Grey.

2.

Chapter 2

4 years ago, ...

I walked out of my marketing mid-terms completely defeated; I didn't even finish the test. Every ounce of excitement and passion I once held for continuing my education lost all meaning because this was only what she wanted. My life had become a cycle of doing anything my mother asked, the moment she asked it. Its not like she ever hurt me or made me feel as though she would, she just broke me down in other ways. She gradually took down my walls with her piercing words and I sat idle, which only allowed her to prey on my submissiveness and take full control of my life.

As I welcomed the silence of my car, for once in a long while I chose not to plug in the audio jack. I couldn't handle music; let alone the colorless tunes I had adopted into my sphere of what I thought was 'tasteful'. With this silence, I began driving knowing what was about to be endured. While deep in my thoughts I remembered my decision several days ago that if I failed my mid-terms that would conclude my attendance at Bowdoin. I wasn't sure how much more let-downs I could manage in all honesty. As I failed more of my classes and proceeded to spiral, I knew my mother would eventually catch on. So, I formulated a plan. I was going to tell my mom I threw the midterms on purpose, because I had 'already decided to join her in her real-estate escapades'. While she'd stay livid for a few moments because of the failed exam, she would eventually be 'proud' to know her loving daughter was joining her in the 'family' business.

I drove straight to her offices and shuffled inside quickly. After I passed the receptionist, her main office was just down the hallway. I breathed in slowly, almost petrified that I would have to confront her with this information. Once I saw her office, I peered through the glass window and noticed the work she was doing on the computer. Unknowing if she was actually on a call or not, I quietly entered the room with my head down. She noticed me and glared, but quickly hid her disbelief with a fake smile.

"What can I do for you Quin?" She said, completely monotone.

"I decided something, ... Mom. –"

"At work you call me by my name Quin." She corrected harshly.

"Sorry, Alice. I- I decided that I want to finalize the plan of me working for you." As I said this a small smirk peaked on her lips.

"Oh?" She questioned.

"Yes, but there is a minor downfall." I said shakily.

"Now what would that be?" She asked, almost bridging on sincerity.

I collected my thoughts and spoke,

"Since I found out today that I wanted to do this... I decided to throw my mid-terms. – "Her interest obviously rose as I spoke. "- I thought that I might as well drop my classes because I wanted to start working for you, full time." I choked out, feeling the utter disappointment in myself rise.

"Hm. Interesting, this doesn't have anything to do with Aliyah does it? She asked.

In confusion I responded.

"What? No. No. No, it doesn't I promise."

"Alright... Well if anything ends up getting in the way of your work, then I will not hesitate to cut your pay." The gravel in her voice echoed a deeply frightening tone which made me shut down almost completely. I knew she was serious. Her frugality was something to never argue against.

"Understood." I mumbled.

"Good. Now I need to finish this. Please exit my office, I will handle the dropping of your classes, so you have absolutely nothing to worry your pretty little head about." She finished and I stood there for a moment staring.