All The Arts That We're Not

Chapter 30

Arkin

Arkin knew he's gonna be suffering the entire night having to be surrounded by old people, just to hear almost the same thing everytime. His father told him they'll be attending a dinner party which he's oblige to attend. And not like he's got a choice.

When they arrived at the house of Mr. Philips, he was surprised to see his mum is also there which only made him feel even more sick about it. He could still recall how their last conversation ended up and having them both inside in one place already bothers him.

They settled on a long dining table. He was sitting in between his parents which made it feels like it was hard for him to do a single move with their eyes stick on him. He really isn't doing anything but to sit there and eat as if his presence had brought difference.

It only surprises him how his parents be talking with these people as if they're in good terms, as if they never had quarrel almost everytime they met. Maybe that's really what they learned throughout the years of being in the same environment and going through the same process.

Arkin was just sitting while he eat on his food, when suddenly they started talking about their kids.

"What about you, Arkin?" Arkin bring his gaze up to look at Mr. Philips. "Your dad mentioned you'll be in college next school year. Have you thought what course are you taking?"

"Oh, he's going to take political science as well." His dad said before Arkin could even speak for himself. "He's already looking up for some university he'll apply, actually."

"Oh, that's nice. I guess you're gonna be having another lawyer or maybe a prosecutor in your family." He said and they laugh.

Arkin saw how his mum forced a smile at him when he notice how the conversation had made him uncomfortable.

"Actually, I was thinking of trying something new and explore on other things." He said which caught their attention. His dad looked to his way with confused expression on his face.

"What are you talking about?" His dad asked him, almost a whisper but Arkin maintained a serious face.

"I've been realizing a lot of things lately  especially now that I'll be in college soon. And I think it's really not a must to do something just because someone wants me to become someone." What Arkin said caused everyone to be silence.

"What are you saying?" His dad asked him before putting a fake smile as he looked at everyone. "My son is just being too serious. He sure would take political science anyways." He then sent him a cautious look but Arkin just rolls his eyes and stood up.

His mum on the other hand, decided to just let his son. She understand what's going on between the two of them and she wanted to give Arkin a space for now.

As soon as they arrived back to their house,  Arkin knew already what's gonna happen the moment they stepped inside the house.

"What was that?" His father asked him. His face got even more serious than he's been earlier. "Do you know you were saying huh. You're embarrassing me infront of those people."

"I just said what I have to."

His father grimaced as he looked at him in disbelief. "Do hear what you're saying right now? Maybe you forgot that I didn't know you've got the second place... again."

"I thought you've expected for it already. Besides, I don't think there's any difference even I got the highest grade."

"You better be joking, Arkin."