Expedition towards Success

Chapter 09

The next day, I was awakened by the screaming voices from outside of my room.

"Why don't we just consider her decision? Shouldn't we feel gratified that our daughter thinks like that?" That was my father's voice. I can hear his calm but stern tone.

"Huh! You can simply suggest that since you're the one who's payi-" My mother's furious statement got cut off.

"Exactly! I'm the one who's paying for her school bills so I have the rights to..."

I didn't bother hearing what my father said after. Excuse me? Who's paying for what?

I'm a scholar! No one's paying for my school fees!

I let out a deep sigh and looked at my phone's clock. Alright, I still have an hour to prepare.

I went inside the bathroom to take a bath. After a few minutes of bathing and cleansing and rinsing, I went out and wore my attire today.

I can still hear their brawl, though.

"Can't you see? She's just wasting her time prolonging her study instead of working already and helping us financially!"

"I get it. But... God, Victoria! We aren't even that struggling monetarily! At least give your daughter the sovereignty to decide for herself!"

"Wow, right there." I was astonished to hear my sister's stiff voice. The silence after her told me that my parents were also taken aback hearing her speak.

I silently walked to peek at the tiny gap on my door. From there, I saw them in front the next room. My mother and my father were standing while my sister was in the same floor as we were, sitting in the sofa near the stairs. She was firmly staring at the laptop in front of her. My parents seemed like they weren't breathing anymore.

"How could you take into account Andrea's decision when here I am, happened to be pushed and took up the career I don't even want?" She talked coolly and her words were filled with emphasis.

She raised her face. Her eyes were bloodshot.

She shook her head and faked a laugh, "You didn't even think about me. You didn't even consider my will back then."

She walked out from the frame. My parents looked at each other. My mother scoffed at my father while the latter just shook his head and left.

I heaved a sigh and continued preparing to school. The whole time I was inside the jeepney, I was lukewarm and unenthusiastic.

I arrived at our school. I was early. I indifferently sashayed myself to my seat. I darted a quick glance to Matthew and saw him stooping his head on the table.

He might've sensed the sudden motion beside him so he lifted his head.

"Morning," he greeted huskily.

"Morning." I mumbled under my breath.

I sighed and poignantly waited for Judge Rouge to enter.

I felt that I'm being watched by the man next to me so I looked at Matthew. He avoided my gaze.

I frowned. He looked up at the ceiling. Okay, a perfect view of his jaw and Adam's apple. Thank you very much.

I whacked his arm, "What's with you?"

"Are you alright?" He looked askance at me.

I looked away. His eyes narrowed. I bit my lip and he sighed.

"You know you can rely on me, right?" His voice was full of gentleness. 

I nodded and smiled. He maintained his serious face.