My life had always been so easy not until my dad was arrested for selling marijuana. He was someone who ran from business to business just to make funds. What's the point? Even after making it, all the funds get into the gambling machine. I was not really surprised that time because he had sold things close to it. Was it when he got involved in advertising fraud? He was asked to pay fines for that. Or when he sold stolen goods? He would have gotten into jail for that. But luckily for him, he knew the judge and convinced him. Fortunately, it was not a jury based court. Else, he would have gotten at least ten years of imprisonment. But what happened that day, I was sure that he would not get away from this. Well, what kind of judge would not convict him? He got involved in possession and laundering of hard drugs. The fine was pretty much and there was clearly nowhere he could get funds. So, he was probably going to jail.
My sister was glad which till now I don't understand why. Well, things were good to me not until my mother broke the news.
"Ewan, you are no longer going to high school." She said in a cool toned voice. My sister and I looked at each other.
"Oh mom, do not tell me he is going to college." She said. Well, I'd rather call her foolish in that situation. My mother wanted me to quit school.
"No dear. What I want is for him to quit school." She replied.
"What?" I asked. That was literally the word I said often.
"I see no point of you going to school. It is not like you are going to find a job after school. You are not even social enough to make me proud. "She explained. I did not get what she was saying. Like how could she be that straightforward?
"But why? W... Why don't I have to go to school?" I asked looking down.
"Because your father has been arrested and he pays for your bills. You don't even know what he does in this house. Well listen, as long as your father is in jail, you are going to work because you are the male child here.
"She said. It really got on my nerves. I felt like screaming till the world ends.
"Mom, you can't say that. Ewan has a long way to go. He has to go to school to be the proud guy you want him to be. I know there is no hope for me but there is, for him. I don't understand why you have to say such hurtful words to him." Lily said. My sister's name is Lily which meant flower.
"I know he has a long way to go. But look at him, he needs to be active socially. He needs to be. "She replied.
"Then, what have become of me? I got chased out of school in ninth grade, I am active socially but what am I now? Someone who relies on you? I don't want Ewan to be like me. And Ewan, he is smart. I read it in a book that most nerds are smart, they are just hiding it. He just needs a bit of counselling and he is bright. So, stop instilling fear in him. "Lily explained.
Well, she was right. Not that I needed counselling but that ' I AM SMART ' and no one could change that.
Well, how did I know I was smart? I solved the world toughest calculus problem at six. Well, no one knows that as I never told anyone. I was damn good at algebra and geometry. Talking about chemistry, neither chemical kinetics nor aldehydes were my problem. I extraordinary understood the forces in physics. Geography? Not my problem. Religion? Bible? I read it all. Anyone could ask me any question. So, if I quitted school, I would not have problem with my academics. I could get employed with my skills and be worldwide known. But, I saw school as my only hope. Attending school even though I did not learn anything new, made me excited and I am proud of me for that. So, I could not comprehend the fact that I had to quit school to work. I had no job I was interested in. Not even one. All I wanted to learn and relearn. But my mother did not understand that. All she wanted was for me to make friends, work and bring money home for her. Damn! It was a pain in the ***!
"That is you. You can't compare you to him. He is a boy and would be a man. He has muscles to work. And he has a family here to feed. Hence, he must work. "After observing the whole matter, I came up with a solution that could satisfy what I wanted and what my mother wanted.
"How about I work after school?" I asked.
"That is a good idea. That way, he can raise funds for you and learn at the same time. "Lily said showing off her teeth.
"No. "That was what my mother could say to it.
"Mum, why would you say so? I made a very excellent idea now. "I replied. Well, that was the day I talked most that year.
"Excellent or bad, I don't care. I did not attend high school and here I am living fine. "She said.
"Really? You are living fine? I really see that. "Lily said with a ' don't play with me' tone.
"I wish we would never talk about this again. My decision is final!" She shouted, went into her room and slammed the door.
"Don't you worry? I will make sure I convince mother. Okay?" Lily said, playing with my hair and pecked me. I nodded in response.
My mother was someone I could never look up to, even until now. Being a member of Asher family really got me no opportunities. My father being a convict, my mother with a stupid mentality, my sister with no job and formal education and me all alone. Nothing is bad as that. Maybe it was for the good, I could not comprehend. Most of the times, I wished I would be someone who is proud of me not someone my mother is proud of. And one day I would accomplish that.