AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Are you sure you want to do this?” he asks with a sigh. “It’s not too late to come back. I’m sure they still have your place reserved. I can talk to the dean.”
“Dad,” I say with a shake of my head. “We already talked about this.”
“Yeah, but I don’t think you were thinking logically. This could set you back.”
I sigh into the receiver, releasing all my pent-up frustration.
Sure, it came as a shock to my parents when I told them I wanted to switch schools. Aurora University was looking for a new track athlete since their star got injured in the Paris Marathon over the summer. I was surprised when the coach called me up, asking if I was interested, given I had already been attending an Ivy League school. I’m medical school bound. My dad’s a doctor. My mom’s a doctor. Even my older brother is a doctor.
My parents assumed I would follow in their stead.
Even I was surprised when I told the Aurora track coach I was interested. I also always assumed I would be a doctor. My dad isn’t wrong for being concerned. Aurora is a sports school. It’s not really known for anything else. When I looked into their medical studies, I noticed they were mostly focused on physical therapy rather than general surgery.
“I know that, Dad,” I say. I don’t know what else to tell him.
Well, that’s not true. I know exactly what I want to tell him, but I don’t know how to say it without causing a huge fight. My parents have had my life planned since I was born. I entered into a prestigious elementary school where I met Lucas, followed by a prestigious high school, and soon after I went to the same college my older brother and father attended. Being a doctor didn’t seem that bad.
But deep down, I’m a runner.
And I’m amazing at it.
Puma has me doing ad campaigns for them. I’m invited to every track meet. I score higher than most. There have been a few runs I’ve lost, but I’m young and at the top of my game. If I want to be a track star, Aurora is the place for me.
How do I tell my parents I want to throw everything away and pour my heart and soul into running?
Well, I suppose that’s not the only reason why I chose Aurora. Green eyes flood my memories, and my smile brightens knowing it won’t be long now until I see her again. A part of me feels a bit guilty for developing feelings. There’s no way we can actually be together since she’s Lucas’s girl. But I never got the chance to say goodbye, and some sick side of me kinda imagines her on my arm.
Or rather her on top of me.
“Alex?” my father says, a tad louder than needed.
I wince, realizing I wasn’t paying attention to him at all. He’s probably going on and on again about my future, or lack thereof.
“Sorry,” I say quickly. “I’m here.”
He sighs, and I can hear his irritation.
“Ask him if he’ll be home for Thanksgiving this year,” I hear my mom say softly.
I chuckle and shake my head. She’s probably pacing back and forth, filled with worry. I know my parents love me. They want me to do well, which is why they pester me all the time. But I’m in my twenties now. I’m going to be a junior this year. The least they can do is push me out of the nest and let me attempt to fly on my own.
“Did you hear your mother?”
“Yes, I did.” I make a face, knowing she’s going to hate the answer. “Probably not, but I will definitely be home for Christmas. I’ll need to spend fall break practicing for the finals.”
“Ok,” he says, sounding quite sad.
“You can always come and watch.” I grimace, instantly wishing to take back my words.
“Yeah, we might do that.”
Great. Just what I need. My parents here, trying to convince me to move back home.
“Ok, the flight wore me out, so I’ll talk to you later.”
“Call tomorrow?”
My frown deepens, but I find myself saying, “Sure.”
