Breaking Point

CHAPTER VII

"Where are you going?" A shout coming from the living room.

"I'm going to a friend's house to study", yells Jake as he ties his shoes at the entryway.

"Who's this friend? Do I know him?"

"No, you don't, mom. I'm going out now."

He immediately walks out of the door. He does not want his parents to know that he is friends with the wealthiest family in town. His family is like a leech when it comes to money. They cannot help but to feel obsessed about having as much money as they possibly can. It is as if their ultimate goal in life is to produce money, not to enjoy the lives they actually have in this world. Jake has never been onboard with their perspectives on this. Oftentimes, he argues with them on how he should live his life when he gets older.

ding-dong

"Yes, Who is it?" a voice comes from the intercom.

"This is Sophia Beckett's friend. We have a study session together", Jake replies to the intercom.

"Oh, Master Jake. I will get the gate for you."

Jake is stunned for a few seconds. He has never been called Master by anyone in his entire long 17 years. He feels conflicted where on one hand he despises being treated as a rich person but on the other hand, being seen in a high regard by someone gives a certain feeling towards his self-esteem and confidence.

"Amazing. It only took you 2 mins to get to my door this time", Beckett comments with a mockery tone.

"Well, I'm not an idiot so I can figure it out finger snap just like that", he replies with his face filled with confidence.

"Yeah, you're a genius yet you still come here, needing help with your studies anyway."

"Wha– I–" he stutters, shocked by the remark she just gave.

"chuckle I'm just messing with you. Good job for finding it fast, though. Now, come on it's time to hit the books", she immediately cuts him off before he could say anything else.

They both head to the living room and yet another set of extravagant lunch is served on the silver cart, waiting to be tasted.

Beckett points at the food on the big tray and looks at Jake. "Don't stuff your face with those again. I'm tired of saving your life over and over."

"I hate you." He laughs quite loud, remembering how embarrassing it was for him.

The session goes on as they push through all the subjects and exercises. Jake looks as if he has suffered thousand deaths every time a new subject comes by. The number of exhales he takes in between sessions are as high as Mount Everest.

Beckett moves her elbows to the side and looks at him down on the floor with a curious look. "I've been wondering. Why did you ask me to help you with this? Don't you have your friends for that?"

He pauses for a couple seconds as he is still mesmerized by the chandelier and the skylight. "Huh? Oh, well I do have friends who are capable but I dunno, I guess I just want the best really." He goes back to the couch, looking at her curiously. "Why? You hate doing this? I mean I–"

"No, no, no. I just– I was curious, that's all." She cuts him off instantly to clear out the misunderstanding. "I thought you didn't have any friends other than me", she says with a highly smug look on her face.

"Wait, we're friends?" He has a confused look on his face.

"What do you mean by 'we're friends?' After going through so much these past months, with me helping you with your book and all, we're still not friends in your eyes? Really?" She raises her voice and throws her body back slightly, giving him a disappointed look on her face. "What's so funny?" she asks.