But now I had begun the next stage of life without my best friend at my side…something I hadn’t done since time forgotten. I hadn’t seen Samantha since that day at the tide pools, but our experiences together somehow solidified me. I could leave behind the person I was before I came to San Diego. I could face a future without my parents living together, as well as a future without Samantha.
I’d never forget what we went through—especially the friendships I made and the things I learned. But something came in the mail the day before I planned to go home to Arizona—something to make my entire future certain, all because of my past.
“Olivia, there’s a letter for you,” said Aunt Shannon as she brought in the mail. “I didn’t know you were applying to colleges.”
I looked up from my biology book propped next to my lunch of a ham sandwich and a soda. “Uh, I wasn’t,” I said in surprise. “Not yet, anyway. I’m starting undergrad at a community college back home. I’ve already registered.”
Aunt Shannon looked back at the envelope in confusion. “It has your name on it. And my address. Are you sure?”
I held my hand out. She gave me the letter. Sure enough, my name was printed on the envelope. The return address was from the University of Maryland, a college I’d never heard of. I tore the envelope open and pulled out the letter:
To Olivia Owens—
We are pleased to inform you that you have been accepted into the University of Maryland’s Marine Biology program. Furthermore, you are the recipient of the Nereid Scholarship, which entitles you to full payment of tuition, materials, books, and student room and board.
We look forward to you attending our school and hope to aid you in achieving all of your academic goals.
Sincerely,
There was a messy signature at the bottom labeled Dean of Students, College of Marine Biology.
I dropped the envelope in a daze and read the letter again.
“What is it?” asked Aunt Shannon. I handed her the letter. She read through it, a smile growing wider on her face as she did so.
“A scholarship! That’s fantastic!”
“But I—” I stopped. I was about to tell her I had never applied to the University of Maryland, much less any scholarships, but I didn’t want to raise uncomfortable questions. I knew exactly from where this stroke of incredible fortune had come. I just couldn’t believe it!
“You little miss smarty-pants!” cried Aunt Shannon. She patted me on the back. “How exciting.”
“Yeah…” Marine biology. At a university. Fully paid for. Even if I did figure out a theory and turned it in to NOA, there were no guarantees they’d choose it for their scholarship. Now, I didn’t need to worry about it. How could I ever thank them?
“Aren’t you excited about it?”
“What? Yes! Very. Just—overwhelmed I guess.”
“You’ll be great. It’ll be so wonderful. I’ll have to come visit you. Maryland is gorgeous in the fall.”
At last, I grinned as the shock turned into anticipation.
“Yeah.” My exhilaration mounted. “It’s a lot closer to Scotland too,” I added, though not loud enough for Aunt Shannon to hear.
So many incredible people have had a hand in bringing Fathom to life. First of all, a very special thank you needs to go out to my parents, who took us to San Diego all those summers during my teens and beyond. Without those yearly trips, the idea for this book would never have come.
Thank you, Dad, for being my biggest fan. And Mom, for cheering me on from heaven. Kathy, for loving Dad and my kids. And to all my siblings, thanks for being cool and supportive. I love all you weirdos.
I also have to thank my husband, Bret. You’ve been so patient with me during this crazy process of writing and publishing. Thank you for being my partner and my cute boyfriend. And thank you for taking charge of the kids on so many Saturdays so I could write and do other writerly things like conferences and retreats. Ella, Caleb, Joshua, Kate, you babies are my world and I love you so freaking much.
To my friends in my ANWA writing chapter: you guys are amazing. Thank you so much for all your advice and support! This writing gig would be so much harder (and a lot less fun) without my tribe! I’ve always said my biggest mistake in my early years as a writer was thinking I could do it alone.
To my beta readers, Pam Eaton, Kate Gomm (who will always be Katie to me), Kylie Pond, Marie Parker, and Stephanie Whitfield, you ladies rock!!
And special thanks to my editing dream team from Salt and Sage Books: Rebecca Blevins, Jeigh Meredith, and Neha Patel. I’m so grateful for tough, smart, and compassionate editors who helped me find and fill the plot holes, correct my flagrant misuse of commas, and make this story all shiny.
To Molly Phipps, my cover designer: you’re the best, lady. You created a beautiful work of art. Thank you for being so professional and patient with this noob.
To Amber Martin, Heather Johnson, Hannah Roberts, Haley Zazueta, and Alyssa Sellers. You sweet girls were the first to hear this story. I will never forget your support and enthusiasm!
To all my readers—and dare I say, fans? Thank you!
And I would be remiss if I didn’t thank my God. With Him, all things are made possible—even accomplishing the insane task of writing a book.
L.L. Standage (Amy to her friends), has been making up stories her entire life. In high school, she decided she wanted to be an author and began writing the most cringe-worthy epic fantasies, which, sadly, will never see the light of day. When she isn’t writing, she
