Confidence comes with a certain level of cockiness. Unlucky for most, I possess both.
“I usually try to add a little extra time in my schedule for my seniors. Get to know their plans, understand their goals after graduation.”
Where is this going because it sounds like a waste of my time? My entire life already mapped out.
“I want to talk to you about something, something you probably won’t hear from anyone else. We’ve had our differences, but that aside, I’m still your coach.”
I cock an eye. Okay, now I’m interested.
“Whatcha got?”
The sigh he gives more for theatrics than anything else. “Do you have plans after high school?”
I grunt at the coward. He’s starting easy, like everyone doesn’t already know what’s in store for me.
His upper lip thins. “I’m serious, Cole.”
So am I.
“I know the influence that your family has over not only this school but the town. The role they play. The role you’ve been born into.”
Again, where is he going with this? If he could spit it out sooner rather than waiting until I’m his age, it would be delightful.
“That’s a lot of influence as well as pressure. Have you ever been given the opportunity to think about a future that doesn’t involve working for your family?”
Has this man evermetmy father?
“Colleges… military… anything?”
I could call him out for being stupid, but frankly, I don’t have the energy. Also, I just want to leave, and going back and forth would only delay that further.
This entire conversation is pointless.
I have zero influence over what happens in my life. And after about five minutes of me not doing anything other than staring at him, does he finally start to get that.
“It’s your future, your freedom. Think about it.”
Freedom—ha, the insanity.
He talks like I’m actually given the option. He doesn’t understand the pressure because he’s always had the power of choice.
Boone can wake up tomorrow and decide he wants to become a dentist and it will happen. Me? Never.
Never, not once, would I ever subject myself to the filth of shoving fingers into mouths, but it’s the principle.
Hechoseto dedicate his life to fitness and coaching. Never will Ieverhave that same opportunity. So, no, I haven’t thought about those things because they are irrelevant.
College, sure, I’d go, but I could major in Budapest studies and still end up working at Hardin by the time I graduate. That’s my life, my role… myonepurpose.
Conceived with the idea to only lead the next generation of wealth.
He will never understand, no one does unless they’ve been born into similar shoes.
“We done?”
The muscles in his jaw relax, frown deepening. Whatever he’d been hoping to get out of this little powwow moment going on deaf ears.
He can lecture me all he wants, but until he understands the trap I’ve been forced into, I don’t want to hear it. My only escape sitting on the top floor of Hardin.