3

“Dad, about that… I’m not going to college this year.” Amy quietly said, stealing a glance at her dad and Bryan, who both had shocked and confused expressions on their faces.

“What?!... I don’t get it. What do you mean by ‘I’m not going to college this year?’…”

Henry was trying his best to remain calm, but there was a distinct edge to his voice, Bryan could tell.

“Amy, I’m waiting.” He pressed, slowly losing his patience.

“Dad, I don’t think I’m ready for college.”

“What do you mean, you’re not ready… For Christ sake Amy, you’ll be nineteen in less than a year.”

“I know that dad, but I’m still not ready.” She retorted.

“No one’s ever ready for anything… My God! Amy, what has come over you?! I thought we had this planned out.”

“No dad, you had this planned out.”

“Excuse me?”

‘This is beginning to get heated.’ Bryan thought to himself as dinner was long forgotten.

“Dad, you’ve had everything planned out for me and not once have I gone against you.”

“So, why are we having this discussion?”

“I’m not a kid anymore, okay?... I need to make my own choices!” Amy couldn’t help but raise her voice.

“And the best you could come up with, is not going to college?”

“I never said I’m not going to college. I only said I’m not going this year.” She corrected.

“What difference does it make?”

“Henry, I think she has a point.” Bryan interjected, trying to save the situation.

“Not you too!”

“Dad, I need to get myself together. I need some time to think.” Amy tried to defend herself.

“Think about what?!” Henry yelled, taking Amy by surprise.

This is the first time her dad has ever raised his voice at her. The whole table became silent.

Henry couldn’t believe he just yelled at his daughter.

“Since we can’t have a proper conversation, I’ll be going to my room.” Amy excused herself.

“Amy, I’m-“ Henry couldn’t finish his sentence as Amy was already running up the stairs.

Amy ran into her bedroom, locking the door behind her. She wanted to be as far away from her dad as possible because she was mad at him. She wasn’t mad at the things he said, no, she was mad at him for yelling at her.

Why did he have to yell at her? He made her feel so small, even though she was obviously small as compared to her six foot five inches dad. She tried to be strong, but her tears betrayed her as they slowly rolled down her cheeks.

At that moment, there was a knock on her dad.

“Go away!” She said, wiping her tears with her sleeves.

“Amy, it’s me, Bryan.”

All the more reason she wouldn’t open the door. Her dad has embarrassed her enough, she doesn’t have to embarrass herself even more by letting him see her cry.

Besides, why was he here? When he’s only going to defend his best friend.

“Amy, I just wanna talk.”

“I don’t wanna talk to you or anyone.”

“Henry is sorry for yelling at you.” Bryan said, hoping that would get her to open her bedroom door.

“He only wants what’s best for you.” He continued, but still got no response.

“Since you don’t wanna talk, I’m just going to leave what I got for you in front of your door.” Bryan eventually said, when he got the hint that she wanted to be alone.

After some minutes, Amy heard his retreating footsteps. She waited few minutes more just to be certain he was actually gone before slowly opening her bedroom door. She took a quick peek at the hallway and when she was sure the coast was clear, she glanced at the floor, a few inches from her feet was a small blue box. She slowly bent down to pick up the box, not forgetting to shut the door behind her.

Amy unwrapped the box and inside it was a ‘Geza Schoen Eccentric 01’. She kept admiring the bottle, when she noticed a small note inside the box. It read,

‘Hope you like it. I also got one for myself, now you won’t have to try to steal mine.’

After reading the note, Amy wasted no time in wearing some of the perfume. She read the note one more time and couldn’t help but giggle at her own naughtiness and his sincerity.

“Henry, relax. She’ll come around.” Bryan said, trying to calm his worrying best friend.

“I doubt that, Bryan… I mean, you couldn’t even get her to open her door.”

‘He had a point, though.’ Bryan thought.

“I was too hard on her. I can’t believe I yelled at her.” Henry murmured the last part while pacing in the living room.

“Now, you’re being too hard on yourself.” Bryan stated.

Henry was about to say something when they heard footsteps coming down the stairs. Surprisingly, it was Amy with a small suitcase.

“Angel, I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to yell.” Henry immediately apologized when Amy got to the foot of the stairs, before noticing the suitcase she was carrying.

“Baby, why are you with a suitcase?” He confusedly asked.

“I’m going over to mom’s. I already called to say I was coming over.” Amy drily replied, still upset at her dad.

“Princess, we can talk things over. You don’t have to leave.” Henry pleaded with his daughter.

“Dad, we both need some time to cool off. We’ll never come to an agreement like this… I really need to be alone, dad. I’m sorry.” Amy said before leaving her dad and Bryan’s presence.