Addiction

Prologue “We now present to you the graduating class of 2014,” Professor Thompson announces. Standing with the rest of my class, I fling my hat in the air with enthusiasm. We all duck for cover and giggle when the hats land back on top of us. What a moment! This day is the peak of a lot of hard work. I have spent years stressing and crying because of the pressure to succeed. There were certainly days when I thought I wouldn’t have made it here. As I stand on stage, it is the most proud I have ever been of myself. I did it. I finally did something great with my life. I hug my classmates in squeals of delight and then walk away to find my Mom and my stepdad, George. After searching through most of the crowd, I finally see Mom dressed in an extravagant black dress with gold trim and George standing beside her with a perfectly tailored suit on. I roll my eyes and Mom immediately wraps me up in a cuddle. “I am so proud of you, sweetheart. I know you are excited to get out there in the real world,” she says. “Not really. I don’t even have a job lined up and most of my classmates do. They are either doing internships or something but I’m doing nothing,” I say as I look at the ground. “You know, we could always make a few phone calls and get you a job,” says George. “I have a lot of connections so it wouldn’t be a problem at all. You just need to let me know.” “I know, I know. But this is something I want to do. It’s the most important choice of my life and I want to say that I did it,” I reply. “I understand sweetie, but you need to do something in the meantime. George can help you out. Remember, it’s not what you know, it’s who you know. And you can always come home until you get yourself together,” Mom says. “No, I don’t want to come home. I’m going to room with my best friend Rose, until I figure something out,” I say firmly. This is something I need to do for myself. “Okay,” my Mom says reluctantly. “I’m going to be fine Mom. In a few months, I’m sure I will have a job.” “If you don’t, make sure that you come to us for help.” “Don’t worry Mom, I will,” I say, knowing deep down inside I was lying. This was something that I wanted to do on my own. It was just going to take a little bit of time... *