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Chapter 18

It was the one number Jay had been dreading.

Every single college he'd applied to had been informed of the incident with Jason. It was how it had to be, even without it being a criminal matter, as all indiscretions had to be. Jay had prayed so hard that it would not be a case of him being rejected. Even two or three colleges rejecting him out of hand would be awful.

"Hello?"

"Mr. Jay Bishop?"

"Yes ma'am."

"It's Irene Garcia of the Harvard Admissions Board speaking. I am calling in regards to the incident that has been sent to us by your school as part of your application."

"Thank you for getting back to me about it."

"I am going to be blunt here, Mr. Bishop. We looked into your application. You have the grades, recommendations and everything else that we require. It is likely you'd get in on these factors, there's no denying it. Still, this was a serious case that required our admissions committee to chair a meeting in order to decide if there was any merit in accepting it. Had it been a more minor case, like a fight or something, then we would be more sympathetic. Unfortunately, Mr. Bishop, we decided that Harvard cannot accept a student like that in this class. We are aware of addiction, yes, but your actions seriously injured another young man, a young man who will not be playing football for the rest of this year. You may wish to apply for next year and we will consider it fairly, if we believe that you have worked hard enough to better yourself and that you have not hurt another person."

Jay froze. They'd all rejected him, every single one.

"But...but...I have no other colleges, they've all said no."

"I am sorry, Mr. Bishop, but it stands. We cannot risk any harm coming to any other student, it is our responsibility. Like I said, you can always apply next year. Good day."

Before Jay could say anymore, she hung up. Once she had, Jay just stared at his cell phone.

Every single college had either called or sent a message on the applications portal to say that Jay would not be accepted for fall. He'd applied to all of the Ivy League schools as well as Stanford; Chicago; Duke; Rice; Vanderbilt; Notre Dame; Michigan; NYU and Northeastern. To him, anything outside the holy trinity of Harvard, Yale and Princeton was just a backup option.

Now he had no colleges. He could do community college, but he'd be the laughing stock of Fairfall.

His parents were going to kill him.

As the radio continued to play behind him, Jay sadly sung along.

Without you, I feel broke

Like I'm half of a whole

Without you, I've got no hand to hold

Without you, I feel torn

Like a sail in a storm

Without you, I'm just a sad song

I'm just a sad song

WELCOME TO THE JUNGLE-

"Ok, welcome back to another week of glee club!" Tess greeted as she walked into the room, "Regionals prep will continue over the next couple of days as we practice matching pitch and harmonies. This week, I'd like you all to perform songs you feel comfortable with and in a few weeks, I'll have you choose music that is completely opposite to your taste. The point of the comfortable songs is to show yourself what your absolute highest is, so that you can attempt to replicate that when you're nervous. Would anyone like to start?"

Diana stood up without even asking.

"I think it's time I got a chance to shine in this club, considering I'm more talented than any of you. With respect to Miss. Sanderson, I am comfortable with singing every song because I'm not scared of music that I don't really groove to generally. Today, I will be singing a song by the performer I auditioned with- Miss. Carly Rae Jepsen."

Putting her music on, she flipped her hair and walked straight into the middle.

I went out last night

I'm going out tonight again

Anything to capture your attention (your attention)

And she's a real sweet girl

And you know I got a boy

Details we both forgot to mention (forgot to mention)

And you, I always know where you are

And you always know where I am

We're taking it way too far

But I don't want it to end

This kiss is something I can't resist

Diana was admittedly good, if over confident.

She needed to impress them all, ever since that sneaky bitch Libby Leigh had double crossed her and started hanging out with Adelina and Addison. Diana hated to admit it, but she was kind of lonely. Libby may have been a bit simple minded for someone so academically bright, but she had her uses, like fawning over Diana. There was no one else though. She was popular because people were scared of her and she threw parties- they didn't like her like they liked the Daniels twins.

Hayley Dawson was the one she was trying to hook, even though she admittedly didn't want to have a stupid little freshman as her best friend. Ever since Hayley had been thrown off of the cheer squad and lost her own little posse, she was ripe for picking. The only problem was that Hayley had been used to being Queen Bee, not some little worker bee, so it might be hard to bring her on board. Diana reckoned she could promise that Hayley would be on top once she (Diana) had graduated, so she'd be in her place in two years.

Everyone clapped as Diana smirked, throwing Tess a smug look as she sauntered back over to the chairs, glowing in the praise.

"That was really great Diana, you've really showed off that confidence I was talking about. Would anyone else like to follow that?"

"I'll give it a go," Maddie raised her hand.

"Perfect Maddie, you have the floor."

"Hi guys, I'm going to be doing a little pop punk today."

Let me know that I've done wrong

When I've known this all along

I go around a time or two

Just to waste my time with you

Tell me all that you've thrown away

Find out games you don't wanna play

You are the only one that needs to know

I'll keep you my dirty little secret

(Dirty little secret)

Everyone grooved along happily, enjoying the tune. Once it was done, everyone clapped heartily.

"Another great performance Maddie, I really enjoyed it! Now, who's up next?"

WELCOME TO THE JUNGLE-

When Robin Cervantes had an idea, he really had an idea.

Cordelia was lonely, he knew that. His godmother was so busy taking care of him that she had no time for herself. She deserved love- Cordelia was the most selfless, kind person he'd ever met. He wanted Cordelia to grow old with someone, to experience a wedding and a life with someone.

Thing was, Cordelia often battered off Robin's desperate attempts to find her love. He had to be cunning and when he was, he could truly come up with some genius ideas.

He had an idea- he'd told Cordelia there was a business meeting at an event space downtown. It was the perfect place for potential investors, he said, the boutique could definitely use the money. He'd gone out of his way to make a face print out and email so that he could get her to sign up. Unknown to Cordelia, this 'event' was actually a singles meet up. Cordelia wouldn't know until she got there and by then, she'd not want to make a fuss and would stay.

Robin would join her for screening potential dates, to ensure they were good enough for his beloved godmother. It would be so much fun.

He drove today, practicing for his drivers permit. Cordelia rode shotgun, carefully monitoring his driving to ensure that he wouldn't suddenly crash. He had a little trouble parallel parking, but who didn't?

The boy couldn't help but smirk as they entered into the space.

"Are you here for the singles' event?" the bubbly young woman at the booth asked.

"Oh no, I think we have the wrong event-สบ Cordelia started before Robin interrupted her.

"Yes, we are, Robin Cervantes and Cordelia Stevens."

The woman handed them badges, Cordelia gingerly pinning it to her shirt. With a look of absolute confusion, she followed Robin down the corridor.

"What in the hell is this, child?"

"It's a singles' mixer."

"I know what it is but why the hell am I here? You said it was for investors, I had pitches planned and everything."

"Auntie Cordelia, you never make time for yourself. You need a push and I am giving you that push. Fairfall is a nice place; there will be plenty of nice bachelors who you could meet. It's better than online dating; you could have some weirdo catfishing you all the way from Alaska. Come on, don't give me that face, it will be fun."

Cordelia frowned.

"An hour, because it's you."

"An hour it is," Robin grinned, taking his godmother's arm, "Let's get in there."

They were immediately offered champagne, Cordelia taking one but swatting away Robin's arm when he attempted to grab one.

"It's not like I've never drank champagne."

"You're underage, so nothing in public. Ok then, where should I go to first?"

"Hispanic guy is well dressed, you could start with him."

"Ok then, let's do this," Cordelia nodded at Robin before marching over confidently.

If Robin had been hopeful at the start, he sure wasn't as the hour ticked on. Cordelia was rusty, it was true, but it was also clear why these guys were single. Whether it was rudeness, a bad sense of humour or BO, there was no guy that ticked any boxes. His hopes of a fair Fairfall bachelor seemed to be all but dashed.

Then Robin noticed someone. A tall, African-American man stood shyly on his own in the corner. Dressed in a nice suit, he looked as though he wanted to be anywhere but here.

He had dressed well, so that was one tick for Robin. Taking a leap, Robin strode over.

"Hello there."

The man looked up, "Hi kid."

"My name is Robin; I'm here with my godmother Cordelia."

He held out a hand.

"Joseph Stein, pleasure to meet you. Which one's your godmother?"

Robin nodded over at Cordelia, who was looking like she was one step from jumping out of the window to escape the man she was talking to.

"What do you do?"

"I'm a social worker."

"Children?"

"None."

"Criminal record?"

"Wow, you really are the detective," Joseph chuckled, "No criminal record."

"How long have you been single?"

"Seven years. I lost my wife of over ten years, Joyce. My sister Elaine force me to come here, she said I've been sad for long enough."

"I'm sorry to hear that," Robin frowned, "It must be hard, trying to get over someone you've loved for so long. Auntie Cordelia has been too busy raising me; I thought that she just needed to get out there. I had to trick her in order to come."

"Elaine told me she'd sign me up for every online dating website and app, including Tinder, if I didn't come tonight, so I thought it might be a bit of an improvement."

Cordelia came back over, looking hugely dejected.

"Auntie Cordelia, this is Joseph Stein. Joseph Stein, meet Cordelia Stevens. I'm sure you'll have a lot to talk about. I'll be in the corner if you need me. Toodles."

Robin turned on his heel, heading over to the corner. When he arrived there, he saw that Joseph had made Cordelia laugh so hard that she was bent over, clutching her stomach. This was progress, definitely so. He liked Joseph; he'd been respectful to Robin when he didn't need to.

The song that came on made him smile. It was one of his comfort songs- something he could sing in Glee club this week.

And the days go by

Like a strand in the wind

In the web that is my own

I begin again

Said to my friend, baby

Nothin' else mattered

He was no more than a baby then

Well he seemed broken hearted

Something within him

But the moment that I first laid

Eyes on him all alone

On the edge of seventeen

WELCOME TO THE JUNGLE-

Lizzie was not a confident person by nature, but she knew she had to be for this. She'd dressed in her most professional clothes, worn her nicest make-up and sprayed a bit of nice perfume that her mom had stashed away in the sock drawer.

After Linda had been let go by the Chinese place, her job at the drug store meant that there was barely enough to make ends meet. With no college degree and a history of menial, minimum wage jobs, Linda wasn't someone who could easily find a job. Lizzie watched as her mother toiled every day, taking every extra shift, for basically nothing. She'd fought so hard to ensure her daughter had a good education with a scholarship to Fairfall Prep. Linda Sawyer deserved better.

Well Health Pharmaceuticals had been important to Fairfall for decades and many of her classmates' parents worked for them. When looking online, Linda had discovered that they were running a trainee management programme, appropriate for any working age. The problem was, it seemed that they were after white collar college graduates.

Lizzie had to convince them.

Putting on her posh voice, she walked up to the reception.

"Hi there, my name is Elizabeth Sawyer; I'd like to speak to whoever's in charge."

The receptionist looked up.

"What is it you'd like?"

"I'd like to talk about the trainee management programme."

"You look a little young sweetheart."

"Oh no, not for me, for a relative. I just wanted some clarification."

"I'll see if he's willing to make a telephone appointment, Mr. Mahone is awfully busy," the receptionist put the phone to her ear, "Mr. Mahone, Allison here. There's a teenage girl who wants to speak to you about the trainee management programme, would you like me to book her in or shall I schedule it with someone else? Oh, ok, I'll tell her, thanks."

She put the phone down.

"It's your lucky day; Mr. Mahone is free to speak to you. Go up the elevator to the third floor and press the buzzer, he'll let you in."

"Ok, thanks."

Lizzie couldn't believe her luck. Following the receptionist's instructions, Lizzie found herself knocking on the door of the chairman.

"Enter!"

She gingerly opened the door.

"Hello there, I am Eddie Mahone. What's your name?"

"Lizzie Sawyer."

"Pleasure to meet you dear, please sit down," he shook her hand, "Please sit down. I was very surprised when Allison told me a teenager wanted to speak about the programme, you look a little on the young side. Are you still in high school?"

"Freshman," Lizzie planted herself on one of the comfortable chairs, "It's not for me, it's for my mom."

"Well if your mother wants to apply, she's welcome to."

"It's more complicated than that," Lizzie bit her lip, "The requirements on the website said a community college degree was the bare minimum, with a bachelors degree more desired. My mom...she's never really had the chance. She had me at seventeen. Everyone around her wanted her to have an abortion so she could do the usual teenager route, including my biological father, but she refused to do it. Instead of doing the things she wanted, my mom had worked dead end, low paid jobs with no stability in order to provide for me. Thanks to her, I have a scholarship at Fairfall Prep, something she would have never had a chance at. My mom isn't the desirable college grad you want, but she had worked so hard for her entire life so I could have the life she didn't. That is what I think a manager is."

"Interesting," Mr. Mahone leaned back in his chair, knotting his fingers together, "What does your mother do currently?"

"She works at a drug store, retail assistant. She was a hostess at Little Beijing until recently, but they downsized and cut staff. Look, I know it's not super interesting but while others were learning in a classroom, my mom was working her butt off in the real world."

"She managed to get you into Fairfall Prep on a scholarship?"

"I was always good at school. My mom pushed and pushed for me to work hard in order to get that scholarship. Fairfall High is a great school, but Fairfall Prep puts me in with kids who will easily get into Harvard or Yale. She scrimped and saved for textbooks and online tutors, often going without so that I could get the best education. I work so hard so I don't lose that scholarship. I think my mom would be the perfect manager. She deserves to have disposable income and stability, and not have to worry about living pay check to pay check. I am begging you sir, please at least look at her application."

Lizzie fished in her bag, shoving papers on the desk.

"I made a basic application. I'm sure that my mom's manager or someone else will provide a character reference. Not every college grad is the best at the job and not everyone who didn't go to college deserves to be a dead end job all their lives. I've got to better myself because of her and I want her to have the same chance. Please."

She looked at him, pleadingly.

"I must say Miss. Sawyer, I rather admire your pluck- you'd do well in the organisation if you were a little bit older. It is rare that I am swayed in such short time, but your impassioned pitch really struck a chord in me. I suppose higher education shouldn't be a prerequisite for stable employment. Leave this with me and I'll look it over. If I like what I see, I shall consider bringing your mother in for an interview."

"Really? Thank you so much!"

"She is lucky to have a daughter so tenacious and loving. My nephew is a sophomore at your school- Adam Palmer?"

"I don't know the name, but I'd probably know his face."

"Well I'm glad that Fairfall Prep has students like you attending. You have a bright future Miss. Sawyer. Unfortunately, I have a meeting in five minutes so I must ask you to leave. I hope we meet again."

"Of course," Lizzie rose, holding out a hand, "Thank you, thank you so much."

"Not a problem. Have a nice day."

"You too."

Lizzie rode down the elevator, completely elated at this encounter. At her school, she wasn't made to feel special or even just ordinary. People picked on her for being a scholarship kid. Hayley Dawson was even more ruthless and cruel now she'd been kicked off her perch, she really blamed Lizzie for her not being a cheerleader anymore. Right now, Lizzie felt really good about herself. She wanted the best for her mother and for things to come easy for the first time in her life.

Exiting the building and walking home, she walked past an alleyway. With her headphones in, Lizzie didn't notice the person standing in there.

"Jay Bishop, long time no see."

Jay looked at Matty, his dealer.

"Yeah, sorry about that, I got busted. I injured a friend when I was high and got found out. Drug specialists and all sorts."

"Shit man, that's rough," Matty looked at him sympathetically, "Can't get away from the high though, can you?"

Jay thought he was stronger than this, but he wasn't, he clearly, really wasn't. He'd lost everything- no college, no prom and he almost definitely wouldn't be walking at graduation. His own stupidity and weakness had injured a friend, so much so that that the friend had an altered lifestyle. Jason wasn't going to be playing football for a long while.

"Nope. What you got?"

"Prescription or illegal?"

"Prescription, don't wanna go down the illegal route."

"Fair enough, not a lot of my customers want to anymore."

"Well if you liked Adderall, there's Ritalin. It's the same sort of thing, treats ADHD. Now because of you having to undergo all that shit after getting caught, I'll give it to you for $15 for a pack of 28. How does that sound?"

Jay paused. Would be throw all of his hard work away? He'd disappoint his parents, his doctors and his teachers. Miss. Sanders had let him stay in Glee club. Jason had essentially forgiven him. His entire college career was contingent on him getting clean and staying sober. If he did this again and got hooked, there was a chance that Harvard and Princeton weren't going to happen next year.

"Ok."

Hi all, sorry for the delay. I wasn't sure if anyone was reading it any more, plus I've started writing other stuff as well. Hopefully I won't delay my lovely readers like this again.

Next Time: It's Valentine's Day. Oliver and Adelina reveal their relationship; Melrose gets a welcome and happy surprise, people dash to pair up, both romantically and platonically for the big dance and Diana's scheming backfires.

Questions:

How will everyone take the new Oliver and Adelina relationship?

What's Melrose's nice surprise?

Who is going to pair up?

What's going to happen to Diana?

Will Joseph and Cordelia go the distance?

Thanks again and don't forget to review. Hope to see you on the other side xxx