I woke up to my dad’s old lawn mower noisily gnawing the grass. Lying in my bed, not wanting to do anything seemed like an excellent option when living alone. Here, you had to answer to someone. 18 and still got rules, I drowned my frustrating sighs in my pillow. “Morning sweetheart, what will it be for breakfast?” My mom was keen on fattening me up; I on the other hand didn’t want to upset her and settled for her best made waffles. Sage, my younger brother sat across from me, numbly chewing his cereal. “Hey kiddo, did you get a good night’s rest?” My dad, buzzed with the morning chore, settled with his cup of hot mug of coffee, no sugar, just the way he liked it. I knew what was coming up with a question like that. “Yeah dad, it was ok”. “What have you decided to do about getting a college degree?” great! I thought here it comes again, “told you dad I need time to think and besides I just got home”. “I know that, but this isn’t the time for moping around son, you have to think about what you are going to do with your life, where you headed and everything, there’ll be plenty of time for fun later. Anyway, I met Mr. Roger Tassell, he sees a lot of potential in you and he’s willing to even help you out with your college tuition fees, he wants to meet you later, I suggest you show up tidy and all”. Wow! And just like that my dad still ruled my life with no help and say from me. He looked sternly at me, “no arguments”. He set the cup harshly on the table to drive his point home, and rose to leave for work. My mom, who softly coaxed and pleaded with me to go visit Tassell, broke the grim silence left by my dad. I left my half-eaten breakfast and proceeded to my room to change into suitable attire.
As I headed to meet, my dads boss Mr. Tassell. I had nothing on my mind, no expectations, nothing. 15 messages from Caleb, I tried calling him but it just went to his voicemail. I was shown to the waiting room. The large spacious rooms drowning with modern architectural designs and furniture, made me despise Tassell’s wealth even more, the man had an air of overwhelming pride about him, and he treated his employees like dog shit stuck to his Salvatore Ferragamo’s. My father was blind to it and worshipped the ground he walked on. “Mr. Tassell will see you now,” said the petite receptionist. She guided me to a more spacious room dressed in off-white, and vomited more distaste modern furniture, accompanied with senseless art hanging awkwardly from the walls. There was someone else present in the room and so I hesitated and stood behind the seat. “Hello, Mr.Tassell”, I politely intervened. He was on the phone and motioned me to take a seat. I timidly obeyed. I didn’t bother to look at the seated person next to me although, I could feel its eyes boring into me.
“well glad to have you in our presence, John, and you’ve met my son Daniel?” . I didn’t bother to see his offspring, and replied in stern politeness, “Thank you for welcoming me here Sir, no I haven’t met your son and the name is Aidan, Sir”. He stared at me for a brief serious moment and answered, “I like your enthusiasm, actually, it was Daniel who asked me to call you here, he sees a lot of potential in you and now I see why”. I still didn’t eye my generous well wisher, and locked my stare on the mahogany desk.
“What are your plans for a College Degree?” This was a tricky question, one that I’ve been dodging awhile now, and my dad’s dignity depended on the outcome of my decision. “I’ve been dabbling into the literary arts and honing my skills to be a Writer” I knew it wasn’t a favorable answer, not something the arrogant Tassell was looking for, but, I didn’t care and I had contacts,even if they weren't the famous kind. Later down the line, I’ll make dad see that.
The phone rang dully and after the beep “Mr. Hinton is here to see you, shall I reschedule his appointment for some other time?” inquired his secretary. “No, that won’t be necessary Cathy, just ask him to wait, I’ll be there soon”. He rose and so did ‘we’, “alright, Jared, My son will be taking it from here; it was good to meet you”. “Like wise Sir and thank you for seeing me and the name is Aidan”.
