Magnolia

Magnolia Read Online Free PDF

Book: Magnolia Read Online Free PDF
Author: Kristi Cook
problem is, I haven’t discussed it with my parents yet, and I’m running out of time.
    The deadline for early decision is November first, less than two months away. I’ve already completed most of the application package, everything except the final two elements of a four-part portfolio that includes a ten-minute film. But, obviously, I’m going to need my parents’ support or it’s never going to happen. New York is a long way away, and NYU is expensive. Really expensive.
    Who knows? Maybe it’s just a pipe dream. Still, I’m not quite ready to give it up.
    I head over to the gun safe to put Delilah away, thinking that maybe I can talk to them now, before I lose my nerve.It’s not like it’s going to get any easier the longer I wait, and if they say no, well . . . I guess I won’t bother with the rest of the portfolio.
    *  *  *
    When I return to the house fifteen minutes later with Beau and Sadie in tow, I find both my parents sitting together at the kitchen table, drinking coffee. My dad has obviously just showered—his hair is damp—and my mom has changed from her church clothes into a pair of bleach-stained shorts and an old T-shirt, her usual Sunday-afternoon attire. Her blond hair is pulled back into a ponytail, and she smells like sunscreen and bug repellant.
    I realize I better catch her now before she heads out to her gardens—a vegetable plot just off the kitchen and a larger, fenced-in space out back where she grows Old World roses along with other colorful flowers that I can’t name.
    â€œHey, can I talk to y’all for a sec?” I ask, sliding into the chair opposite them.
    My mom raises one brow quizzically. “Is this about Patrick? Because I’m not sure I like—”
    â€œIt’s not about Patrick.” I take a deep, calming breath. I can do this . “It’s about my college apps.”
    Daddy sets down his mug. “How’s that coming, hon? You need help with your essays?”
    â€œNo, nothing like that. It’s just . . . I know we talked aboutapplying to just the state schools, but I was thinking . . . I mean, you know how I like to make movies and all. I was hoping that I could apply to a film school, too.”
    My mom’s blue eyes narrow a fraction. “Film school?”
    I swallow hard. “NYU, actually. You know . . . in New York City,” I add lamely.
    â€œNew York City?” my dad parrots back, somehow making it sound like Mars or something.
    I plow on recklessly. “Yeah, I’ve read over their materials, and I think their program sounds awesome. It’s a good school, too. And . . . well, I’d like to at least apply and see what happens. I know it’s a long shot, but—”
    â€œWe’re not sending you off to New York City, Jemma,” Daddy says, shaking his head. “That’s all there is to it.”
    My parents exchange a glance, and then Mama nods. “Besides,” she says, “all your friends are going to Ole Miss. What would you do in New York? Alone? And film school . . .” She trails off with a shrug. “You’re a straight-A student, Jem. Why would you throw that all away for some crazy idea—”
    â€œI wouldn’t be throwing anything away. They have academic programs at NYU, too, you know. Maybe I could . . . I don’t know, double major in film and English lit or something like that.”
    â€œWhere did you even come up with this idea?” Daddy asks, sounding a little dazed.
    I fold my arms across my chest, trying not to look too defiant. “That class I took last summer. You know, the one at the Y? The teacher said I had a cinematic eye. I know it’s hard to believe, but she actually thought I had talent. Real talent.”
    My mom eyes me suspiciously. “Are you sure this doesn’t have something to do with
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