Episode 13: Future Shock
"Good morning class. Today we are going to talk about your future." The teacher said. "For three days you will visit three counselors who will talk to you about the three main things in a person's future. College, career, and personal life."
For the first day the students visited the counselor on colleges.
"Okay Diego what college do you plan to attend?" The counselor said.
"I plan to get a scholarship in soccer."
"That's smart. Next!"
Manny entered the room.
"Manny Rivera?"
"Yeah."
"What college do you plan to attend?"
"I don't know. I haven't thought about it much."
"That's normal but you need to pick something before you graduate."
Manny left the office lost thought about what the counselor said. He had never given much thought about his future. It made him nervous to think about it. What would happen when he became a man? Would he become good or evil? Would he go insane like the original El tigre?
"Hey dude." Frida said.
"Hey Frida. What did you pick?"
"I picked community college. What did you pick?"
"I haven't decided yet."
"Well I hope I still get to see you."
Manny thought about that too. What if he didn't see Frida again after high school? He thought about that all the way home.
"Miho are you alright?" Rodolfo asked.
"No. Today we talked about our future."
"Oh they're still doing that?"
"Well I know what Manny is going to pick." Grandpapi said.
"You do?"
"He's going to become evil and takeover the world!"
"I don't know Grandpapi I still haven't decided yet. Hey did you go college?"
"No I dropped out of high school."
"I went to college." Rodolfo said.
"Yeah but he didn't finish. Wanna know why?"
"Papi don't tell him."
"Tell me what?"
"It's something he did which was stupid and irresponsible."
"Don't you dare tell him!"
"Fine but he's gonna find out sooner or later."
"Find out what?"
"Um...You know I think I should go." With that Rodolfo ran out of the house.
The next day the students visited the counselor for careers.
"Carlos what do you plan to do for a living?"
"I hope to become a chemist."
"Good. Now Armand what do you want to do?"
"Open my own arcade."
"Interesting. Frida?"
"I hope to be a singer."
"Impressive. And Manny?"
"I plan to become a hero or villain."
"No I mean career choice."
"Um...I don't know."
"Well the clock is ticking."
After school Manny stopped by the library to talk to his mother.
"Oh dear. Your father and grandfather have been so busy pushing you to be hero or villain that they never considered your other future plans." Maria said.
"You went to college right?"
"Yeah but I didn't finish."
"Why?"
"Well I don't know. Your father wouldn't be too happy."
"This again? Come on Mom please tell me."
"I'm sorry but if anyone is going to tell you about this it's going to be your father." She climbed up the ladder and grabbed a few books.
"In the mean time why don't you read some books on colleges and career choices."
Manny was reluctant to read them but he did barrow them.
On the last day the students went to see the counselor on personal life.
"What is this for?" Manny asked.
"I'm just going to talk to you about the relationships you'll have in future."
"Like?"
"Well do you plan to get married?"
"Um yes."
"Anyone in particular?"
Manny blushed.
"Um no!"
"Liar."
"What?"
"Don't lie to me I'm a counselor. You have someone in mind I can see it in your eyes. But I won't pry that's your business."
"What could that lady be talking about?" Manny said as he came home.
"Manny? Can I talk to you?" Rodolfo said.
"Sure."
Rodolfo took a deep breath and sat next to him.
"The reason I never finished college is because I tried to run away with your mother."
"Really? I never thought you'd do something like that."
"I know and it upset both our families especially your grandfather Ramiro, May he rest in peace." Rodolfo rubbed his neck. "When he found out we got married he beat the crap out of me and tried to throw me in jail. Your mother didn't wanna see him again for about a year."
"Whoa! That's stupid but sweet."
"Yeah I know."
That night while Manny was getting ready for bed he started reading the books and to his surprise it proved to be very helpful. He really got interested in the art career by morning he had his entire plan.
"I plan to attend community college and become an artist." Manny said to the teacher.
"Wonderful plan Mr. Rivera." The teacher said.
"Dude I think it's so romantic that your parents ran away together." Frida said.
"Yeah I guess. I just hope I don't do anything like that."
"You don't plan to get married."
"I plan to get married just not until I finish college."
"Smart dude." Frida said giving him a thumbs up. "So you plan to be an artist?"
"Yeah and you know artists and singers work together." Manny said.
"Yeah! Which means you and I can still be friends even after college."
"Looks like our future is set."
"Our future?"
"Uhhh...Oh no! Not that kind of future." Manny started sweating. "You know maybe we should get home."