When We Were Young

Decisions

I flung the book across the table, resting my head in my hands. Skylar looked up from a manuscript she was editing and smirked. It was a Saturday afternoon in September. Autumn had come early to the East Coast, at least for the weekend and much to everyone's delight, although I sat on the couch of Skylar's apartment reading through last minute notes. My LSAT's were in less than three days. My acceptance to Columbia would be based on this exam. I aced the interview and my marks from University were stellar, I had an MBA, and a recommendation from the top lawyer at my current firm besides a recommendation at my father's firm, which didn't hurt.

I was a guaranteed placement, as long as I did well on the exam.

"Need a break?" Skylar asked sliding off her chair and moving toward me.

"Sex won't help me think better," I snapped. "Sorry, baby," I immediately added, looking at her through my fingers.

She just grinned and sat down next to me. "I actually meant tea."

I leaned forward and brushed my lips across hers as she messed my hair.

"That would be lovely, thank you."

Skylar walked into the kitchen soundlessly. I watched her every move, still in awe that she was my girlfriend. I smiled and pulled out my phone, taking a picture as she filled the pot with water.

"Another picture?" she looked up a grinned.

"I told you. A picture every time we're together." I had kept my promise, along with every other one I made to her.

"Well, I'd like to see all these photos you take," she smiled. "One day." 

"You will," I assured her when she joined me on the sofa.

Skylar sighed deeply and I knew what was on the tip of her tongue.

"Please don't. I can't have this conversation with you again." 

Her lips twisted. "I don't want to argue about it, but I just don't understand why you just won't tell your father."

I hastily stood up. "Being a lawyer wouldn't be such a bad thing," I said in defense. I started pacing back and forth.

"But Albert, you love art," she said, leaning forward and resting her elbows on her knees.

"But maybe I won't love it as much if it became my career. Maybe I'll hate it and I'd rather not hate it and I keep it a hobby."

She stared at me with a doubtful expression.

"You love writing. Why don't you become a writer?"

Skylar laughed and pushed herself up to her feet. "Because I'm not good at it. I'm a

better editor."
I took a deep breath, covering my face. "What am I supposed to do? Just stop after all this time? It will give him a heart attack."

"Really?" she said moving closer to me, placing her hand on my arm. "Will it really give him a heart attack?"

"Maybe. Possibly," I argued. It was useless. Deep down I knew that I didn't want to be a lawyer and everything Skylar had been saying made sense. I looked at her with her hip popped and arms crossing her stomach. I reached out and she took my hand, and I enveloped her against my chest. "What would I do without you?"

"You would be absolutely miserable without me kissing you all the time and telling you how amazing you are and..."

"Ha ha ha," I smiled, squeezing her tight.

"I love you, Albert," Skylar said, pulling back to look up at me. "I want you to be happy."

"I'm happy with you," I said quietly, brushing the hair off her face. "You're all I need." Her eyes clouded over for a moment but her smile pushed away the expression quickly. "Just think about it," she whispered. I nodded and kissed her forehead. "I will."