Chapter 16
By the time dinner was done, Amanda felt like a chef. "Maybe I should try cooking school Liv." Liv looked at Amanda and gave a quick, "No! Why don't you take a shower and get cleaned up. That way when dinner is over you can take some pain meds and be ready for bed. You've had a long day and I don't know how you will feel when it all catches up to you." Amanda went to take a shower and put on something comfortable, while Olivia finished up dinner. When Amanda came back, Olivia was still in the kitchen cleaning up. "Liv take a break and let me clean up. I don't mind." Liv went into the living room and turned on the tv to check out the news for a bit. She heard a knock at the door, but Amanda ran over to open it. "Sit, relax, gosh! Do you know how to take a break?" Amanda opened the door and saw Melinda and Ms. Cabot talking and laughing. She didn't know they all were friends and knew each other. She was Liv's youngest friend and hoped she could fit in if they were going to be together.
"Hi Ms. Cabot! Hi Melinda! Come on in." Melinda and Alex both gave Amanda a hug. "Hey we've missed you in school. How are you feeling?" Amanda smiled not knowing how Ms. Cabot would feel after her outburst at school on Monday. "I'm feeling better. I went to the doctor today and she said I'm doing well, plus Melinda has been taking good care of me." Melinda just smiled, "Well I'm glad to hear that. Hey Olivia! How are you? Enjoying your time off," Melinda laughed. "Yep I sure am and you're just jealous." Amanda smiled watching them tease each other. "So are we going to talk or eat first?" Amanda didn't hesitate, "Talk first, because I'm really nervous about what you are going to say and I really want to enjoy the spaghetti." The three of them fell out laughing. "Okay let's talk Amanda. New York public school has a program for kids who are at least 16 and don't have the luxury of sitting in a classroom all day. My friend is over the program, so I can get you in. She owes me a favor." Amanda looked at Ms. Cabot. "You'll cash in your favor for me, after the way I behaved at school. Why?" Alex looked at Amanda, "Sweetheart I don't blame you for your reaction at school. That wasn't you acting out, that was fear. You know you sat in my office last week and after we talked I figured at two things. You're very intelligent and kind. So yes if this is what you want I will cash in the favor for you." Amanda shook her head and smiled. "So this is the deal. Courses are all online and you can do all of your schoolwork right here at home. There is a building you can report to at any time with teachers who can help you if you need it, but it's not required. The first step is you take 4 core tests, Math, English, Science, and Social Studies. This is the part I like for you. You were almost half way through your senior year, making straight A's in AP classes. If you score high enough you can basically test right out of high school and start earning college credits towards a 2 year associate's degree Amanda. You get to move as fast as you want through the online classes if you pass you take another course.If you work really hard, by June you can have your high school diploma and an associate's degree. Meaning you can take that and transfer to a 4 year college. I wouldn't recommend this to just anyone because you will be doing a lot of school work. Definitely more school work than at my school. I honestly think you can pull it off, but how about we enjoy a nice dinner and you think about it. I just would like your answer tonight, because you need to get rolling if it's what you want."
They enjoyed a nice dinner and conversation. Amanda cleared all the plates and cleaned the kitchen to give Liv a chance to enjoy her friends company. Liv thought it was the sweetest thing and wanted to give her a big kiss, but didn't want to embarrass her. When she was done, she snuck away to her bedroom. Liv noticed and gave her some time, but went to check on her. She peaked in the room and Amanda was laying sideways across the bed, so Liv sat down. "Are you okay? You know I'm behind whatever you want to do. The school work sounds intense, but I know you're smart. What are thinking?" Amanda sat up, "I think I want to do it. I'm not scared, I know how to work hard, and I am smart, but that means a job is off the table. Liv I know you will take care of me, but I'm not your responsibility." Liv moved closer, " When are you going to get it that I'm here for you? I've told you and I'm going to keep telling you, I've got your back. So are we going to do this or what?" Amanda smiled, "Yes!" Olivia was so happy Amanda was choosing to trust her and finally do what's best for herself. She planted a big kiss on her sweet lips. "That's for trusting me and cleaning up to give me time with my friends. Thank you Amanda." Amanda smiled, "Liv you're really, really good at that." Liv looked at Amanda, "Come on we have guests. They walked to the living room. "Ms. Cabot I want to do it. I think the program is best for me." Alex smiled while reaching in her bag, "I was hoping you would say that. Thanks for not costing me a favor" she said, passing her a new laptop. "That envelope has your credentials and that laptop is for school work only. The card must be inserted whenever you use the laptop. Whenever you take a test of any kind you must turn on audio and video to begin. They make sure you don't cheat. All the rules and directions are in the envelope. Congratulations! I know you're going to do great Amanda." Amanda took the stuff and put it on the table as Ms. Cabot got up to leave. "Thank you Ms. Cabot for helping and believing in me." "Amanda you are welcome and now that I'm no longer your administrator, call me Alex."
