All that you deserve

You deserve better

Katlyn

Today is the day of my graduation, and as I watch other students and their families I feel A sense of loss and disappointment wash over me. I can feel the tears coming but I refuse not to cry; I have worked long and hard for this moment regardless of the obstacles.

“Congrats Miss Valedictorian!” My favorite profession yells walking up to me with her arms open.

“Thank you professor H…. it’s all because of you.” I replied falling into her embrace. Professor Hamlinton is one of the reasons I made it this far. She helped me “ come out of my shell and use my coconut” as she would always say to me. I respect her as a professor and love her as a parent.

“Nonsense it was all you sparks.” She replies using my nickname.

I blushed and lowered my head, I can feel the tears coming again. This was something I would like my own mother to say to me but that will never happen.

“ hey… head up,chin high, shoulders back! Always remember.”

I did as she commanded and smiled-I love her.

“ So are you taking the full ride to Georgetown?” She asked.

“Hmmmm”

“Nope not hearing.” She said shaking her head, not giving me the chance to reply. I have been thinking about medical school a lot and I know it is hard work. If I put my mind to it I know I can get it done, but I don’t know if I can do it without my family’s support.

I sigh and lower my head in sadness. She reached and put both hands on my shoulder and gave them a rub.

“Listen,I know you don’t talk about your personal life a lot but I can tell something is off. You are a very brilliant person and it would be a shame not to see where this can leave you. I think you would regret not taking this opportunity. Don’t  do it for anyone else but yourself and if you need any help don’t be afraid to reach out to me; my doors always open to my favorite student.” I gave her a watery smile and nod.

“I'm still thinking about it.”

“Don’t think do.. ok” 

“K!” I heard a familiar voice shouting behind me. I turned around and saw my brother with a boutique of flowers in his hand walking towards me.

“ you wouldn’t think I would miss this right?”he said, handing me the flowers.i couldn’t contain my smile. I can’t believe he is here; I thought everyone was too busy to come.

“I love you Kev thanks for coming!” I said taking the flowers and giving him a hug. He kissed me on my cheek and turned to Professor H introducing himself. We made small talk until Professor H got called away.

“So nobody came uh? Nice speech by the way” he said to me while walking me out of the arena.

“Thanks,” I said smiling. Then frowned and replied “ I should have known better than to get my hopes up especially after what happened with the Georgetown news, but I try. Dad said he had an important meeting out of town, mom asked what’s for dinner, and Kris just rolled her eyes at me.”

“Hey don’t be sad…. am here I will always be here and I am extremely proud of you. I know I never wanted to take over Dad’s company. I had my own dreams, but I was too afraid of him to say no. I admire you for following your own heart, you are almost at your dream K and she should go all the way. They may be mad at you, but at least you will be happy..” he told me.

I stopped walking and looked at him and replied weakly, “ but I don’t want to lose them..”

He turned around and gave me a hug and said, “sometimes when we’re in a bubble we fail to see the surface.”

A tear rolled down my cheek and he wiped it away and gave me a sad smile. We started to walk towards his car when my cell phone rang. I reached inside my purse to check who it was-seen it’s Dad I picked it up.

“Where are you?” His steely voice came over the phone.

“I told you it is my graduation today Dad… I.. mean sir” I replied with little anger in my voice. 

There was a dead silent for a sec, then he sighed and said with irritation in his voice, “ I need you to come home now I have a client and his son coming over for a meeting, and his son would like to be introduced to you. This is important to me so ple for once in your life do not let me down.”

“But Da…”

“Excuse me did you say but! Don't forget whose house you live in…. not because you have a fancy degree does not mean you can disrespect me… home now or out my house…. my life… my family!!! He yelled over the phone. He hung up before I could even answer. 

I look at Kev with tears in my eyes and ask him to take me home. He didn’t ask or say anything until we were almost home. Keeping his eyes on the road he said, “ I spoke to a contact in Geroge-town, and I was able to get you transferred to a doctors office there. I also got an apartment lined up for you. It's not much but it’s a start.” He sighed and continued, “ you may need a second part time job to help you out.”

“I don’t….” I tried to reply but he cut me off.

“You deserve better.” He stated as we pulled up in the driveway.

“Call me if you need anything I will be over on Friday to see Dad. Think about all that I said to you. I love you K.”

I nod as I exited the car. I took a deep breath and woke it to my own personal hell.