Cold Hearts - Mark Tuan fanfic

20 - Independence

"Honey," your aunt Mary can't believe what you just said. "What?...Why?"

"I want to get off my dad's pay check." Simple and blunt. That's what you really want...to be out of your dad's life completely.

"But..." she stands up and paces the room, rubbing her forehead...thinking, "are you sure? You haven't tried working before. You don't even know how to wash your own clothes, Elysa."

"I know. Aaarrggghhh....why does it have to be complicated." 

"I'll put you to school for now. Don't worry about the expenses. You can live here with me until you graduate high school."

Aunt Mary is a college professor. The pay she gets isn't even enough to fix this house, how can she afford to pay for the both of you?

"At least let me help."

"Ok. I'll try to talk to some people and ask around. You're a dancer, right? Maybe we could use that. But, sweetie....your dad would ..."

"He's not my dad anymore. He's a totally different person. After what happened to him, it seems like I don't know him anymore."

"Did he hurt you?"

"Not like that. He just....wanted me to....ugh..."

"What?"

"He asked me to do something for him."

"What??????" Aunt Mary's expression is of shock and disbelief. "He did what? Don't you ever listen to him anymore."

"I know."

"Dear, come here," her embrace comforts you as it was warm and motherly. "We'll think of something." 

You still have to use the car your dad gave you because you don't have any other means of transportation, unless you want to take the bus...which is not an option at all for you. Good thing, there are some of the clothes you've left in the closet when you last stayed here. 

When you get to school, you go directly to the student's affairs office. The secretary lets you enter with a smile. "How may I help you?" She asks you to sit on the chair opposite hers. 

"Well...." embarrassing as it may be, you just need to..."I need to get a job. I'm wondering if the school accepts student part-timers."

Her brows knit, a little confused. "You? You want to work here?"

"Uh...yes..."

"Ms. Thorne. As you know this is a private school. We only have a few slots for students. It's already the middle of the school year, I don't think there are any more available for you."

"But, ... never mind. Thanks anyway."

Ugh...that was embarrassing. 

After second period, Phoebe catches up with you at the hallway. "Elysa!" She shouts, waving her hand. 

"Wazzup?" You ask lazily. 

"I heard you've been to the SA office."

How can news travel that fast? You want to hide your face.

"Is it true you're looking for a job?"

"Yes."

"Why?"

"Why not?"

You put your things in the locker and get your things for gym class. Phoebe has the same class with you, so she walks with you to the gym. 

"Don't tell me you're going bankrupt."

"I just want to try to be independent."

"Why?"