Haven't Had Enough → Chenry

The only thing better than hearing good news is telling it – but hearing it is a very close second, indeed.

An uncertain smile crept onto my face when I walked through Boehman's front doors. Ingrid bounced over to me, grinning widely, with one arm held behind her back. "Good morning, Charlotte."

"Someone's in a good mood," I observed, my own spirits lightened by proxy. I crossed my arms and looked up at the ceiling in mock-consideration. "Alright, let me guess what it is. Did Becca quit?"

A tiny, nearly unnoticeable snort accompanied Ingrid's laugh. She pushed her glasses up on the bridge of her nose. "Unfortunately not – though, as it turns out, this is even better."

I cocked an eyebrow, sticking my tongue in my cheek in an attempt to contain myself. "Oh, she was fired?"

Ingrid sighed and shook her head, her smile slightly softening. "Not quite."

She held her arm out beside her, brandishing two pristine white envelopes in her hand. "These were delivered today."

"What are they?" I narrowed my eyes at the envelopes in an attempt to study them closer. My eyes widened. "Ooh, did payday come early?"

"Knowing you, this back and forth will never end." Ingrid extended her arm and offered one of the envelopes to me. "So, see for yourself."

I took the envelope and examined it further. The only writing on it was my name. It was blazoned across the front, written carefully in wispy golden calligraphy. I turned the letter over to the other side to see an intricate, decorative golden seal. In the very middle, in minuscule lettering, it read but one word:

Penbrooke.

I let out an involuntary squeal, earning a passionate hush from Ingrid. "Sorry," I whispered in apology, staring in awe at the letter in my hands. "I just can't believe I'm holding this in my hands right now. Is this really it? Should we open them?"

I looked up at Ingrid, who nodded with certainty. "Together."

I filled my lungs with air as we simultaneously tore open the parchment and pulled out what was inside. My eyes scanned the paper at breakneck speed. "Dear Penbrooke applicant–"

     Ingrid cut in, controlled by a giddiness that was detectable in her voice. "We are pleased to inform you—"

     "—of your status as a finalist in the annual Penbrooke writing competition." I paused for a second, letting the words sink in. Then, with a start, I met Ingrid's eyes and let out a joyous shriek.

     "We did it!" She exclaimed, and before I knew it, both of our papers had fallen to the ground as Ingrid wrapped me in a celebratory hug.

     And sure, I was thrilled to be one step closer to everything I had ever dreamed of. But now I had something else, too, something that I had never anticipated might come along with all of this. A friend.

I closed my eyes, smiling as we rocked back in forth in our embrace. It truly felt like nothing and no one could ruin the moment.

     "What's got you two so happy?"

     I immediately jerked away from Ingrid at the irritating sound of Becca's voice and narrowed my eyes. I knew enough to understand that Becca was never the bearer of good news.