Different Dreams

Different Dreams

Written for The Dialogue 500- Prompt: A child teaching a parent something about life.

WC: 499

______________________________________________________________________

“Hey Babe. How was school?”

“It was fine Mom. Ummmm, we got our report cards today.”

“And…?”

“You’re not going to like it.”

“Why am I not going to like it?

“Because I got D’s in Chemistry and American Government. OK?”

“No, it’s not OK Alex. What are you doing getting D’s?”

“I don’t know why. I guess I just didn’t study hard enough or something.”

“Alexandra Danielle! What kind of an answer is that? You know that D’s are not acceptable.”

“Mom! Stop yelling!”

“I’ll stop yelling when you start taking school seriously! You’re in honors classes, so why are you getting D’s? I know you’re smart enough.”

“I don’t know Mom! School’s not any fun.”

“Not Fun? School is not supposed to be fun. You are supposed to go there to learrrn! I don’t understand Alex! When I was in high school, I didn’t necessarily like it, but I did my work and I got good grades.”

“Mom, I’m not you!”

“No kidding! I actually cared about my grades.”

“I do care about my grades. I just don’t think they are the be all and end all of my existence!”

“You’re never going to get into college with D’s Alex.”

“Maybe I don’t want to go to college Mom.”

“…What?”

“Maybe I don’t want to go to college.”

“But why? Your father and I have been planning for college since you were born. We’ve always dreamed of you getting into a really good college."

“Mom listen to yourself for a minute. You and Dad have been planning college for me since I was born. You and Dad are the ones that have always dreamed of me getting into a good college. Those are your dreams, not mine.”

“S-s-so what are your dreams?”

“Well…I want to travel. I want to go to England, Ireland, Scotland …all sorts of places. I want to experience other cultures, try new foods and meet new people. I don’t want to just exist to go to school.”

“How’re you planning on doing all of this? We’re not exactly rich.”

“You know the money you’ve been saving for my college? Maybe I can use part of that.”

“Ummm...I don’t know Alex.”

“Mom, listen to me for a minute. I’m not saying I won’t ever go to college. I do want to go to college, just not right away. And I’m fine with a community college instead of ivy league. I have some money saved up so I wouldn’t need my entire college fund. Haven’t you always taught me to follow my dreams? Well this is my dream Mom. Mine”

“I think I understand that now. I didn’t even realize we were pushing our hopes and desires onto you. I can’t make the money decision alone Alex. We’ve got to talk to your Dad. And it still doesn’t excuse the D’s”

“I know Mom. How about I work on those and you work on Dad?”

“Sounds like a plan. Come here you!”

"Ugh! Mom I can't breathe."