Happier With You | ✓

Chapter 26

Cody's pov.

Graduation is tomorrow. But i haven't even started to write my speech yet.

Out of all the people my school could've chosen to say a speech they picked me.

My house is too loud, there's never a dull moment with my family.

I'm not complaining but i have work to get done.

"CODY TAYLOR!" My mom yelled from downstairs.

"What now." I sighed.

I spun around in my chair before exiting my room, and jogging downstairs.

I was at my mom's house. I usually stay with her on the weekdays unless shes on a trip and i stay with my dad on the weekends.

Good thing i only spend 3 days with him, cause if i didn't i'd basically be dead.

He drinks more alcohol than i drink water.

And man i love water.

I stopped at the kitchen counter. "Yes, mom?"

"Take a seat son." My stepdad said, motioning for me to sit down.

I took a seat so i was facing my parents.

They both stood there for a while before saying something.

"I'm confused.." I said impatiently.

My mom took a deep breath, then glanced over at my stepdad like they'd rehearsed this moment a dozen times. I leaned back in my chair, feeling the tension building in the room. This was starting to feel like one of those "family talks" I hated.

"We need to talk about the basketball event next week." My mom finally said, folding her arms across her chest.

I raised an eyebrow. "What about it?"

"You're being asked to play in that charity game. Your stepdad and I think it's a great opportunity." She said, her tone a little cautious. "But we think you should wait until after college. You know, take it easy for now. Focus on the future."

I frowned, confusion settling in. "Wait, so you want me to just drop basketball? Like, not even give it a shot this summer?"

My stepdad shifted, looking uncomfortable. "It's not about dropping it, Cody. But with everything you've been through, maybe it's better if you hold off. You don't need to rush into it. College is right around the corner, and you should be focusing on that."

I stared at them, feeling the frustration rising. "I don't even know if I want to go to college."

My mom's eyes widened, and she opened her mouth like she was about to say something, but I cut her off.

"I'm serious. You keep pushing me about basketball, about college, like it's all planned out. But I don't know. I don't know what I want anymore."

My stepdad cleared his throat, a sign that he was about to step in, but my mom beat him to it. "Cody, we just want what's best for you. We know this past year has been hard, but you need a plan. You can't keep going day by day without thinking about your future."