Chapter 28: Parent Teacher Meeting
Yosen High conducts a parent teacher meeting after the exams and before graduation. Parents are encouraged to attend this meeting so they could discuss their children's future with their children's homeroom teacher.
My father, being the CEO to one of Japan's largest telecommunications company, JPN DoKoMo, surely wouldn't have time to make it to her daughter's school meeting. I didn't have high hopes and expected only my mom to come. When I told him about this meeting, he surprisingly agreed.
"Parent Teacher Meeting? Of course, I will attend."
"But dad… you never did."
"This is your last year in high school, isn't it? I wouldn't want to miss it. I'll ask my assistant to reschedule any meetings on that day."
My homeroom teacher was quite surprised that my father came. She knew him as the CEO but not as my father, to say the least.
"Good morning sir. Thank you for coming to discuss your daughter's future."
"My pleasure, miss. Ah yes, I believe she had been acing her classes well."
"Most definitely. With her set of results, any universities or colleges will want to accept your bright and intelligent daughter."
"I had set sights for her. She will go to America, specifically Harvard."
I looked at my dad with a confused look.
"But dad... I wanted to stay in Japan. I just want to attend Tokyo University."
"Why not Harvard?" He asked immediately. It was as if I had defied him.
"Because… Because I don't want to be away from, you know, him." The last part was inaudible.
"I had registered you to Harvard for this Fall semester. We shall discuss this at home."
Back at home after dinner, my dad summoned me and mom to the dining table. After cleaning the dishes, my mom and I sat at the dining table.
"Harvard, was more than willing to accept you so why Tokyo University?" My father went straight for the bullet. I supposed being a businessman means everything is on point.
"I love Atsushi and I don't want to be away from him, not when it's going to be a 12-hour difference from Tokyo!"
"There's always communication through the internet."
"Yeah… but it's different! It's through a screen, dad! I really don't want to be far from him, and you two."
"My alma matter was honored to receive you, my daughter, to continue the Harvard legacy. Your grandfather too graduated from Harvard so you will go there."
"But dad! Mom graduated from Tokyo University. Why can't I continue that legacy instead?"
My mom had a study exchange to Harvard and that's where she met my dad. "Honey, if our daughter is willing to study in Tokyo, why not let her be there. She could always go for a study exchange to Harvard." My mom voiced her opinion, supporting my decision to stay in Tokyo.
I could see my dad was being slightly angry but try to control his tone. "Dear," he said to me, "you will do a study exchange or even a twinning program to Tokyo if you go to Harvard just for 2 years. Be there and ace the course, and then come back."
"You just don't get it, dad! I don't want to go to States! I just want to stay with my fiancé!" I teared up and ran to my room promptly and lock my room's door.
I curled myself on the bed and dialed Atsushi's number. He picked up my phone. I was sobbing quietly.
"Hmm? What's wrong?"
"I… I am going to America this autumn."
Only the sounds of my sobbing occupied the call for the next minute.
"Atsushi… I told dad I wanted to stay here but he just wants me to continue his stupid legacy!"
"Now now, don't disrespect him. It is thanks to him that we can be officially together so please love, calm down. I'll go to your place now so wait for me."
"No. I'll leave my place now and I'll see you at Sweets Paradise."
"Okay. See you."
I grabbed my purse and phone, stormed out from my room and ignored my dad.
"Mom, I'm going to meet Atsushi now."
"Please take care."
"Yeah, I will." I tied my shoelace and headed to the door.
Author's Note: Thank you for your readership! Just give me 2 more weeks to finish my Finals and I will do frequent updates to this story and the other one, 'Regal Generation'. Take care everyone!