A Dream I Used To LOVE

Chapter 5

*Author's Note

Happy New Year Guys!!! I hope 2021 is a safe and happy year. Honestly, 2020 has been very taxing mentally and emotionally and I sincerely hope that this new year brings a lot of positivity and happiness to your life. XD*

Nana, often told me that we get hurt in relationships because we have expectations, but I never understood that. As a person when you love somebody you are bound to expect things from them. She always told me to love people unconditionally, without expectations, and that way they could never hurt me but I wasn't mature enough to understand what that meant. That night I remembered what she said and wondered if she didn't have any expectations from me. Sometimes I just wished for everybody in the world to share and express their emotions and be vulnerable without being judged but again we are talking about the real world not a realm of my imagination. 

I wanted to get my mind off the conversation with my mother, but all I could think about were the harsh words that my mother said to me last night. I didn't kiss her goodbye in the morning which she didn't notice.

At school, while I was trying to cover up for missing almost a week of classes due to the debate competition I was suddenly called out.

"Is Audrey in class ?"
"Yes sir. Is something wrong?"
"You are required to meet with the counselor immediately."

I left for his office at once wondering what words of wisdom he was going to impart this time and if I had done something again. I hoped to get a glance of Chris on the way, after all, he was often found in those corridors. I didn't find Chris but at least Mr. Steve was found. Once I reached Mr. Steve's office I couldn't help but notice my mother sitting and having a serious discussion with him.

"Sir how do we make her application look better. It looks very average at this point." Average I thought to myself. I had a 4.0 GPA, more than 100 hours of community service, and many extracurricular activities. 

"Mrs. Martin, believe me, this is not the application of any ordinary child. She has achieved a lot. I think you should give her credit for what she deserves." the Prodigal son spoke sensibly to my surprise, but my mother was adamant about getting me involved in more activities. She felt I had too much time in my hand to 'poke my nose in her business'. It is funny how parents do the same yet somehow when they do it, it is part of goodwill, and when we do it, it is apparently 'Poking my nose'.

"Most definitely sir, but how can we make it better. I mean there is always scope for improvement." she snapped back. 

"Mrs. Martin, there is no activity in this school your daughter isn't a part of," yeah right I rolled my eyes "but if she wants to try something different let her join the dance club or maybe the choir"

"Perfect sir. I'm delighted that you could give us your precious time. I will come again some other time."

Now people don't know this about me but I can sing, only in the bathroom with a selective audience (I meant shampoo bottles and soaps) and dancing is fun until it's professional dancing. When I danced it could be termed as a catastrophe, or maybe I underestimated myself. 

As soon as we left his office Mama and I started having a serious discussion.

"Mother, why are you at school? Isn't it too early to talk to the counselor about my college applications?"

"Oh don't be silly, we should be prepared so that you get the best colleges " at this point I wanted to remind her that we were applying to colleges not heading out for war but I kept quiet too scared to wage another war and invoke my mother's wrath.