The Summer I Went Wild Chapter 1 Part 1
The Summer I Went Wild
Chapter One
Part One
Charlotte
It’s a sunny Friday morning in the heart of summer, and while others might disagree, there’s something about mornings like these that always makes me feel it’s the best season of all.
Except for today.
The email I’d been waiting for, with breath held in anticipation, finally arrived. And, of course, today was the day I had to be rejected.
That’s right—they rejected me.
What would Mom say if she found out? I couldn’t bear to tell her. Dinner would be here soon, and I knew she’d ask if I’d heard from them yet.
How could I even look her in the eye?
Dinnertime was a special time for my family. Every 7 PM, the family gathered in the dining room. We’d start with grace, then relax and bond like family.
Mom’s work kept her busy, forcing Dad to implement a 7 PM rule: no devices, only family time for discussion.
So yeah, there was no escaping Mom.
I liked that, as a kid, we’d sit around the table talking about school, friends, and whatnot. But now, sitting here with shaky legs and sweaty, clenched palms, it was my least favorite moment of the day. Arguably, of the year.
Blue eyes, wild and curious, stared at me from across the table. Mom’s fingers tapped at the polished wood, a steady rhythm that matched the pounding of my heart. She was waiting for an answer I didn’t have.
“Charlotte, I’m waiting for you.”
Silence.
The tension was unbearable, thick enough to choke on. Dad let out a small cackle, trying to lighten the mood. He always tried. But this time, he couldn’t even diffuse it.
“They haven’t sent a message,” I blurted out.
The lie tasted bitter on my tongue, but I couldn’t stop it. They had sent a message. And they rejected me.
It wasn’t their fault; my grades weren’t good enough. Harvard was competitive, and I hadn’t made the cut.
“I cannot believe this.” Mom’s disappointment was palpable. Her frown deepened, and she shook her head. “Two of my colleagues’ children have been accepted. So what’s delaying yours?”
Pinpricks of guilt stabbed me everywhere, like a thousand needles pressing against my skin. I’d flunked my chance at Harvard.
“It’ll come,” Dad said gently. “We just need a little patience.”
“That’s what you’ve been saying for weeks.”
She didn’t even look at him. Her gaze was fixed on me. “Remind them.”
“I’ll do that once I get to my room.”
My head hung low. If I met her eyes, I knew I’d break.
“This is family time,” Dad interrupted firmly. “No phones. She can handle it later.”
Mom didn’t argue, but the way she pursed her lips told me everything. She wasn’t letting this go.
The disappointment pressed down on me, thick and suffocating.
“Char, come help me with the food,” Dad said.
I shot out of my chair. This was my escape.
In the kitchen, I finally breathed again.
Dinner passed in uneasy quiet. When thunder cracked outside at 8 PM, Mom stood.
“Don’t forget to email them tonight.”
Dad squeezed my shoulder. “Don’t worry. Everything will work out.”
I nodded, even though I didn’t believe it.
Before I told Mom the truth, I needed a plan. Something to soften the blow.
Because once I said it, there would be no taking it back.