Rose's pov:
"So this definitely includes me. If Mr. Dracken has any issues with this matter, I suggest he take his annoying attitude elsewhere," I said smoothly, keeping my gaze forward. But from the corner of my eye, I could see him glaring daggers into the side of my face. I lifted my chin, unfazed, like always.
"I believe Rose has a point there," Mr. Aspen added, a small smirk playing on his lips. "If you don't want to be part of this conversation, you're free to carry your brooding self out of here, Dracken."
I let out a quiet chuckle at that, especially when I caught sight of the fury simmering on Dracken's face. Oh, he hated that. Which only made me giggle more.
A few more seconds of tense silence, jaw clenching, and teeth grinding later, Dracken exhaled sharply. Folding his arms defiantly across his chest, he muttered, "You know what? I think I'll stay. I'd love to see how this ridiculous plan of yours unfolds."
"Dork," I mumbled under my breath. I hadn't meant for him to hear it, but judging by the low, warning growl from my right, he definitely did.
"As you wish," Mr. Aspen said, all business once again. "Very well, let's begin. Ms. Gabrielle, have a seat."
I slid into the chair while Dracken remained stubbornly standing.
"I said have a seat," Mr. Aspen repeated, giving Dracken a pointed look.
With an exaggerated sigh, Dracken slumped into the chair beside me like a petulant child forced into time-out.
"So, Rose, I was actually wondering... why are you here?"
Come again?
I blinked at him. "Uh, because you told me to come?"
He chuckled. "No, I meant this college. Why?"
Okay. What?
That was not where I thought this was going.
"I mean," he continued, "your entire life is shaped by this one decision. For most, at least. Some people have the luxury of changing their minds, but time and effort spent can never really be reclaimed, can it?"
Well. That was deep. And kind of depressing.
But then again, wasn't life all about taking chances? If you never try, you'll never know what's right for you.
"So, was there a real reason you chose this college and this particular field? Or was it just... fate?" He leaned forward slightly, like my answer actually mattered.
I hesitated before replying. "Well, both choices were mine. My parents wanted me to come here, so I guess I did."
Dracken let out a dry scoff. "So, not fate then, huh?"
I shot him a glare. "And what, exactly, makes you an expert on fate?"
His bored expression deepened. "I don't need to be. It's just obvious."
My irritation flared, but before I could snap back, Mr. Aspen smoothly interjected. "I just like to make sure my students are here by choice, not obligation. College is a commitment. If you're not here for yourself, then what's the point?"
I mulled over his words. He wasn't wrong. But something told me he didn't have this conversation with all his students.
"I guess you have a point," I admitted.
"Glad to hear it," he said, leaning back in his chair. "Now, let's move on to the real reason I called you here."
Dracken, who had been slouching seconds ago, suddenly stiffened. His entire posture screamed discomfort.
Now this was getting interesting.
I straightened in my chair, anticipation buzzing through me. Whatever this was, it was making him nervous.
And I was dying to know why.