Where It All Began
Chapter 2-Andrea Garnett
Andrea hated being called into the Counselor's Office at school. It usually always spelled trouble. She was a straight A student, but her home life was a mess. She didn't know what would happen once she graduated. She wanted to go on to college, but her mom had died five years before from breast cancer, and her dad never recovered. He spent every night drinking and Andrea spent every night raising her two younger siblings. She walked into the office and waited to be called into Mrs. McGill's office. Finally, she called Andrea's name. Andrea sat down across from her desk and waited.
"So, you have filled out applications but made no other contacts? A student as gifted as you needs to further their education." Ms. McGill said.
"I know, ma'am and thank you." Andrea agreed.
"I know the finances might be tricky. Have you thought about the Armed Services?" Ms. McGill asked.
"No. I need to help with my brother and sister." Andrea told her.
"Andrea, I know about your situation. As long as you stay, you enable him. You deserve a life too. So, I submitted an application and one of your essays to the Naval Academy. You've been accepted. You don't have to go, but it's a huge honor. They have engineering." Mrs. McGill said.
"Really?" Andrea asked.
"Yes. Just remember what I said. Maybe if your dad doesn't depend on you, he will get better. Usually, you have to sign a contract upon graduating any of the Armed Service academies, but I can do some checking. Talk to your dad." Mrs. McGill said.
"Alright. Can you find out that stuff for me?" Andrea asked.
"Sure." Mrs. McGill answered as Andrea got up and left.
Shockingly, Andrea's dad was home when she got there, and he was cooking dinner. It almost seemed normal until she realized how shaky he was. The kitchen was a disaster but he was trying. "Dad, what are you doing?" Andrea asked.
"Your counselor called me. I will not stand in the way of your future. This can't continue happening. The next few days might be rough, but if your mom knew what I was doing, she'd kick my ass into next year." Her dad told her. Instead of answering, she pulled him into a hug. She didn't know what else to do.
Sorry it was such a short chapter!