“What gets easier?”
“Being wrong.” Key burst into laughter as he stood up from the couch.
“Man!” I laughed with him.
“Where are you going, anyway?”
“You remember that guy, George?”
“The one who works at your parents’ tech company?”
“Yup, well, he’s finally calling in that favor I owe him. He wants me to entertain his date’s friend.”
Key walked into the kitchen and grabbed a bottle of water. “I thought you swore off blind dates.”
“I did. Thanks to you.” I huffed, leaning against my doorframe.
Key jabbed his chest with his finger. “What? Me?”
“Don’t play, nigga. You know good damn well I didn’t do any blind dates or ‘taking one for the team’ shenanigans until I met your ass.”
He snorted out a laugh. “You're right. You're right. Well, hell, we were both freshmen, and all you wanted to do was sit in the dorm. I had to get you outside.”
“Anyway,” I said, rolling my eyes. “The only reason I’m going out today is because I gave George my word. Besides, he’s stuck to his end of the bargain by not snitching to my folks.”
Key lifted an eyebrow. “We graduate this year. Don’t you think it’s time you told them the truth? I mean, you’re a grown-ass man.”
“I might be grown, but I’m keeping my mouth shut.”
“Hmm. Why is that? Because they’ve been paying for your tuition this whole time?”
I pointed my finger in the air. “Bingo! I already feel like crap, and I’ve tried to pay for my own classes, but they refused. Like, I appreciate the fact that they wanted to ensure their only child continues his education, but he feels like it’s more of a control thing.”
“Bro, why are you speaking in third person?”
“I’m just saying,” I continued, ignoring Key. “I think they know. Why else wouldn’t they let me take care of my tuition? It’s because they know the truth! Think about it!”
“Dex-”
“I have to stick to the degree they want so that I can stay on track to take over Green Tech. Therefore, they pay for my classes–”
“Dex–”
“They know that I’ll feel guilty if I take any other classes on their dime! I mean, I’m doing that now, but look what’s been happening. I haven’t had a decent night’s sleep in–”
“Dex!” Ricky shouted, causing me to stop in my tracks. I had worked myself up so much that I didn’t realize I had started pacing around the living room. “I need you to take a breath and stop all that stomping. Our downstairs neighbors are going to get pissed.”
I briefly closed my eyes and took a few deep breaths. My heart was racing, and I could feel anxious butterflies swarming in the pit of my stomach. Every time I thought about my parents, school, and the lies I’ve been telling them, my anxiety shot through the roof. I’ve tried to talk to them before about my passion for designing and creating video games, but they always reduced my dreams to mere hobbies.
I hated I was lying to them, but at this point, I didn’t have any choice. Sure, I could tell them the truth, but did I really want to hurt the two people who gave me everything in life? And all for what? My own selfish desires? Then again, this was my life. I’ve tried to do the right thing by paying for my own classes and following my dreams, but my parents never listened. Eventually, I’ll come clean about everything.
“Look, go out and have some fun. Don’t start stressing out to the point that you’ll lock yourself in your room. We’ll think of something, but until then, enjoy your night.”
I looked up at my best friend and smiled. “Thanks, bro. Shit, I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to change the subject to discuss my four-year-old problem. Did you want me to ride with you to check on your sister?”
Key waved a dismissive hand. “I enjoyed the change of subject for that brief moment. You know, I swear you and my sister are the same damn person. Keeping secrets from yourparents, tsk tsk. Anyway, it’ll be a quick trip, and I’ll be back before Sunday.”
“You sure?”
