Chapter Thirty-Five

Deep breaths don’t let yourself panic. You got this.

Noel continues the mantra over in her head, but it doesn’t seem to help as she patiently waits outside the office doors of the college board officials who will be administering his final interview. It’s described as a formality and a way for the school to meet a candidate in person before they enter.

But anyone with knowledge of this school would know this interview could still make or break their acceptance altogether.

“Miss Ashford? We’re ready for you,” a slender woman with sleek blonde hair pulled into a tight ponytail calls out to her. She is wearing a light blue pantsuit with a white dress shirt and a gentle smile.

Noel wipes her hands down her pants to remove the sweat before walking forward to shake her hand, hoping her smile is as bright and gentle as hers despite how much the corners of her mouth are twitching.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, my name is Ms. Miles, and I will be one of the three board members interviewing you