Escape from the Isle of the Lost (Descendants 4)

It was a gleaming indoor gymnasium, filled with R.O.A.R. athletes in green uniforms, leaping off the walls and practicing with their swords and shields. Jay grinned. “Excellent.”

Next, Jay sat in on a few lectures. The history classes were mostly concerned with the medieval and Renaissance periods, and an economics class showed how taking money from the wealthy aided the less fortunate.

“But of course, the best thing here is the merrymaking,” said Bobby. “Come on.”

He led Jay to the middle of the forest, where a few students were strumming guitars, playing games, and generally goofing off. There was a group of merry men who looked like a cheeky, irreverent bunch. And they definitely seemed like they were good with their bows and arrows.

“So, what do you think?” said Bobby.

“It’s awesome,” said Jay. If he chose to enroll at Agrabah State University, he would be burdened by his father’s legacy. Magical Institute Training was prestigious, but sounded way too academic and, well, magical for him—and he wasn’t very good at magic. Sherwood Forest U seemed like the perfect fit.

“Good luck,” said Bobby, shaking his hand. “Hope to see you here next year!”

Jay realized with a start that he still had to get in. Even though he was recruited and invited, nothing was set in stone until he received his admission scroll. Suddenly, he knew exactly how Dizzy felt about her Auradon application.

• • •

At last, it was the very end of school. Final grades had been posted, and graduation was only a few days away. It was also the week in which college decisions would go out to those who had applied. Some people had applied early and already knew where they were headed. Lonnie was going pro, joining her brother on the Great Wall team. Evie was expanding her fashion line. Mal was going to help Ben with his royal duties and learn the ropes of palace life.

But Jay still hadn’t heard back from all of his schools.

Early digital acceptances, as well as fat envelopes from both MIT and ASU, had arrived. Jay had his heart set on Sherwood Forest University, though. Yet ever since he’d returned from visiting day the other week, there had been no word from the school or the coach.

Now he had to wait with everyone else in the library, staring at a computer, refreshing his screen to see if he had been accepted to the school of his choice.

Jay drummed his fingers on the desk nervously. He never thought he’d ever graduate from high school, let alone go to college. Growing up on the Isle of the Lost, he didn’t think he had much of a future. But all that had changed when he came to Auradon. His whole life was ahead of him now. In the end, he told himself, it would be okay if he didn’t get into Sherwood. There were other schools. What was important was that he was going to get to do something that he loved, no matter where he ended up.

He refreshed the screen.

There it was. There was a message!

CLICK HERE FOR APPLICATION DECISION

Jay hit the button and bit his thumb. He never had to wait for anything in his life. For so many years, if he wanted something, he just took it, or stole it, or talked his way into it. If he got in, this would be one of the first times he had actually earned something.

JAY OF AGRABAH, CONGRATULATIONS!

YOU HAVE BEEN ACCEPTED INTO SHERWOOD FOREST

UNIVERSITY’S MERRY BAND OF STUDENTS.…

It was even signed by Robin Hood himself.

He leaped to his feet and yelled, “I’m going to college!”

Carlos came over and slapped him on the back. “Congratulations, man! Dude and I are so happy for you!”

“Go, Jay!” said Evie, who had been sitting with Doug. Doug was still waiting to hear whether he had gotten into one of the top seven schools in the kingdom. They both stood up and hugged Jay.

“You did it!” said Mal, jumping up and down with Ben, as other kids began to scream out their acceptances.

It was a frenzy of excitement and relief. Students tossed their books and notebooks around and danced on the tables.

“I’m sad you’re not going pro with me,” said Lonnie. “But I’ll come visit you.”

“Thanks. And I’ll come see you when you guys pl

ay at Sherwood Arena,” said Jay.