A Promise to the Moon [BL]

Chapter 2.:

Previous day

Pete had just left the office of college advisor, where he picked up his papers. Pete finished two years of his studies. The new semester should start in a few weeks, but before that, Pete had already made his decision to drop out for now and continue later if he had the chance to do so. The other things simply took a higher place on his ladder of important things and college dropped to the last position.

He closed the door behind himself, sitting still in front of the closed door, starting down on the folder with papers in his hand. Pete let out a sad sigh. There wasn’t a slight regret about dropping school, but what he didn’t look forward to was the conversation, which would most likely follow today once he got home. Legally, Pete was an adult. He could do whatever he wanted, but school still had an obligation to inform parents about his decision, especially since the college was responsible for the students’ well-being during their classes. Since the college had no responsibility for Pete, they always informed parents in case of an accident, so the college wouldn't be held responsible.

Pete could already hear the conversation with his father in his mind. His mother was the heart of the family. She was understanding, so Pete knew she wouldn’t openly scold him about his decision. Not during this tough time he was going through. Even if she disapproved of what he did, she would only stay quiet and silently support him. On the other hand, his father was the brain of the family. The engine pushed everything further. Pete knew his father wouldn’t approve his decision no matter what.

He exhaled loudly before he made his first resolute step, leading him out of the campus and towards his home. The official letter from the school should arrive within a few days but he was sure, the advisor had already made a call and informed his parents by now.

Once he got out of the building, Pete took another deep breath of warm air filled with a flowery scent. He didn’t bring his car today, as he knew he would be reluctant to return straight home. He sat on the bench at the bus stop. Using the bus was the least comfortable thing in the hot weather of the Metropole, but it was the slowest one as well, which was the best option for him. Pete didn’t think about the discomfort. His mind already kept thinking about the inevitable conversation which he had tried to avoid for the past two weeks.

The bus stop was ten minutes of walking from his home, but Pete took extra time to walk back. He saw his father’s car parked in front of the house. He had to come straight back from work, probably taking half a day off just to be home this early. Pete deeply inhaled and exhaled, bolstering himself and building up his courage to face the biggest obstacle lying in front of him before he would be able to leave this town.

“Look who is finally home.” His father's cold, sarcastic and angry voice welcomed him. They sat together with his mother on the sofa, awaiting him.

“Come join us.” His father ordered sternly. Pete took off his shoes, leaving them beside the door before entering the spacious reception of their house, joining his parents. His mother sat quietly, right beside her husband. Pete knew she would try to mediate the conversation so his father wouldn’t drive it too far, but he could already read in her face her sadness. Pete’s decision hurt her as well. He didn’t know why exactly she put on this expression. He couldn’t understand how his mother felt hurt because he did all of that behind their backs. Not informing them before yet. Despite that, she still tried to reassure him with her gaze. She still tried to stay at his side and support him.

“ A college advisor just informed us about you dropping out of college. Is that true? Did you really drop out of college?” His father’s voice was still cold and full of anger, but Pete noticed for now he tried to keep it under control. He had to be furious for him to be unable to fully hide his anger.

“Yes. I just finished the papers today.” Pete informed him. His mother pursed her lips. She probably hoped that Pete would answer differently, or at least try to explain himself or negotiate with his father, but he dropped the confirmation on him like a bomb, making his father’s ticking go faster. She placed her hand over her husband's hand, trying to sooth his anger and keep him within the reasonable level of anger.

“Are you aware that this will cost you your scholarship? Are you really going to throw away your future just like that?” His father kept questioning him. Pete noticed his voice became louder, which made him think about the proper answer. Just a little misstep and his father might give in to his anger. Pete didn’t want to leave the home while being on bad terms with his parents.

“I know. I can earn it back if I enroll back at college in the future.” Pete especially put stress on the last word, reminding his father of the reason behind his decision, just in case he forgot. His mother twitched, realizing what Pete was doing. Her expression held unhidden sadness and a lot of regrets. This definitely wasn’t the way to talk to his father, and reminding them of his condition would only make it worse.

“So, you give up just like that? This is how we raised you? I can’t believe that.” His father stood up, pushing the hands of his wife aside. He walked back and forth beside the sofa, trying to calm his anger. The whole situation regarding Pete’s condition took a toll on the whole family, but at least until now they still had hope. But what Pete did now was like announcing that he had just given up. He couldn’t accept that.

“Tomorrow, you will go back to your advisor and inform him you have changed your mind. I will call the rector and inform him about the situation as well and ask for an exception so you can be enrolled back. Hopefully, it’s not too late.” He turned to him and practically ordered him. Pete shook his head, ready to oppose his father.

“I will not. I am really sorry pa, but I can’t. Have you ever thought about me? About what I want or about my feelings? This is my life, and I don’t want to spend the time I have left like this. I don’t want to turn back when there is no more time and regret the things I couldn’t do.” Pete stood up as well, resolutely and with strength, facing his furious father, as his expression became angrier. Pete could see his father wouldn’t be able to keep relatively calm for much longer.

His mother twitched on the sofa upon hearing her son’s strong voice, but those words as well pierced her heart heavily. Pete was right about them pushing him forward with everything. They always treated him like there was unlimited time and whatever he wanted. He could still do that in the future, but his future was uncertain, and they all knew it, yet they openly ignored the fact. Pete’s mother suddenly realized that everything they did was supposed to be for him to be happy, but not even once did they ask him what he really wanted to do. They enrolled him into college in order to give him the life that any other growing child would experience, but they forgot Pete wasn’t an ordinary growing child.

“So, the best option right now is to give up? Then what are you planning to do with your life?” Pete had no answer to those questions. He didn’t want to give up his hope. On the contrary, he was still too far from giving up, but he needed something else. He needed something which would remind him of the reason he should fight, why he should hope. Being locked up in college, studying every day and taking care of exams while having no time to do other things wasn’t what he needed. It hurt him to know how disappointed his father felt right now, but he felt betrayed by him as well. He should be on his side, supporting him in his decision, no matter what kind of decision he would make. This was still his life, and he should be allowed to do whatever he wanted, no matter the consequences.

“As you wish, then. Drop the college if you want. Do whatever you want. I won’t say a word anymore.” His father uttered. Pete didn’t feel anger in his voice, only pure disappointment. The way his father left the room, slamming the door of his bedroom together with his resigning voice, hurt Pete the most.

“You shouldn’t talk to him like that. You know your father is stubborn but he loves you. We both love you. It’s hard for us too. You could at least discuss this with us beforehand and let him accept it slowly.” His mother finally spoke. Pete loved his mother, but this trait of hers he hated the most. She never spoke in front of her father. Whenever they had an argument or they fought over something, his mother was always either on his father’s side, scolding Pete or she stayed quiet. Especially during times like this, when she silently supported him and understood him, she never spoke against her husband. Pete knew it was probably better. If both of them were against him, his father would explode harder, and the argument would be difficult to clear in the future, but Pete still hated it.

“He would never agree or allow me to drop. You know I am right, but you never speak for me.” Pete shook his head. He wasn’t angry with his mother, but he couldn’t keep silent any longer. He needed their support. All he wanted was to have his parents on his side when making this decision and finally do something for himself.

“It’s not like that, Pete. You know your father can’t handle both of us against him. You should try to understand him as well.” His mother still tried to mediate Pete’s mood, but it was already too late for that. Pete was hurt. His heart ached. It was just college. If everything goes well, he should be able to enroll back next year, so why make such a fuss about skipping one year? Pete couldn’t understand his father’s reaction, although he wasn’t surprised by that. He expected nothing else. His father never truly understood him, so why would he understand now?

“I will leave tonight.” Pete said coldly, before picking up the papers he dropped on the table, heading to his room.

“Pete.” His mother tried to stop him, but Pete ignored her. He knew his mother didn’t deserve such treatment, but he couldn’t help it.

Pete closed the door of his room. He took out the phone from his pocket, searching for the contact. Once the desired number appeared on his screen, he hit the dial button.

“Hello?” A woman’s voice sounded from the speakers.

“Good afternoon Mrs. Aranya.” Pete greeted her politely back.

“Good afternoon, Pete. How can I help you?” She asked him directly.

“I’d like to ask if it’s possible for me to rent the apartment earlier.” Pete continued, keeping his voice steady.

“Oh, did something happen, dear?” Mrs. Aranya asked him worriedly. They had already said that Pete would take the apartment at the beginning of the next month, which was after two weeks.

“No, everything is alright. I was just thinking of coming earlier, but if it’s a problem, it’s okay.” Pete tried to keep his voice under control, not showing any kind of disappointment, but he really hoped he could leave tonight.

“I see, well, the apartment is already empty and clean, so if you really want to, I don’t see any problem with you taking it earlier.” Hearing such words made him feel relieved. Pete really hated the thought of leaving home while his father was on such terms with his father, but staying in that place any longer choked him.

“I’ll see you tomorrow then. I’ll settle the payment today and we can discuss extra charges for these two weeks.” Pete told her with visible relief in his voice.

“Don’t worry about that. See you tomorrow then.” Mrs. Aranya replied to him.

“Thank you.” Pete said before closing the call and tucking his phone back into his pocket. He hurriedly took out the bags and began packing.