The Sacrifices We Make for Destiny
Posted: Tue May 03, 2011 7:08 pm
"Hi, Daddy." It was the phone call Mia had been dreading ever since she had gotten her grades. While she hadn't failed, she hadn't exactly passed with flying colors either.
"Hi, Strawberry." Her father used her childhood pet name. That usually meant something bad. He was trying to soften the blow. "I got your report card in today."
Mia winced and bit her lip, her palms getting sweaty. "Daddy, I know it looks bad, but I can bring up my GPA with some college prep courses." Algebra and Chem were the worst. She had only barely gotten a D in Chemistry, cramming all night before the test. She even fell asleep at the computer in the common room of the dorm at one point. When she woke up, she found that someone had wrapped a blanket over her shoulders, but didn't see anyone there.
"Honey, it's okay. Look you did fine in your Practical Arcana class. Especially for someone just starting out. And you English and History grades look great." Something hung in the air as her father's voice trailed off. Mia's heart pounded in her ears. He hadn't mentioned her grade in her Art class. It was perfect, couldn't get higher marks than that.
"And my Art grade? You saw that right?"
"Elder Stevenson is here. He wants to talk to you."
Mia felt like she was going to choke on her heart. She reflexively dropped her gaze, forgetting for a moment that the Elder couldn't see her. But still, traditions to be upheld. "Mia? We need to talk."
"Of course, Elder Stevenson," Mia said respectfully, her head still bowed.
"This report card is most distressing. Seems the highest marks are for extra-curriculars. Have you perhaps been neglecting your studies to spend time on your hobby?" The Elder asked as if he already knew the answer.
"No. No, of course not, sir. I've just never been that good at math and science is all." Mia spoke quickly, fearing what was happening.
"When we sent you to this school to study it was with the understanding that you would be a mature young woman. That you would take responsibility for your own education." Mia heard Elder Stevenson sigh, barely masking the disappointment in his voice. "It's obvious you are not mature enough to handle this on your own yet."
"I'll try harder next term. Study a lot more. Get a tutor. Whatever you ask." Mia panicked, her mind racing over every possibility. Would they take her out of the school? Bring her back home? She didn't want to leave.
"It's nice to see you so cooperative, Mia. The other Elders and I have met with your father. And we have decided that we will make your class schedules until such time as you prove you are ready to handle the responsibility on your own."
A relieved grin spread across her face. That was it? That was perfect! She could stay in the school and still find tutors for her tougher classes. She would still be with her friends and James and-
Elder Stevenson's voice cut through her thoughts. "Of course, this means no more Art classes."
"Hi, Strawberry." Her father used her childhood pet name. That usually meant something bad. He was trying to soften the blow. "I got your report card in today."
Mia winced and bit her lip, her palms getting sweaty. "Daddy, I know it looks bad, but I can bring up my GPA with some college prep courses." Algebra and Chem were the worst. She had only barely gotten a D in Chemistry, cramming all night before the test. She even fell asleep at the computer in the common room of the dorm at one point. When she woke up, she found that someone had wrapped a blanket over her shoulders, but didn't see anyone there.
"Honey, it's okay. Look you did fine in your Practical Arcana class. Especially for someone just starting out. And you English and History grades look great." Something hung in the air as her father's voice trailed off. Mia's heart pounded in her ears. He hadn't mentioned her grade in her Art class. It was perfect, couldn't get higher marks than that.
"And my Art grade? You saw that right?"
"Elder Stevenson is here. He wants to talk to you."
Mia felt like she was going to choke on her heart. She reflexively dropped her gaze, forgetting for a moment that the Elder couldn't see her. But still, traditions to be upheld. "Mia? We need to talk."
"Of course, Elder Stevenson," Mia said respectfully, her head still bowed.
"This report card is most distressing. Seems the highest marks are for extra-curriculars. Have you perhaps been neglecting your studies to spend time on your hobby?" The Elder asked as if he already knew the answer.
"No. No, of course not, sir. I've just never been that good at math and science is all." Mia spoke quickly, fearing what was happening.
"When we sent you to this school to study it was with the understanding that you would be a mature young woman. That you would take responsibility for your own education." Mia heard Elder Stevenson sigh, barely masking the disappointment in his voice. "It's obvious you are not mature enough to handle this on your own yet."
"I'll try harder next term. Study a lot more. Get a tutor. Whatever you ask." Mia panicked, her mind racing over every possibility. Would they take her out of the school? Bring her back home? She didn't want to leave.
"It's nice to see you so cooperative, Mia. The other Elders and I have met with your father. And we have decided that we will make your class schedules until such time as you prove you are ready to handle the responsibility on your own."
A relieved grin spread across her face. That was it? That was perfect! She could stay in the school and still find tutors for her tougher classes. She would still be with her friends and James and-
Elder Stevenson's voice cut through her thoughts. "Of course, this means no more Art classes."