Chapter 13
Jordan Hayes‘ essay Emergence has moved all the judges with its sincere emotion and unique perspective. This piece will be recommended for publication in The New American Literary Review [
Applause thundered through Ashland University’s auditorium, Jordan stood on the award stage, under the spotlight, wearing a simple white blouse and jeans. Despite her modest attire, she radiated brilliance ||
Emmett sat in the front row, his gaze fixed on the young woman on stage, his lips unenesciously curving upward. The wounded wary girl from three month’s aro had transformed into a confident, poised w
Π
Jordan bowed slightly, her voice clear: Thank you all for your recognition. This piece tells the story of a girls rebirth, and its also my thanks to everyone who has helped me along the way“]
Her gate swept across the crowd, meeting Emmett eyes. In that moment, they both understood what remained unspoken between them.
A week later, the latest issue of “The New American Literary Review hit the stands, with Jordan’s “Evergence” featured on the front page. The issue sold out almost immediately, and the editorial office received erous letters from readers wanting to contact this new author
Jordan, you’re absolutely AMAZING! Her roommate pen rond the dorm room, waving the newspaper. Even my parents called to ask if you were really my roommate!
d–it’s practically
Trofessor Calloway says he’s taking you out to celebrate tonight. He even managed to reserve a private dining room at The Ashland Grand–i impossible to get a table there these days. Don’t you think…..-]]
Jordan’s face instantly flushed. “Don’t don’t say such thing-
Tine, fine. I’m just saying her roommate grinned mischievously, leaning closer. “We can all see what’s happening, but of course you and Professor Calloway have to wait until after graduation. Some old fashioned folks love to gossip.
Merhale, at the downtown shopping mall Maxwell followed Vanessa mechanically, his arms laden with shopping bags.]
Max, what do you think of this latest style dress?” Vanessa twirled before a mirror, oblivious to Maxwell’s distraction.
Maxwell responded with a perfunctory sound, his attention caught by a newspaper at a nearby stand. The front page boldly displayed the title “Emergence,” with the authors name–Jordan Hayes.]
He felt compelled to walk over and purchase the paper.
Man! Why are you buying a newspaper?” Vanessa approached with annoyance, but upon seeing the name, her expression changed dramatically. This this boring staff isn’t worth reading! Lers go to the next store!”
but maxwell didact move, his eyes fixed on the text, reading the entire article word by word
ge of the girl who “rose from the ashes in the text overlapped with memories of Jordan’s defiant gaze
This artide… it’s quite good…” Maxwell’s Adam’s apple hobbed. “How did she.”
Vanessa’i nalla dag into her palm as suddenly doulded over. “Ahh, it hurts. Max, my stomach hurts so bad.”
Maxwell snapped back to attention, quickly supporting her. “What’s wrong?”
Must be something I ate,” Vanesa Jeaned weakly against his shoulder. “Could you take me to a clanic, please? []
At the time, the doctor’s examination showed nothing duormal, but Vanessa insisted on staying for observation. Maxwell sat beside her bed, still clutching the newspaper
Mal
ssa chutched his hand, her eyes swimming with trans. Stay with me, please? I’m scared.||
Maxwell nodded, but his gaze drifted back to the newspaper |
“Stop looking at that!” Vanessa suddenly snatched the paper and tone it to shards, her voice breaking. “I don’t want to see that name! She almost ruined my reputation, don’t you remember? Besides, she never had die chance to attend college, so how could she possibly write something like this? It must be someone che with the same name!”
The forn pieces fluttered to the floor. Maxwell start the fragments, an inexplicable irritation rising within him
