Without Flaws | Fyodor Academy 1

Chapter 43

Chapter 43

       "I don't care what that official looking lady wants," I said, sitting back in the chair and crossing my arms over my chest. "I'm not going."

       "At least think about it, Parry," Mr. McCabe said.

       "I did think about it," I said. "That's why I'm saying now. I get that it's a great opportunity, but so is being at this school. You already know how lonely I felt before I enrolled into this school. Just imagine how I would feel going to an all new school just for a science program that is probably only a little bit better than this one."

       Mr. McCabe sighed. "It's a great opportunity."

       "Yeah, a great opportunity if I want to pursue a science based career," I said. "But I don't even know what I want to do with my life when I graduate. I had a childhood that I hated. I want to at least enjoy my teen years on my own term, not because some random person think it will be great for me. So, sorry, but my answer is no." I stood up before I headed towards the door to leave the office.

       "Parry..." Mr. McCabe began.

       I didn't listen as I opened the door before walking out, closing the door behind me with a bit more force than necessary. I didn't mean to. I was just frustrated that once again, it felt like people thought they knew better than me for what I wanted.

       Jules was still waiting for me outside of the office. He knew immediately that something was wrong judging by the force I used to slam the door shut. "Everything okay?" he asked.

       I sighed. "Yeah. Yeah, everything's fine. It's just... My grandpa seems to be on board with the whole science program thing even though it's not something I want."

       Jules furrowed his eyebrows. "Really?"

       "Yes, really. Why would I want to go to the science program?"

       Jules shook his head. "Not that. I was wondering why Mr. McCabe thought it would be a good idea. You already caused a lot of destruction to this school with all your pranks because you wanted attention."

       I glared at him. "Thanks."

       "You know that's not what I meant." Jules put his arm around my shoulder and gave me a side hug. "He's not going to force you to go if you don't want to. Even if he thinks it's a good idea, I don't think he's the type of person to go behind your back."

       "I sure hope so..."

       "I know so."

       "Well, if it comes down to it, I'll just have to call my animal guy and get kicked out of the program."

       "You know, this might be the one time I actually approve of it," Jules said. He removed his arm from around my shoulder and grabbed my hands instead. "You hungry? I think we need to go get something to eat. I heard it's taco night in the cafeteria." 

       I smiled at my boyfriend. "Yeah, sounds good." Honestly, I didn't even remember the last time I ate in the cafeteria. I would either eat only snacks during the day or I would order food. I just didn't feel like being in the cafeteria where Malcolm most likely was. No matter how many times the headmaster talked to him, he just wouldn't get the hint that he shouldn't be a complete asshole.

       It was, in fact, taco night in the cafeteria, one of my favourite nights. I enjoyed food where we were able to choose our own toppings and personalize our meals. I understood that they couldn't always do it because of allergies and stuff, so I would gladly take these nights.

       Jules and I made our meals and grabbed a drink as well before we found a table to sit at. "I still don't understand how you could have four tacos," Jules said.

       "Simple," I said. "I'm a growing boy. I need the nutrients."

       "Right," Jules said. 

       "Are you judging me?"

       "I don't think it would matter if I am. You don't really care what people think about you."

       I shrugged. "That's true." The only people whose opinions of me I cared about were Jules and my friends. I used to care about what my parents think about me, but I stopped after they stopped caring.

       My phone buzzed in my pocket, so I took it out to see the notification. It was a text message from my mom, and I debated on whether or not I would look at it or not. In the end, I decided to anyway just to see what she wanted. Though it shouldn't really matter what she wanted since she never seemed to care about what I wanted.

       And that was more evident with my mom's text: I heard you want to turn down the offer for the science program.

       I sighed. "Dammit." Of course she was involved. I doubt Mr. McCabe would have told Mom about the program unless I accepted it. I bet she was the one who got me the offer in the first place, but just to double check, I asked her.

       And of course, she said she did. She just couldn't leave me alone at this school. She had to think that she knew what was best for me. Thing was, if she did know, she wouldn't have left me home alone whenever she went on a trip and Dad was on tour. She wouldn't have kept my grandfather a secret from me.

       She would have done the simplest things of wish me a happy birthday on my birthday.

       But she hasn't. And I doubt she ever will.

       "What's wrong?" Jules asked.

       "My mom was the one who got me the offer for the science program," I said. "Even though I've told her countless of times that I like going to school here. You know, whenever she actually talks to me."

       "Oh," Jules said. "That's... I don't want to say anything mean."

       "Don't worry, I'll say it," I said. "It's extremely shitty of here. I feel like I should do something once and for all to get it into her mind how they make me feel. But I have no idea what."

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i would say that parry should just tell her buuuuut she'd probably just be like "k so you want to go the the program orrrrrr?"