three strikes

Chapter 33
-7 Months Later-
My mother kissed my forehead one last time, brushing my hair away from my face.
"Darling, I'm so proud of you. Your father is, too." she cried.
I wrapped my arms around my mother, giving her a tight hug.
"I love you." I whispered in her ear.
"Oh, Kendall. You know I love you, too."
I exited the front door, carrying my matching set of blue suitcases behind.
Jesse exited his car, as he helped me carry my luggages in the trunk.
He brushed his hands off after we finished, as he started the engine to his car.
"Are you ready, babe?" he smirked.
I slapped his arm playfully, as I nodded. "Don't call me babe. And yes, I am."
"Are you sure? It's going to be a long four hour drive to Pennsylvania." Jesse teased.
"I am absolutely sure. Besides, you can entertain me while I'm bored."
Jesse nodded, as his dark hair fell in his eyes.
He started pulling out of our driveway, as he headed onto the road.
Before I got to react, I noticed that Jesse had passed the highway that we were suppose to go on.
"Jesse? You just passed the highway entrance." I pointed out.
Jesse chuckled, as he pressed on the pedal even harder. "I know."
I frowned in confusion. "Well, go make a U turn and go back."
Jesse shook his head. "I want to go somewhere first, before we leave."
"But-"
"No buts."
I stayed quiet, as I watched Jesse drive towards a beach that Scarlett, Nate, Jesse and I all hung around during the summer.
Jesse stopped, as he got out of the car abruptly, leaving me to follow him.
"J-Jesse, where are you going?" I demanded, as he started pacing in the sand.
As I walked, sand kicked behind me, letting the sand sink between my toes.
"I have to tell you something before we go." Jesse said, squinting in the sunlight.
I frowned. "You aren't pregnant, are you?"
Jesse looked at me, sighing. "This isn't time for jokes, Kendall. I'm serious."
His face was straight, and suddenly, I was scared.
"What is it, Jesse?" I asked, shuffling my feet.
Jesse shook his head. "You won't get mad at me, will you? Because this will ruin everything."
I chuckled nervously. "What are you saying, Jesse? Everything's be fine, perfect! My mother is doing great, we both have scholarships, and we'll be going to the same college!"
Jesse bit his lip. "T-that's where the problem comes in..."
"About what?" I asked.
"I-I'm not going to Penn State with you, Kendall." he sighed.
"W-what?" I hesitated.
"I got a full scholarship for sports during the beginning of this summer... to Berkeley."
"B-Berkeley? As in... California?" I asked, eyes widening.
He nodded. "S-sorry, Kendall. I knew how much you wanted for us to go to Penn, but this was just too good of an offer to turn down."
I shook my head. "Why did you wait until now to tell me?"
"I-I didn't want to hurt you."
I chuckled, wiping away tears that had fallen.
"I'm not mad, you idiot. I'm proud of you. I might be upset that you waited so long to tell me... but I'm so happy for you. A full scholarship? That's amazing." I breathed.
"But-"
"No buts." I cut him off, sealing it with a kiss.