Chapter 40 - DECISIONS

''Miss Jackson, Miss Jones, how may I help you today?''

''Where do we even begin?'' 

..............

Mondays are my least favourite days of the week, but you just have to power through it. And I did. I didn't run into Jason or Mariah, did my work and all that jazz until I heard murmuring in the hallway on my way to lunch.

Test results are out.

The first words that came out of my mouth were: 'Holy shit.'

Test week was three weeks ago and all of a sudden the results are out. Shoutout to the teachers, or educators as they are fondly called at Adelaide, for doing overtime on our papers. We're over 400 students so I hope they get a raise. 

The noticeboard was crammed with students trying to take pictures of their scores, or their friends' scores. Luckily, I have incredible vision thanks to my glasses and was able to see my score, even with the mass of students.

6As, a B and a C.

Guess where I got a C in? Maths, specifically Algebra. But I'm not too bothered. If I can continue to maintain these grades and have a good SAT score, I'm on my way to university.

Speaking of university, Paris and I scheduled a joint session with Mrs Finley, the guidance counsellor for 4:00pm. Everything is always so formal in this school. I didn't think you needed to schedule an appointment like you're visiting the doctor because it never happened at Linkdale. All we did was walk into the counsellors office whenever we deemed fit and he was more than happy to listen to us.

I really miss Mr Rogers, Linkdale's guidance counsellor back when I was still a student there. He was part of the people that influenced my decision to transfer to Adelaide. He said there'd be a lot more opportunities here and I'd be able to get good recommendations from the educators if I ever decide I want to go to an Ivy League School. 

Adelaide is an exclusive private school in Bridgewood and they help students get into Standford, Harvard, Yale and the likes. In fact, some powerful, influential, and famous people attended Adelaide. Mayor Stanson was a student here once, then there's also Renata George, the famous singer and Sam Greenwood, the athlete.

We scheduled the appointment and made sure we were on time, which leads us to this very moment.

''You could start from the beginning,'' Mrs Finley jokes, seated behind her large, mahogany desk. Paris and I crack a smile and visibly relax our nerves. Mrs Finley rarely leaves her office. I've been at Adelaide for at least four years, and I can say, I've only seen her a total of 5 times. But, from all the times I've seen her, she looks like a chilled and friendly person. She reminds me of a cute librarian with glasses perched on her nose. Her figure is quite small and petite, but she tries to hide it with the heels she wears to school. 

I don't know how she popped out 3 babies given how small she is but that just goes to show how incredible a woman's body is. Mrs Finley is in her late 30s, if I'm estimating currently, but she's aging like fine wine and it looks like she takes care of herself very well because her glossy copper hair is shining and her skin is gleaming.

''We're going through a mid-life crisis,'' Paris says. I nod my head vigorously. ''Exactly what she said.''

She adjusts her glasses on the bridge of her nose. ''I believe you're both 17. You can't possibly be going through a mid-life crisis.'' Just because we're young doesn't mean we can't be going through a mid-life crisis. You don't need to be 50 and unmarried with 10 cats before you're in the crisis category. It's called mid-life crisis for a reason, which means it can happen at any point in your life. It's not like life discriminates when it throws curve balls at you.

''Oh, we are,'' Paris says, leaning into her chair. ''Test results came out today and it really hit me that I'm off to college next year. I don't know what college I want to go to, and I certainly don't know the course I want to study.''

She nods in understanding and turns to me. ''And you, Miss Jones? Do you have the same problem?''

''It's similar. I ultimately want to go to law school. But, I don't know what to study or where to go to study.'' There are like a million universities in this country and endless possibilities. It can be a bit overwhelming when you're asked to choose just one.

''Okay. Now I understand your problem. You're not alone when it comes to decisions like these. A lot of students come to my office everyday telling me the same thing. University is a big decision and choosing where to go to can be daunting. That's why I'm here to help.''

She reaches into her drawer and brings out two brochures. Handing it to us, she continues. ''Adelaide usually hands out specialized brochures which are meant to be distributed before the term runs out. But, since you both look like you really need it, I'm handing it out early. Don't tell Principal Grande.'' she winks.

My lips are sealed. Knowing him, he'd probably convulse or something.

''Adelaide partners with some selected universities in and out of state. Of course, we allow our students to choose where they'd like to go. However, we highly encourage our students to consider the universities we partner with and you'd see the list on the third page of the brochure. Giving our connections, we've helped a lot of students get scholarships, especially those who we believe are very promising and maintain good grades.'' 

She had me at scholarship. I know my grades are good and all, but I hope it'd be good enough to get a full ride scholarship. My mum cannot afford to send me to university. Our finances are already tied with Sophie's medical bills, health insurance and debts. I can't possibly put more stress on her given all that she does for my sister and I.

''If I may ask, how did your tests go?''

''Good.'' Paris and I say simultaneously. Mrs Finley gives us a pointed look and crosses her arms over her chest. ''6As, a B and a C.'' I confess.

''Impressive.''

''4As, 3Bs and a C.'' Paris says and I smile. Considering how she complains about the library, she did pretty good and I'm extremely proud of my best friend. 

I wonder how Jason and Ryan did.

''Equally impressive, Miss Jackson. From the looks of things, you're both doing well academically. I read both of your files before you came in and you both seem like promising young women. Especially you, Miss Jones. Your academic record is quite remarkable, even your class rank over the years have been unwavering. '' I blush a little at her compliments and Paris gives my hand a squeeze. ''If you can beat Mr Lee in the exams, you just might have a shot at being Valedictorian. You even have a shot at getting a full ride.''

Squeal. ''I'll work on that.''

Mrs Finley scans us both. ''Usually, when students come to me with a major crisis, pun intended, I usually tell them to identify what they're good at. I'm not the type of counsellor that'll tell you to jump into the medical line or be in the legal profession because it pays well, but I want you to be satisfied with your life moving forward. I've seen a number of students in university change course mid semester because they didn't feel that spark or drive with said course and it isn't all that pleasant. That's why it's important you choose a major that you'll excel in.''

''What if I don't want to go to university?'' Paris asks in a small voice. I turn to her and give her hand a squeeze. I know Paris has doubts about furthering her education and it's been a cause for worry because her parents are pressuring her to go to one. ''I mean, my dad wants me to be a plastic surgeon like him, or go into the medical field. But, Mrs Finley, that's not for me. I don't want to do that. I don't know what my future holds, but it's not being a plastic surgeon.'' she shudders.

''Have you thought really hard about your decision? You may not want to be a surgeon, but maybe you can study something else?'' Mrs Finley asks hopefully. 

''I'm a teenager. I haven't thought about anything long enough. Maybe next year, I'd change my mind or something, but university isn't all that appealing. I like modelling though. My mum owns a clothing company so I step in sometimes if a model is unavailable. It's enjoyable.''

Mrs Finley nods slowly and leans back in her chair. ''Well, Miss Jackson, higher education isn't for everyone and it doesn't mean you won't be successful if you ultimately decide you're not interested in going. However, since you're not sure, I'd like you to schedule another appointment, maybe in the next 3 months or so, to see if you've changed your mind.''

''Have you talked to your parents about all this?''

Paris shakes her head in the negative and sighs. ''They won't understand me.''

''I'm sure they would if you have a talk with them.''

''My dad is Mario Jackson, Mrs Finley. He expects things to go a certain way and expects me to be a certain way. He'd flip if he finds out I'm even saying all this. He's not exactly the most understanding person on the planet because everyone in my family went to college. I can't be the odd one out. And before you ask about my mum, she goes with whatever my dad decides so she's no help at all.'' Paris pouts. 

Mrs Finley writes something down in her notebook. ''What if I schedule a meeting with your parents and talk to them? Would that make you feel better?''

''A little. As long as I'm not there though because hell hath no fury when Mario Jackson is scorned.'' she mocks. I giggle a little and Mrs Finley's lips curve a little. ''Ladies, I want you to read and internalize that brochure very carefully and think about all that I've said. Then, you'd both come and see me individually. I'd like to track your progress and know your final decisions.''

''You're promising and smart young ladies, so I know you'd make the decision that is best for you.''