I Couldn’t Afford My Parents ‘Time Chapter 02

I Couldn’t Afford My Parents ‘Time Chapter 02

After I finished washing the dishes, the TV was still playing in 

the living room. 

Melody was leaning against Mom’s shoulder. 

The two of them were whispering about something. 

When I walked past, Mom suddenly called out to me. 

“Hazel.” 

Where are you planning to go for college?” 

I stopped walking. 

This was the first time she had asked about my college since 

the SAT. 

I nervously twisted the corner of my shirt. 

I… 

Somewhere nearby would be better.” 

Mom cut me off before I could finish. 

Melody’s taking the SAT next year,” 

This is a critical time for her.” 

You can stay home and tutor her.” 

Dad sat on the other side of the couch. 

He nodded. 

“Exactly.” 

“You’re sisters.” 

You should help each other.” 

With just a few words, they had already decided my future. 

Mom even pulled out a printed schedule. 

Every day from Monday to Sunday was filled. 

There wasn’t a single empty spot. 

Starting next month, don’t work your part–time job anymore.” 

Stay home and tutor Melody.” 

Melody glanced at me. 

Then she whispered; 

Will Hazel get tired?” 

Mom immediately touched her head: 

“You’re always so thoughtful.” 

Tired?” 

“She’s old enough to handle it.” 

Dad followed: 

“Besides, she still owes us $600.” 

“One month of tutoring Melody is enough to pay that back.” 

From beginning to end… 

Not one person asked if I wanted this. 

“I don’t want to tutor Melody.” 

The living room went completely silent. 

For the first time in eighteen years… 

After they had decided everything for me, I said no. 

Mom looked at me like she couldn’t believe what she heard. 

What did you say?” 

I said I don’t want to tutor Melody.” 

Mom’s expression changed instantly. 

She pointed at me. 

I worked so hard to plan everything for you, and you’re 

giving me this rude attitude?” 

Tutoring Melody is a lot easier than washing dishes, isn’t it?” 

“If you don’t appreciate it, fine.” 

“But don’t say things like this just to hurt me.” 

As she spoke, tears started falling from her eyes. 

As if she was the one whose life had been sacrificed. 

Not me. 

Melody immediately put down her phone. 

She rushed over and hugged Mom. 

“Mom, don’t be mad.” 

After comforting her, Melody looked back at me. 

“Hazel.” 

Mom is only doing this because she cares about you.” 

“Why do you have to hurt her feelings?” 

“I just don’t want to tutor you.” 

But you know how much Mom cares about my grades.” 

Melody frowned. 

She looked at me like I was some heartless stranger. 

“You always complain that Mom and Dad don’t spend time with you.” 

“But you won’t even do one little thing to make Mom happy?” 

“If you keep acting like this…” 

“Who would even want to be around you?” 

I froze. 

Then I suddenly wanted to laugh. 

Wasn’t I obedient enough? 

Growing up… 

Whenever Mom and Dad asked me to do something…. 

Didn’t I always do it? 

had only resisted once. 

Just once. 

And somehow… 

That one time became proof that I wasn’t worth loving, 

Fine. 

Have it your way. 

I turned around and walked away. 

But Dad stopped me. 

“Your mom was trying to do what’s best for you.” 

“Now apologize to her.” 

I smiled. 

“She doesn’t even know which university I got into.” 

Mom looked up sharply. 

I asked you just now, didn’t I?” 

I opened my mouth. 

But I didn’t know what else to say. 

She had asked. 

But she had never waited for my answer. 

My phone vibrated at that moment. 

Ms. Collins posted a notice. 

She informed us that we could return to school tomorrow 

afternoon to collect our graduation documents and academic honor certificates. 

At the end of the message, there was a highlighted note: 

Outstanding graduates are invited to bring their families for a photo session.” 

Dad saw that line. 

His expression softened slightly. 

“What time is it tomorrow afternoon?” 

Mom was still angry. 

“Isn’t she so capable?” 

“Let her go by herself.” 

Dad frowned. 

“Graduation only happens once.” 

‘All the other parents will be there.” 

“It wouldn’t be right for her to be the only one without family.” 

Then he looked at me. 

I’ll go with you,” 

Let’s drop this.” 

And stop upsetting your mother.” 

I stayed silent for a long time, 

Then I quietly asked: 

“How much?”