Page 58 of Powerless

“That’s a massive change from being a financial analyst.” Mom stands and heads over to where she was sitting. “What does that entail?”

“It’s a new course.”

“Where?”

“I can do it in Cali.” I give her all the details and by the time I’m finished, Mom is already nodding her approval. “What do you think?”

“I think, if you want to do it, then do it. It’s no use in sticking with something that’s making you miserable. I’m going to be honest with you.”

My stomach twists as I lift my hand to nibble on my nails. “What is it?”

“You’ve come so far with the course you’re doing. Why don’t you finish it, then once it’s done you can study to become a librarian? It doesn’t hurt to have a financial degree under your belt. You never know when or if you’ll need it.”

I look to Bennett who lifts his brows as if to say, It’s up to you what you want to do. “I don’t know, Mom. I’m not sure I can do another year of this. It’s taken everything I have to complete the two years I’ve already done.”

“Think about it. You have summer vacation to decide if you want to go back. All I’m saying is it would be a shame if you went two-thirds of the way to a degree only to leave in your last year. But, again, the choice is yours. I just don’t want you regretting this decision when you’re thirty or forty. You never know what’ll happen in your life.”

“I know,” I say. “Although this is all I’ve been thinking about, I’ll take another week and weigh up all my options.”

Mom smiles. “Whatever decision you make, I’ll support it. Whatever it is.” I feel like Mom wants to add something to it, but she doesn’t. “How’s work, Bennett? I’m surprised you were able to make it considering we’re so close to the election. I thought you would’ve been needed in Cali.”

“I negotiated for this weekend off so I could be with Kathryn.”

“You negotiated? I thought it would’ve been all hands on deck.”

Bennett reaches for his drink and nods. “Trust me, it is. But I wanted to be with my girl, so here I am.”

Mom took the news a lot better than I was expecting her to. I was filled with dread and agony knowing I was going to have to tell her the truth, but as it turns out I was being a complete idiot.

Lesson learned. Note to self: Don’t keep shit bottled up because you’re too afraid of the other person’s reaction. It’s probably never as bad as what you think.

18

BENNETT

“What’s wrong, Bennett?” Kathryn asks as I drive.

“Nothing, why?” My hands are sweating and my heart has never beat so fast and loud in my entire life.

“We had dinner with your parents and you barely even spoke with them. What’s going on?”

“Nothing,” I snap.

“Hey, don’t be a jerk,” Kathryn pulls me up on my brisk response.

“I’m sorry,” I say. “I’ve got a lot on my mind, that’s all.”

“Is it the election?”

No. “Yeah, there’s still so much to do before November, and I’m afraid I’m going to be traveling between college and work until this is over.”

“Well, this is what happens when you’re in politics.” Kathryn looks out the window and releases a cute little sigh. “Are you sure that’s it?”

“Yes, of course,” I say with too much force.

“If you say so.” With a dry mouth and a palpitating heart, I’m not sure how much longer I can hold onto this before I damn well break. “Where are we going?”

“Somewhere,” I reply curtly.

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