"Family Ties" Chapter 2
Mac, Rod , and Avery made their way to the dining room where they sat catching up. It had been almost six months since they last saw one another. Avery had moved to England to study three years ago and had come home to visitleavingright before President Bridges died and her mother took over. She hadn't just left home to study, she left because she ,like Rebecca didn't like the spot light as much as her parent's and brother did. She wanted to try and have a normal college life away from the media. It took her a while upon her arrival in the foreign country, but over time she started changing little things like her hair, her clothing, her social circle and lately had become quite the independent young woman.
Rod seeing his daughter for the first time in months smiles and hugs her.
"You look great sweetie. Wait till your brother and sisters see you. They even tried getting out of school today ."
Avery laughs " I didn't know I was so popular ."
"Well we've all missed you baby. Everyone's excited to see you. You know how much we wished you didn't live so far."
"You know mom that's actually one of the things I wanted to talk to you guys about. I wanted to do it in person instead of over the phone."
Mac looks over at Rod catching his expression. Avery had called a week ago telling them when she would be home and that she had some news for them. Of course Rod assumed it was about her decision for grad school. She had struggled to decide whether she wanted to go to med school or law school when she graduated and deep down Mac knew Rod wanted her to choose law school... and a small part of her did too.
" This wouldn't' happen to be about grad school would it?" Rod asked trying to hide his enthusiasm.
Mac chuckles. "Please don't keep your dad in suspense he's been waiting for this for a week now... but before you do honey just know we are happy with whatever decision you make."
"But if you do want to go to law school, you know that would be great too." Rod slips in.
Although not exactly the news she was wanting to give them, she plastered on a smile , not wanting to disappoint them after seeing their excitement .
"Well dad don't freak out or anything." Rods face instantly drops.
"But, you better get ready to help me tour law schools."
It takes a minute for Rod to actually get it.
"Law school? Oh I am so happy to hear you say that." He gets up from his seat and hugs her.
"That's not it though... I don't just want to go to law school. I want to go to school here, close to home."
Mac looks at her a bit confused. "You want to go to school here? I thought you loved being in London?"
"Well I do... but you know I feel like I'm missing out on so much here... I miss you guys."
"Well that's even better. " Rod lets his excitement get the better of him rather than questioning the sudden change. " We'll check out some schools, get you transferred, it'll be great. You are going to make a great lawyer honey." he hugs her once more and then Mac takes her turn. Avery's heart begins to break... How could she lie to the two people who loved her the most, they were going to be so disappointed in her.
