Chapter 17 - College

"Where do you want to go to college?" my father asked me during dinner.

High school was at its end, and I still hadn't discussed my college plans with my parents, just because –– there is no plan.

I raised my shoulder in a half shrugged. "Anywhere as long as they offer language class."

"Sis, why not East University? They offer linguistic, and it's not that far from our house," Lance said with pleading eyes.

"Brother, let sister choose for herself." Lawrence shot a disapproving look at Lance though his eyes told me that he too didn't want me to go far away.

". . ."

Our mother busied herself in eating her dinner, not minding us. Though her depressing mood was leaking from her, filling the room.

"Mmm . . . I'll think about it." I avoided my father's gaze and concentrated on my plate.

Father looked at us with a stern face. "I hope you all remember our agreement. Your mother and I don't care if your grades are low or if you're attending class or whatever you do in your life, as long as you graduated in college with a degree."

Our father's way of thinking was old school. He believed that as long as you have a degree in college, whatever might happen in the future, you have a fallback.

"I remember dad, don't worry. I'll discuss it with you soon."

After that, we didn't discuss the topic again until a week later.

----

"Go to Artem University in New Haven."

I almost spat out the tea I was drinking.

There I was enjoying the peaceful view in my bedroom's balcony when out of the blue, my laptop flashed, and the expressionless face of Luke Jansen appeared.

"You want to study linguistics, right?" he added.

Zhane!

"Is there anything I can't keep from you, Uncle Luke?" I shot him a fake smile.

"Artem offers the best in linguistics. You'll further advance your language skills if you study there," he said, authority in his voice.

I faced him head-on. "Uncle Luke, my goal is not to be a language guru. My goal is to finish a degree, which I can easily get in a University here."

I licked my lips and continued, "Besides, with my qualifications, it'll be difficult to get into Artem University."

Artem University was the number one undisputed University in the globe when it came to arts, whether it be music, singing, dancing, acting, languages or even the arts of cooking.

It was a school for the rich and the famous.

Uncle Luke stared at me with his intimidating eyes. His face and voice were serious as he said, "There's another reason why you need to go. You have to broaden your horizons. Secluding yourself away from high society, you'll miss out the things you can enjoy with your privileges. You'll meet people your age who are richer than you, and you'll get to experience being one with the elites. It'll be a fresh new start for you."

My brows creased deeper. I want to retort, but he cut me.

"You've been a multi-millionaire for six years. You've enjoyed things your money can buy. But now that money can't stimulate you anymore, you've become lazier and goalless. What you need is to be surrounded by people your age who belongs to the same status as you," he said, and a flashed of tenderness crossed his eyes. "Maybe then, you'll find a new purpose and enjoyment."

I was rendered speechless, and all I could do was to stare at him with mouth hanging open.

What can I say?

"If it's getting you in, you don't have to worry. I have my ways." The corner of his lips quirked in a smirk.

I breathed. "Uncle Luke, you prepared your speech well. What else can I say?"

"It settles then. Inform me when you're ready to go. I'll send a private jet to pick you up."

Moments after he disappeared, I was still looking at my blank face reflecting on the screen. After a period of time, I searched for my parents.

They're not going to like this.