Free Swept Away by Nicole O'Dell Page A

learn of the contest. Had it really been seven months since then?
    The walk down the hallway and any conversations along the way blurred as Amber’s thoughts raced and swirled. Within a few minutes, they sat in Principal Warner’s office, waiting for the final verdict.
    He pointed to the phone resting between his shoulder and his ear, and motioned with five fingers that his call would only take a few more minutes.
    Could she still back out? What if she put a stop to the whole thing right then? But she couldn’t. She had a fifty-fifty chance of winning a brand-new car for herself—for her family—and would find out, one way or another, in a few minutes. But what if she didn’t win? Amber wanted to be happy for Brittany—she really did. But she feared she wouldn’t be able to find it within herself. Of course, she never thought she had it in her to be a cheater, either!
    “Okay. Thanks so much. I’ll be in touch.” Principal Warner hung up the phone and turned to the girls, smiling from ear to ear. “Amber, Brittany.” He nodded at them both. “I first want to say I am so very proud of you both. You have been exemplary students in every possible way. I understand you both got accepted to the college of your choice?”
    “Yes, sir.” Brittany wrung her hands together in her lap and took several deep breaths. Was she about to pass out? Poor girl wore her emotions on display.
    Poised only on the outside, Amber patted Brittany’s arm. “We’re both going to UW on full scholarships.”
    “That’s wonderful, girls. How exciting.” He paused, his eyes glimmering. “UW is close enough to drive home once a month or so, right?”
    “Well, sure. If we had a car, that is.” Amber teased back, trying to look cool and unfazed in front of Principal Warner.
    “Okay. This much you already know: One of you will own a brand-new car before you walk out of this office today. But knowing how close you two are, you’ll probably be sharing it at college and to get you both back and forth for visits. So the outcome should be exciting no matter what.” He leaned back in his chair with his hands behind his head. “Before I tell you the results, you need to know how very impressed I am. You both deserve to be commended for the way you acted during this race. You both worked hard, but you stayed true to each other. You took the high road and relied on honesty, hard work, and friendship as the most important things.”
    Amber never felt smaller.
    “But alas, you’re not here for all of that. You’re dying to hear the outcome, aren’t you?”
    Both girls nodded.
    “Okay, after calculating everything, it came down to the final exams. Either of you could have won at that point. But the exams pulled out a clear winner. The winner, after your scores were finalized and confirmed, is …” He paused for effect, and then shouted,
“Amber!
“
    Amber looked at Brittany, stunned, her mouth hanging open.
    Brittany threw her arms around Amber and squeezed. “Oh, Amber. I’m so, so happy for you. You worked so hard for this. This is how it was meant to turn out—I just knew it.”
    “Can I call my mom and dad?” Amber words squeaked out. Her throat was so dry and her heart beat so hard, she wondered if they could hear it.
    “First, let’s go outside and take a look at your new car. Okay?”
    Amber nodded, unable to speak.
    The three of them walked out to the commons area. As soon as they turned the corner toward the front door, they saw it: the most beautiful new pearly white car parked right in front—with a big, red bow tied around it and her parents standing right beside it, beaming with pride. Could it get it better than that? She turned to Brittany, and her heart sank again. Not because Brittany looked sad—not at all. In fact, that would have made it easier. But what killed her was how Britt’s face glowed. Her eyes radiated true joy at the sight of her best friend winning such a great honor. Amber reached over and