They had options. Big ones. The kind of life-changing, heart-racing choices that felt like both a dream and a dare.
Jessica had been accepted into NYU with a partial scholarship and glowing praise from her professors. Molly, to her own disbelief, had landed a spot at Columbia - her application essay titled "Falling in Love with Someone Smarter Than Me" had moved the admissions panel enough to get her an interview, which she somehow nailed despite sweating through her blouse and rambling about indie films and Jessica's impact on her view of the world.
Now, they sat cross-legged on Molly's bed, surrounded by open laptops, tangled phone chargers, and half-eaten pizza slices strewn across greasy boxes. The glow from their screens lit up their faces as the city skyline blinked back at them from digital brochures. The moment felt surreal - like they were standing at the edge of something monumental.
Jessica stared at the screen, fingers resting lightly on the trackpad. "New York?"
Molly grinned, heart fluttering in her chest. "You and me in the city," she said, the words like a promise.
Jessica hesitated, gnawing gently on her lower lip. "It'll be hard. Busy. Messy. We'll be drowning in deadlines and rent and part-time jobs."
"I know," Molly said, scooting closer until their knees touched. "But we'll figure it out. Together."
Jessica turned to her, her expression soft but serious. "It's not just about moving there. It's everything - keeping up with classes, working, affording groceries. Making sure we don't lose us in the process."
Molly reached out and tucked a strand of hair behind Jessica's ear, her fingers lingering against her cheek. Then she leaned in and kissed her - slow and intentional, with all the certainty she had in her. "We'll do it," she murmured against her lips. "We've already made it through so much. This? This is the beginning."
Jessica's eyes glistened as she smiled, her hand finding Molly's. "Always," she whispered, squeezing her fingers like an oath.
And just like that, they clicked "accept" on their respective school portals - two small sounds that echoed louder than fireworks in their chests. They didn't know exactly what would happen next, only that they were diving into the unknown side by side. And that was enough.