My Almost-Titled Story, Part 3

Rachel stared at Tessa in disbelief. “You’re actually going to leave college to go work for some cops?!” she asked. Tessa looked at her best friend with a what-do-you-expect look. “Well, you know this is what I came to college to study, this is just a way to get out there and do it sooner. And they’re not just 'cops'. They’re agents! They actually solve crimes and bust criminals, that’s what I want to do, too.” “Fine, Tess, but I think you might be betting too much on this one shot.” Tessa sighed as she continued to pack her bags. She could hear her mother’s voice inside her head, telling her she was not thinking clearly, backing Rachel’s thoughts up in the process. But Tessa was determined. This was her chance to get out into law enforcement and finally be able to use her talents. But Rachel wasn’t finished with her yet. “Tess, girl, look at me,” she said. “What’s going to happen if this bombs for you? You might get to pick up where you left off, but you’ll be really far behind.” She looked very sincere, but she looked more like a friend being abandoned. “Rachel, I’ll still see you,” she assured her. “I know, Tess, but we’re already in different classes, now you won’t even be living here. It’s going to be a major adjustment… for you.” “Yeah, I hope I survive,” she answered sarcastically. After they finished packing Tessa’s bags, the two friends sat up for the rest of the night, talking and laughing like they were back in high school. And, as the sun rose on the horizon, Tessa wondered what sort of things she would be encountering.