“Your people watching has become
obsessive, Olivia, have you heard any of what I said?” Michael waves his had in
front of her face, trying to motion her attention back to the archaic coffee
table.
“I’m sorry, could you repeat
that?” Olivia asks, stirring her
coffee idly.
Sighing heavily, Michael repeats
“Your professor is inducing you into work that is not conducive. I have sat in
on his lectures before and his constant tangents on evolution are an attack on
religion. With a man that is more of a demagogue than a teacher, what will you
gain? How do you expect your mother and me to pay for this education when you’re
not investing in a future for yourself?”
Fidgeting with the porcelain cup in
hand, Olivia slides uneasily in her chair, looking around the café, channeling
her anger into the right words. “How dare you speak so egregiously of that
astounding man? He has inspired me to think beyond the constraints of the
Bible, beyond my Sunday school teachings. Professor Mendalli has introduced me
into a world that is outside of the box of rote recitation and text book
answers. If he is not an icon, I don’t know what would be.” Peering deep into
the eyes of her step-father, she silently annunciates her point.
“Don’t be so hard-headed, Olivia. I
am simply looking out for your future and taking note of this rebellious stage
of yours. You will get over this phase before too long and it is important to
that you have solid work to fall back on.” Michael leans back in the oak chair,
weaving his fingers in one another, with a look of ease and puissance.
“I do believe I am capable of
finding my own way. This is my future
after all, I am in charge of it and I can shape it however I please.” With great assertion, Olivia
stands, slamming her palms on the table, shaking the delicate porcelain glasses
and sending waves through their contents. “You may have your opinion, but under no circumstances are
you a potentate over me. My mother chose to marry you and have you in her life,
but I did not.”
Amidst his obvious agitation,
Michael remained seated, keeping a cold eye on his step- daughter. “You had better watch your tongue,
young lady. I could just as easily quit funding this silly endeavor of yours. Whether
or not you like it, you will terminate your communication with Professor
Mendalli and focus on your other classes, putting an end to this childish
anarchy.”
“So if I continue to participate in
his lectures, you will cut me off?” Sitting gracefully, Olivia crosses her arms
in opposition.
“Ah, so now you see my point. Exactly.”
With a grin of satisfaction, Michael relents, knowing he had won the battle.
“Then so be it.”
No comments:
Post a Comment