...And They Meet Again

Prologue

A/N: This story is loosely based on Toby Morris' comic, On A Plate. I recommend you to read it. 10/10. It's not a waste of time. Perfect execution of message through comics. http://thewireless.co.nz/articles/the-pencilsword-on-a-plate

*****

According to George Matthew Adams, "There is no such thing as a 'self-made' man. We are made up of thousands of others." Well, it's true. You are not YOU without others influencing you. From your socioeconomic status to your interests, you will never have them without others.

Example: There are two families – the rich and the poor. The rich family has two children named Edward and Eleanor, but we'll focus on Edward. The poor family has a complicated genealogy, but we'll focus on the illegitimate side. That side has two children – Abigail and Ashley. Both of them are important, but the main subject here is Ashley.

Edward was a cute boy with ocean blue eyes, curly grayish hair and fair skin, which everyone in his family adores. Meanwhile, Ashley looked like an average European girl with Bambi green eyes, wavy blonde hair, pointy nose and white skin.

Since he was a child, Edward's parents gave him all he wanted – toys, cartoons, whatever a spoiled child would want to have. Meanwhile, all that was given to Ashley was support... well, at least from her single mother.

Edward's house was big and grand. It was relaxing and peaceful. It was actually a mansion. Meanwhile, Ashley's house was small and chaotic. It was hard to sleep at night because of the noise.

Edward's parents gave their son all resources he needed for school – books, documentaries, even a computer. Ashley's mother gave what her daughter needs too... that's why she has 3 jobs.

Edward studied in a private school with complete resources, competent teachers, and friendly environment. Ashley's school, however, was the opposite. It has incomplete resources, inept teachers, bullies are everywhere, and the environment was chaotic.

Edward's social life was vast, that's why they usually call him Mr. Popular or Mr. Handsome in his school. Meanwhile, Ashley's social life was quite small, but she's okay with it. She would like to have few but real friends than many but fake friends.

When Edward got a B+ though, his parents would get him a tutor urgently. Meanwhile, when Ashley got the same grade, her mother and her sister whose age is 10 years older would be proud.

Edward wanted to become a musician (guitarist), but his parents want him to become a businessman. They thought that his dream is a joke. Meanwhile, Ashley told her family that she would like to take up Arts. Despite of the cost of the tuition and the art supplies, her family would still support her. They would like her to be satisfied with her life.

After years fly by, both of their differences...

"I got accepted in Brown!"
"I made it to Brown!"

...will get closer to their dream. But then, their difference still exists.

Edward's parents paid fully for his tuition. Meanwhile, Ashley's mother... she had a problem. Her sickness got on Ashley's way. Abigail's salary was only enough for their basic needs. So Ashley had no choice but to get financial aid.

Edward had good grades, good social life, and lots of co-curricular activities. He would join a rock band, the basketball team, and a fraternity. Ashley only achieved the passing grade for financial aid, and had minimal social life. She has lots of co-curricular activities though like painting, digital arts and layout. But then her only vacant time was lunch time and to watch the basketball game with her friend, Gabby.

Years passed by...

"You are not allowed to be a musician!"

...and their differences...

"I'm sorry, but your mother didn't make it."

...started to pile up.

Edward just focused on his studies about business, and he was offered an internship in a big company. Ashley had to juggle her studies, financial aid, and her new part-time job as a waitress.

Edward finished magna cum laude in college. Ashley just finished for the sake of having a degree.

Edward easily got a job because his family placed him to their own business. However, Ashley became a struggling artist who would do anything just to earn money.

Edward is labelled as a smart tycoon who gets stacks of money. Ashley is labelled as dumb and never amount to do much, like a paint droplet splashed on the floor.

But I just hope that they don't think themselves as that.

I really hope not.