Chocolate Deluxe with a side of Werewolf

Fifty-five. Parental Proposition

"Come here, Em. We want to talk with you." 

Emily, who only came downstairs to grab some chips, paused in her tracks right outside the pantry. She immediately went on the defensive at the sight of her parents seated at the dining table across the kitchen. Her mother sat on the right end while her father left, leaving the empty seat at the head of the table for her. That chair had the word 'trap' written all over it, but Emily could see no way of escape. 

With great caution, Emily took her seat, watching her parents closely. She noticed her father held two of her acceptance letters: one to the University of Toronto and the other to the University of British Columbia. 

"First off, we are so proud of you," John declared, smiling happily down at his daughter. There was nothing but pride gleaming in his eyes. Nonetheless, Emily continued to remain cautious. "Your hard work paid off."

"Thanks." Emily glanced between her parents tentatively. "So, what did you want to talk with me about?" 

John and Miranda shared a glance, the kind that made Emily worried. Her mind automatically went over her current grades, but they were all within the appropriate range at above ninety. She wondered if they wanted to talk about Dylan, but he and she have been obeying her father's ground rules except for when they were alone at home. Emily's heart rate quickened. Maybe they knew about her and Dylan's alone time. Emily braced herself for the ridicule and repercussions. 

"We feel it would be better for you to study here at the University of British Columbia," John answered, derailing Emily's panicked thoughts. 

"Huh?" 

"Now, sweety," Miranda interjected, looking like she was ready to do damage control. Little did she know, Emily was too surprised to form a single opinion. "We know how you and Lin planned to study in Toronto together, but hear us out. Studying in another city is expensive. You have to factor living expenses on top of your tuition."

"But if you go to UBC, you can live at home, and we'll pay for your tuition," John said matter-of-factly. "You won't have to take a student loan. That way, you'll have the opportunity not only to save any money you make, but you'll be ahead of a lot of kids after you graduate."

Emily's eyes darted between her parents, her mind repeating her father's words as the appeal of saving money clashed with her loyalty to Lin. 

Her father continued, not bothering to give Emily time to process his proposition. "But if you choose to go to UofT, we won't be able to afford your tuition and living expenses. You'll have no choice but to take a loan." 

The word 'loan' sent a shiver down Emily's spine. She had to repress a shudder. 

Silence followed after for almost a minute. John and Miranda carefully observed Emily while Emily remained in her state of shock. She recalled all the times she and Lin dreamed about their life together in Toronto and all the adventure and challenges that would entail. Toronto: the largest city of Canada, with a population nearing three million. Of course, that city was a baby compared to other metropolitans worldwide, but to Emily and Lin, Toronto represented the opportunity to transition from adolescence to young adulthood. 

Eventually, John broke the silence. "I personally think the smart move would be to stay here and invest the money you save. The younger you learn how to make money work for you, the better."

"She knows, hun," Miranda gently intervened before John spiralled into another one of his monologues on the stock market. She turned to her eldest daughter, taking the reigns of their discussion. "Of course, should you decide to further your education later on, that will be out of your pocket. We can only afford to pay for your bachelor's degree since we also have Matty and Liv to put through school after you." 

Emily slowly nodded her head in understanding. 

"You still have plenty of time to decide, so please, don't rush," Miranda sweetly requested.  

"Think things over carefully," John instructed. 

"Okay." That was all Emily could muster up to say. She sluggishly left the table and made her way upstairs, her mind constantly processing her conversation with her parents. 

As much as Emily fantasized about Toronto, she couldn't lie to herself that she was growing interested in her parents' offer. She thought about messaging Dylan or Lin or both, but Emily decided against it at the last minute. 

This was something she needed to think through on her own accord.