been covered in sweat. In the confusion she’d made several mistakes. This had happened every time she’d sat the test. Finally, on her fourth attempt she’d been physically sick. Luckily, she hadn’t eaten anything before the test and her body had just convulsed. Her driving had been good despite the convulsions. The examiner had been sympathetic and passed her. She’d had similar experiences during her school exams. One of the reasons her results had been lower than expected and another reason she’d chosen to do the physical education degree. Over the four years she had been assessed on her teaching skills and essay writing. The course involved no exams.

Cory gulped. “Oh. Well it won’t hurt to try. Nothing ventured, nothing gained.”

JJ smiled, “That’s my girl. I downloaded the stuff and printed it off. It’s in an envelope with my vacation photos. I put the school address on it just in case you didn’t want Sam to know.”

“Thanks. J, you can tell me anything. No matter how you think I’m going to react. No secrets, deal?”

“Deal. So we have a plan. I guess I should call the college and ask them if we can get an interview with someone over Easter. You never know we could put the application in and apply for the exam. You could even take it over here. There’s three weeks to go and I know I can find some study guides. Helen mentioned a few she’d seen in Borders.”

“Well now we have a plan I can go and talk to Sam a bit more.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yes. I owe it to him. I may not tell him tonight but I will. I just might wait until we know a few more things. I should get going J. I ordered a takeaway and I don’t want Sam to be more pissed off with me than he already is. Thanks for calling. I owe you.”

“Anytime babe. Plus I’m already thinking of many ways that you can pay me back….in kind!” She heard the giggles coming down the phone. “I love hearing you laugh. How many days to go?”

Cory did a quick calculation, “18?”

“Yep. 18 long, long days! I miss you.”

“You too. I love you J.”

“I love you, Cor, heart and soul.”

“Heart and soul.” The phone clicked and Cory sat in the car, feeling very cold and all alone.

Part 29

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