Chapter 3 When I asked my uncle for the password back , he said cheerfully , " They're all solid trade programs . Don't worry , your mom approved it . We wouldn't set you up to fail . " Don't worry ? How could I not worry ? I knew these relatives too well . None of them had ever helped anyone - just made everything worse . Because of him , my cousin Cindy , who had scored high enough for a bachelor's program , ended up stuck at the worst trade school- just so his son wouldn't have to go there alone . When I saw my own application results , my hands trembled . All my carefully chosen universities had been replaced with vocational schools . At least it wasn't too late yet . I swallowed my anger and ran home . " How could you let them change my applications ?! " I demanded . " I told you not to meddle ! What , are you only happy if I can't get into college ? " My mom lowered her eyes , dabbing at imaginary tears , her face a picture of false grievance . " Your uncle are family . I was just worried you didn't have the experience , so we want to guide you . Have I ever failed you ? I just didn't want you envying people who actually had a useful skill . " I nearly went insane . Those relati I'm going to a good college ! Why But my mother always had a way on made it past elementary school - what kind of " experience " did they have ? earth would I be jealous of a vo - tech program ? Am I some kind of idiot ? twist logic . No matter what others said , she would insist she was right . I didn't want to waste my breath . Instead , I glared at her and said coldly , " From now on , stay out of my life . Don't ask , don't meddle . All you ever do is cause trouble . " Auto - added to the Library I hadn't even finished when Flynn , my brother , stormed in and kicked me to the floor . " How dare you talk to Mom like that ? " he shouted . " What do you mean she doesn't understand ? She's doing it for you ! With your lousy grades , what difference does it make ? You're lucky to even get into a community college . " My dad chimed in , frowning down at me . " Exactly , Lauren . Are you heartless ? Your mom cares so much , and you can't even show gratitude ? " Pain shot through me as I hit the hallway floor , sweat beading on my forehead . Not one of them reached to help me up . They all just stood there , perched on their moral high ground , pointing fingers . When the dizziness passed and I looked up at their faces , all unified against me, I almost laughed . st was t My mother had always been contrary , always doing the opposite of what she was told . It wasn't just me shehurt - it was everyone around her . In the past , I had been the one to clean up her messes . Not anymore . This time , I'd let them all deal with the fallout themselves . But for now , I had to keep the peace . I forced my lips into a smile , swallowing my rage . " Sorry , Mom . I was wrong . You're only trying to help . You've been around a lot longer than I have . You must know better . " She beamed , magnanimous in her forgiveness . The whole family smiled , satisfied , convinced we were " harmonious " again . I prayed they'd all stay chained to my mother's ways - forever . God forbid they ever break free . Chapter 3 Dreame - Read Romance Stories Book Title M 1.20 % Collect 167 1