Three O'clock | Hexagon Series # 1

Chapter One

I slapped my forehead after hearing my father's statement. I respected him deeply, but a part of me wanted to forget that he was my dad and just argue with him.

"Eline, trust me, this is for you and for our family."

Is it really necessary to bring this up at dinner? I thought.

Taking a deep breath, I calmed myself before speaking. "Dad, I don't want to be a psychologist. I've tried, but I keep failing! I've had to retake second year so many times, and now I'm just tired. I don't want to keep going back."

"You could do it, but you're clinging too much to the idea that you can't. Being a psychologist is in our blood, Eline. You're my child, the child of a well-respected psychologist."

He was insisting I become a psychologist, even though it was the last thing I wanted. Everyone in my family-my parents, cousins, even my brother-were all licensed psychologists. But I dreamed of being a famous cartoonist, a dream that felt out of reach because of my father's opposition. I hoped he would understand me, but after all my explanations, I was left disappointed.

Frustration bubbled inside me, and I clenched my fist, glaring at him.

"Dad, I want to be a cartoonist! I don't want to be a psychologist. My mind just isn't cut out for it. I might go crazy before I even become one! Don't you understand? Don't you understand me?!"

I didn't realize my voice had risen until I saw his brows furrow.

"Celine Hailey Gonzaga!" he said firmly, using my full name.

I bowed my head, knowing I was losing the argument again. I had tried so many times and always came up short.

"I've already enrolled you in a university where you won't fail."

I looked up, my eyes wide with disbelief, but before I could respond, he continued.

"I didn't use my money, so you don't need to worry. And I don't want you to be a psychologist without learning anything."

"What?" I couldn't hide my shock.

"The Dean and I talked, and he suggested having a tutor for you."

I stood up from the table. "Why a tutor? I don't need a tutor, Dad. I need to change courses to something I actually want!" My voice was pleading.

"Prepare your things; your class starts this Monday." he replied dismissively.

"Dad, please. I want to be a cartoonist." I pleaded again, but...

He just looked at me, then turned away. I grabbed the hem of his shirt, my eyes heating up. I hoped he would turn around, but instead, he simply removed my hand and left me at the dinner table.

Dejected, I bowed my head as tears began to fall. I couldn't understand why he was forcing me into a path I didn't want. Sometimes I questioned if he still loved me; ever since college started, I had only felt disappointment from him. The father who used to indulge my every wish now seemed to have forgotten my happiness.

"Hija." I felt my mother's presence and quickly wiped my tears, forcing a smile as I looked at her.

I greeted her warmly as she came in from work, taking her bag and hugging her tightly. I needed that embrace.

She was surprised but quickly returned the hug, smiling as she felt me cling to her. It eased some of my burdens.

"Why are you acting like a baby?" she said gently, patting my back.