Chereads / Pyromaniac (WSA Special) / Chapter 31 - Memories: University Life

Chapter 31 - Memories: University Life

"Mom!" I called out to my mom once again, this time a bit louder than before while still struggling against the blankets. This has been the third time I've called out to her but I guess she's too busy making breakfast for dad that she can't hear me.

I waited for another 5 minutes hoping that maybe she'd burst through that door like an angel from heaven but finally gave up trying seeing as she wasn't going to be my knight today and forced myself up from my soft, comfy bed, dragging my feet with me on my way to the bathroom.

Taking a nice hot bath, I put on my bathrobe and made my towards the door but not before stopping before the mirror. I stared at the girl that stood before me. 5'6 with pale skin, she had dark brown almond eyes that matched her skin perfectly. Her dark brown hair with blonde highlights covered most of her face from the side which made it difficult to make out her narrow nose and square jaw. And lastly those pink lips were to die for. Overall, she was beautiful. But was it really me? No, I can't be that beautiful anyways. I scoffed and went out. I had self-confidence issues if you don't know.

I slipped my feet inside my soft bunny shaped slippers that were lying beside my bed on my way out. Shutting the door behind me as quietly as I could, I walked down the stairs towards the main door, walking past the dining room on my way. I gave a quick sideways glance to check for my parents sitting on the dining table only to be surprised to find it empty. I gave out a little "huh" sound before facing towards the door once again.

I opened the main door in a hurry peeking my head outside and looking over the empty streets hoping to see some people from Louisville standing outside the door with a brand new Mazda ready to take me to Acadia but my hopes were shattered when I found the colony empty except for one or two cars parked outside. Sighing disappointingly, I was about to close the door when I saw something on the doormat from the corner of my eye. I looked below and saw that it was a white envelope, completely sealed from all sides. I hastily picked it up from the floor while reading the address on it. Knowing that I had a huge grin on my face, I shut the door and walked over towards the dining room before anyone could see me and think that I'm probably crazy.

Making myself comfortable in one of the chairs, I stared at the place where my name was printed. Ms. Alicia Van Sullivan. A thousand questions were running through my mind. Was the email from Acadia real or another one of those fake emails? Is it an acceptance letter? If yes, then what do I tell dad? Is he going to accept it? Or is he going to kick me out like Nate?

I sat there playing with the edges of the envelope when I took a deep breath and finally decided to open it knowing that I really won't get any answers if I just sit here like this. I had decided to go slow upon opening the envelope because I knew my hands were shaking and curiosity was killing me. I took out the seal first placing it down on the table before pushing open the flap and reached inside to grab a hold on the neatly folded paper inside which felt rough against my fingers. This paper would make it clear if I were to go to Acadia or not. It's like this single piece of paper holds my future. I pulled out the neatly folded paper out of the envelope which I placed down on the table beside the seal too.

Please let it be what I hope it is!

Not able to wait any longer, I took another deep breath and unfolded the rough paper, straightening it and started reading the words printed on it. I was half way through when I think I heard the screams of someone shouting from excitement. Ignoring the screams, I continued reading the rest of the text when suddenly I felt hands on my shoulders shaking me like I was gonna die any minute soon. Faintly, I started regaining control of my surroundings as I recognised those screams belonged to me and that the person shaking me was my mom.

Taking deep breaths, I turned around to meet those blue eyes staring back at me with concern that I knew all too well. Sometimes I wish I had gotten my mom's eyes although she was a few inches shorter than me. She's so beautiful with her light brown hair that reached just below her shoulders and those pink bow lips that I wished I had too. Although she had slight creases on her forehead as a result of stress, she didn't look much older than 35. I looked back to her eyes and saw curiosity there.

I knew I won't be able to tell her this myself, so the only thing that my gut told me to do was hand her the rough paper which I did without any hesitation. She stared at it for a second then looked back it me with worry. Seeing the hesitation in her eyes, I give her a small nod before turning away from her. She removed her hands from my shoulders not saying anymore for which I was grateful and took the paper from my hands.

"Mom...." I began after a minute or so knowing that she'd have read the most of it by now or I guess the important things. I felt like I needed to say those words to her and honestly to myself too because I know I won't be able to believe it once I say it for myself. I took in a deep breath.

"I got accepted at Acadia." I gave out a sound which was between a laugh and a cry, before covering my mouth with my hands as hot tears rushed down my cheeks.

The room went silent after that. I didn't bother looking up at mom. It felt as if the time around us had stopped and then suddenly I felt arms go around me, squeezing me tightly. I finally turned around to see my mom's arms wrapped tightly around me. She was hugging me so tightly that I actually thought for a minute that maybe she was gonna break my bones or something like that but I didn't bother saying anything as I took in the comfort from her hug. I could feel my bathrobe getting a little wet from behind knowing that my mom was crying. I didn't bother saying anything like 'Mom, stop crying' or 'Mom, you're overreacting' cuz I knew it's going to be of no use. Now now, don't think I'm not comforting her for any kind of personal rivalries between us or something, we're actually on really good terms but well I'll admit I'm not at all good in handling these kind of situations so I give up before trying.

I was continuously patting her on her back, hoping she'll stop crying soon. She really gets emotional on things like these. Something, I've adapted from her. But after seeing her cry for another minute thinking that she really wasn't going to stop anytime soon, I opened my mouth to speak but quickly closed it as I heard my dad's footsteps echoing through the silent corridors. I managed to turn around and saw him entering the living room taking long steps at a time. Yeah my dad's actually taller than me. 6'2 compared to me being 5'6. His dark brown hair which now had streaks of grey in them were sticking out in all directions showing signs that he had actually just gotten out of bed. His dark brown eyes had circles under them which I, too, hadn't noticed before. Strange.

I tensed as I saw dad was still in his pajamas. The only times I had seen him get out of his room in that was when Nate had started bringing Hailee aka his girlfriend to our house. Dad had caught him sneaking her to her room a couple of times and wasn't happy about it at all. I hope it doesn't get much worse this time since I'm planning on telling him about my acceptance at Acadia too. After all, what better time can I get then now?

I turned around to see my mom and our eyes met. I didn't even know when she had stopped hugging me. Guess I was too caught up in my own thoughts. Those blue eyes held pity in them actually and that's when I knew she was thinking exactly how I felt. I needed to ask her about so many things but I knew I couldn't, not with dad around.

"What the hell's going on in here??" Dad's sleepy voice came to us easily through the long room and dragged our attention towards him as he took a chair opposite to me, placing his elbows on the table and cupping his face in his hands making him look more younger than he actually his. Though he's 40 if u guys haven't figured yet.

And then the force of his words actually hit me like cold water. I knew this was coming up, but this soon? I was still afraid from my father's sudden appearance in the room that I didn't know what to do. Too shocked to do anything, I glanced back at my mom and saw her opening her mouth to speak up probably to make some excuse but I abruptly cut her off, snatching away the rough paper from her hands and handing it over to my dad who took it from my hands still sleepy. I didn't wanted to hide things anymore. If it comes out this way, then let it be.

"Read it and you'll have your answer." I told him as he straightened up the paper and started reading it while continuing to rub his eyes. I looked back at my mom who was already looking at me with a questioned look. I tried giving her a warm smile in return which I think actually worked as I saw her eyes lit up a bit from my smile.

"What is this nonsense, Eve?" My dad's loud voice cut off our small talk once again as we turned to look at him. Mom sat down on a chair beside me. I could feel she was just as nervous as me but was much good at hiding her emotions compared to mine being on full display at the moment.

Well, part of why mom and me were nervous is because dad had clearly refused of me going over to Acadia, making up billions of reasons whenever I brought up this topic. No matter how stupid they sounded, dad always managed to get rid of this topic somehow or would eventually shut me up with his stupid reasonable arguments.

The other part for why I was scared was that only mom knew I had applied for Acadia secretly and I had gotten her to promise me to keep it a secret from dad, which I'm actually surprised she did seeming she wasn't really the secretive type. I guess she was desperate for me to go over to Acadia as it was one of the best universities right now in America.

I thought for a minute before answering him. Actually I admit I'm actually thinking of what to say to him. Although, I had practiced a million times on how to tell my dad about this if he ever found it out this way, but right now? I'll admit, I'm speechless, I don't know what to say. One wrong word and I'm done. So finally I decided to do what anyone else would have done too in my situation i.e. following my gut.

"Well dad, you see, um, I had applied for Acadia university a month ago, or I guess two and today I received an email from them just in the morning congratulating me about my acceptance at Acadia and all and the letter too." I said gesturing towards the letter in his hands and the open envelope on the table that was now in a pretty bad state, thanks to my amazing mail opening skills.

My parents aren't really strict, especially my mom. You'll have to reconsider your decision of calling her a strict person if you ever met her in person. She really is like a best friend to us after all. But dad? Well, he understands us too, and he fulfils all of our wishes too but I'll say he is strict. Very strict. He clearly doesn't like it when people go against his decisions specially his own family. Once my brother, Nate, had done something like that. Mom had told me he had run off with a girl who dad did not approve off and cut off all ties with us. Though Nate still talks to me to check on me and my family once in a while. I admit I'm kind of jealous of him. He has such freedom now and is actually well settled in Kentucky with his girlfriend. Lucky him.

And the situation right now was kind of familiar to the one with Nate. Mom and I both knew dad was beyond angry and that anything could happen if dad's temper breaks off the edge. I reached out for mom's hand from under the table to find some comfort and gladly she gave it to me without any hesitation as if she knew what was coming up. She gave me a tight squeeze lending me some of her strength I guess. Okay, that's too filmy. Anyways, back to family drama.

"Didn't I told you not to?" My father finally said after what seemed like forever. It seemed as if he was studying us more like me, and trying to figure out....something he knew? He actually seemed a little calmer than before which was unusual for him as well as us too. It took me a moment before answering him but eventually I did anyway knowing there was no other way out of this.

"Yes, but-" He cut me off before I could give him a good reasoning.

"But still you did!!" His voice rang through the empty halls, sending shivers down my spine. I actually had to hold back from covering my ears. He bellowed like a big bear set free from his cage. I could feel mom sitting calmly in her chair, not moving a bit from my father's outburst. I guess she was used to his anger so it was nothing new to her.

There were so many things going on in my mind right now that I actually repeated dad's words to myself once again, thinking that maybe....maybe I had done something wrong. I don't know exactly what, but he was right about one thing. I had lied. I had lied to him. There was only one rule for our family and that was not to lie from each other and I just feel like I've broken that one rule. I could feel the burden of those responsibilities on my shoulders. And the most important of all, I could see my father's disappointment reflected directly on his face. For the first time in my life, I'll admit, I felt ashamed of myself.

I practically scolded myself to stop thinking about these things right now and pushed aside those negative thoughts from my mind for the time being. Dad was waiting for my answer and I owe him one. Before I could speak and tell him that I was sorry and that I really wanted to go to Acadia, mom spoke up from beside me.

"Kalvin, she's 17. She has every right to decide to go to whatever university she wants. And didn't we talk about it as well? You agreed to let Eve go to whatever university she wants." I looked over at mom shocked from her words. Really? They did talk about it? And dad did agree? Well, that was shocking. Seems like dad did warm up a bit since Nate left. I shivered.

Dad started to speak again to defend himself, but mom abruptly cut him off by answering his some unspoken question which only mom seemed to know about.

"No it isn't!" Mom told him. I could feel her anger rising too. She wasn't really a short tempered person but I guess the situation made the tables turn somehow. Mom was the only one who could control dad whenever he was practically out of his mind. So I guess it was fine if she continued to speak on my behalf since it was clear that I wasn't making any progresses compared to mom.

"When Nate left, you promised me you won't repeat that mistake again and will allow Eve to take her own decisions." My mom continued to remind dad about some promise he had made to mom after Nate had left, which I clearly had no idea about since I was just 13 then. I didn't liked to eavesdrop much at that time.

"Luna, do not defend Eve! You and I both know what she did is wrong! She should have informed me since I'm the one in charge of this house." That was rude. Mom and I don't go to work because he himself doesn't allow us to and since he is the one earning for the whole family, doesn't mean he has a right over the both of us or anyone that lives inside his roof.

"You're wrong there. She did tell me but was afraid to tell you because she knew what your reaction will be." Mom's words finally got a reaction out of dad as expressions after expressions crossed his face. Shock. Anger. Betrayal. And... what is that last one?

"Still she should have. She's not old enough to go apply to universities on her own and without informing her parents." He said in a slow voice, enough for us to hear him. He was still looking sideways and avoiding looking into mom's eyes. I think he was afraid of what his eyes would betray if he looked at her and well Kalvin Troy isn't a man who likes to give out his feelings as far as I know. Mom's reasons are actually affecting him much more than I had thought my arguments would have. Way to go mom!

"She didn't have any other choices since her father refused of her going to the only university she had always dreamed of going too." Finally! Finally, she said the words I'd been meaning to tell my father from a long time. I must say I'm proud of her efforts to save me from whatever would have happened if mom would have not been here to defend me.

An uncomfortable silence stretched throughout the table. I didn't know what to say. I guess no one else did. Everything I had wanted to say, mom had done that for me without any hesitation. Although, I did wanted to add something in my defence before dad made his decision but was afraid if I'd ruin mom's efforts of saving me from dad's outburst.

Another 5 minutes of an uncomfortable silence passed, without anyone saying anything. After what seemed like forever, dad finally took a deep breath before speaking and I too let out a breath which I didn't know I was holding in. Dad was about to say something when mom interrupted him before he could.

"Before you say anything else, remember we need to trust our children on their own decisions."

Dad went silent for another minute I guess considering her words for sure. My curiosity was taking up the best of me and I couldn't wait any longer. He finally gave her a small nod which was barely noticeable before turning back to face me again.

"When are you starting?" He asked me with a calm voice, his eyes showed no emotion at all. I gulped down the lump that was forming in my throat and took a minute to process his question before answering him.

"Tomorrow."

"Tomorrow...." He repeated, placing his hand on his chin, he does that whenever he's considering something important. Even though only seconds had passed, I couldn't hold in my curiosity any longer. I knew if dad didn't say anything else the next minute, I'd be shouting on him demanding answers from him which I clearly didn't intend to do. To my appreciation, he finally spoke up. "Well then...how about a family dinner tonight in the celebration of your university acceptance letter?"

I felt mom's posture relax beside me just as mine did too. I silently thanked god for making this talk much easier for me and mom. I know I really couldn't have talked to dad without her and I'm grateful for her presence. I was too overwhelmed with emotions to speak up, and I guess mom felt it too so she spoke up before I could.

"Of course, right, Aly?" My mom's voice brought me back from my own thoughts and I blinked back the tears rapidly that were forming in my eyes before turning towards my father and giving him a small nod. I quickly turned towards my mom with a big grin on my face and mouthed the words to her 'Love you, Mom!'