"What do you think you're doing?" My mother demanded.
"What do you think you're doing?" Cam responded. "Lillian is capable of making her own decisions and you shouldn't be forcing her to do something she doesn't want to do."
"She'll thank us later, when she has a successful job and a steady income." My father replied. "The occupation of a…farmer cannot possibly bring her that in life."
"Yes it can!" I told him. "And I don't even care about that. I just want to be happy. And doing what you guys want isn't making me happy."
"You can't always be happy in life."
"Yes, you can." Cam replied. "Lillian is happy here and now. And so am I."
"Happiness isn't everywhere. You have to sacrifice happiness if you want to excel in life." My father frowned at me. "We want you to excel at life."
Cam sighed. He looked around for a moment and then he suddenly walked away. I watched him search the ground, and then kneel to pick something up. He came back over holding a Dandelion. He held it up to my parents.
"This is a Dandelion." He explained. "This flowers meaning is happiness. It grows almost everywhere. It's usually considered a weed, and no matter what you do it seems like you can't get rid of them. But that's sort of what happiness is. It's always there…and even when it's gone, it'll always come right back. Just look around for it and you'll find it. And after a while, you begin to see the Dandelion not as a weed, but as something beautiful. But some people can never truly appreciate this flower, and will constantly try to kill it." He paused. "That's what you're doing with Lillian's happiness. You can't spend your whole lives trying to make Lillian's life perfect, because nothing is perfect. She can decide what makes her happy, and if running a farm in this small town is what makes her happy, then she has every right to do so. Don't rip all the Dandelions out of her life."
As I listened to Cam speak I couldn't help but tear up. He was defending me with a flower. The thought almost made me laugh. I felt love for him swell up in my chest. Then I remembered my parents. I looked to them to see their reaction.
They stared at him for a long time, and then looked at each other. I was surprised to see tears in my mother's eyes.
"I've always wanted the best for you, Lillian. And I always thought what I was doing would give you that. I never considered what you wanted…and for that, I am so sorry." She wiped her face with the back of her hand, a gesture I've never seen her do. Actually, I never even had seen her cry before. "I wanted the perfect family and daughter, but I never realized I already had one from the moment you were born. I should have let you grow up making your own choices."
I went to speak, but my father butted in. "What are you talking about? Because of what we did she excelled at school. If we hadn't she could have ended up dropping out, or worse."
I glared at him. "What? You have no idea what I could have done without being forced. I would have done the exact same things you were pushing me to do, but I would have actually wanted to do them. I like learning, but you're constant pushing and forcing made it unbearable! Because of what you did, I ran away. You pushed me away. You forced me to choose to run away. And that's the last thing I'll ever let you force me to do. It's the only good thing you've ever done for me."
My father stared at me, looking hurt and angry. Then he suddenly went slack. "You…you may be absolutely right."
"She is." My mother cried. "We never let her show us what she could do. Why didn't we…why did we…" She began to really cry.
I couldn't believe my ears. They were actually acting like real human beings. I smiled and wiped my tears away. "Thank you guys for finally understanding. I can't believe it, actually…"
My mother shook her head. "This boy, Cam, made me realize what I've been doing to you. I can never tell you how sorry I am. I wish I could do it all over."
"Me too, but what's done is done. Now all we can do is look for the Dandelions in our lives." I smiled at Cam and took the flower from him. "Mine is right here."
My parents nodded. My father held is hand out to Cam and they shook hands. "Thank you. Take care of my daughter."
Cam nodded. "Of course."
For a few moments it was silent. It quickly grew awkward and I didn't know what to say. Things were changing so fast, I couldn't keep up. My parents were okay with me staying. They were sorry. They understood how I felt. It was unthinkable.
"How about I…show you guys around town?" I offered after clearing my throat. They slowly nodded. I took Cam's hand and we led them off my farm and into town. Cam smiled at me, and I smiled in return. He took the Dandelion and tucked it behind my ear.
I was smiling so big, I was afraid it actually fall out.
A/N: Oh, gosh this chapter. *dies*
I'm not very happy with it. The only part I like is when Cam is taking about the flower. And I rewrote that like 20 times. Anyway, I'm sorry I don't update regularly. I'll try harder to do so! I feel like this story is coming to an end soon. I never planned for it be as long as my last one. Let me know what you think of it so far!
Please review! I love you all!
