Mother-Son Talk

Not long after Austin shut down his computer and his lame attempt to email Sam he laid on his bed desperately thinking of a way explain his actions. A moment later his bedroom door opened breaking the his concentration and silence.

"Austin? What are you still doing up at this hour?" His mother asked.

"I can't sleep. I have a lot on my mind," Austin turned his back to her not wanting to explain.

"Well, is there anything I can do to help?" It has to be a girl.

"No, I just want to deal with it on my own."

"Austin, I know you're almost a college boy but doesn't mean you can't talk to me about things. I just hope this isn't tearing you up inside."

Austin continued to sit in silence for a bit longer contemplating whether to spell the beans about his problems with Sam. I really could use all the advice I can get right now, but I just don't know how to go about it. Finally, the confused teen decides to explain.

"Well, the reason I broke up with Shelby was that I found someone I actually like. I've always been the type of person to be someone that everyone was expects me rather then who I actually am." His mother was a bit shocked with some the words that came from her sons mouth.

"Now, why would you be something you're not?"

"Dad has always pushed me into playing football to get a full ride to USC and the quarterback dating the head cheerleader is expected when you're the team captain."

"I don't know how many times I've told your father to not put so much pressure on you and let you live your own life. I may force him to sleep on the couch tomorrow night for that. What matters most is you do what's going to make you happy. Whether that's playing football or being a writer, okay?"

"I know, Mom. It's just he never listens to what I have to say. Before I can get a word end he cuts me off and tells me to follow the plan."

Well, in that case maybe you should just make your decision without consulting him." His mom smiled as she finally saw her son smile for a second. "But tell me about this girl?"

Austin swallowed hard and continued. "Her name is Sam and she hates me right now."

"What? Why do you say that?"

"I screwed up. Shelby embarrassed her at the pep rally in front of the whole school and I did nothing to help her. It was horrible. We met in a Princeton chatroom and talked for over a month. I met her at the Halloween dance earlier this week. I never saw her face that night and Shelby some how found out who she was and revealed her name to me at the rally."

"Oh, Austin. Why didn't you tell me about all this? Why didn't you stand up for her?"

"I was angry. I was humiliated. I posted fliers around the school to get her to come to me and she never did. I feel terrible she never deserved this even if I was upset."

"We all get angry. It's human nature. You definitely could of handled it differently but that's behind you. All you can control is what happens from here. I know you will find a way to fix this."

"I don't know. I bet I'm the last person she wants to talk to."

"I do think you should try and talk to her."

"If I can find her."

"She can't hide forever. I think you should put this on the back burner and get some rest, okay?"

"All right, thank you for your advice, Mom. It's been a rough few days."

"That's what Mother's are here for. Get some sleep. Good Night, Son."

"Night, Mom." It's going to be a long night...

Austin continued to lay awake for another hour or so then finally fell asleep. The from within was still fighting on. How would he get Sam to forgive him? Will he continue to allow his peers dictate what he does with his life?