Marcus’s POV
“Your father has made his choices. And now it’s time for you to make yours,” my grandfather said from behind his massive mahogany desk. I was at his office, the intricate and antique chandelier above me making me feel smaller than ever. “No more excuses. Your mother deserves stability after what your father put her through. Don’t disappoint her.”
“I understand,” I said, trying to keep my voice steady. “I’ll focus on school and keep my spot as team captain. I won’t let you down.”
My family had always been complicated, full of rules and expectations. For as long as I could remember, I’d been caught between my father’s neglect and my grandfather’s demands. But now, with my mother’s future on the line, I felt a new weight on my shoulders.
My grandfather leaned back, studying me with that sharp, assessing gaze he always wore, the one that made me feel like I was constantly under inspection. This was supposed to be a family meeting—a straightforward talk about responsibilities and respect—but it felt more like a business negotiation.
“See that you don’t,” he said. “You’ve been given every advantage, Marcus. It’s time to show you’re worthy of it.”
Back at the apartment, my mom was waiting for me in the kitchen, her eyes hopeful but hesitant. I could tell she’d been waiting for news. “So?” she asked, her voice soft. “What did your grandfather say?”
I hesitated, weighing my words carefully. I wanted to be grateful, to feel relief that my mother and I had a future secured, at least financially. But the pressure to meet my grandfather’s standards was suffocating, a constant reminder that my mistakes could cost us everything. “He agreed to help. He’s going to take care of the house, make sure we’re financially stable. But he expects me to pull my weight. School, basketball and so on. He wants me to prove I’m responsible enough to deserve his help.”
She sighed. “Of course, Marcus. He’s always had expectations, even for me.” She reached for my hand. “But I believe you can do it. I know this isn’t what you wanted, but… maybe it’s a chance to make something better.”
I nodded, but inside, I felt torn. I’d always tried to be what my family expected, but with each step I took to meet their standards, I felt further away from who I really was.
I retreated to my room, collapsing onto my bed and staring up at the ceiling. For a while, I tried to focus on the positives: my mom would be taken care of, I’d be able to stay in school without worrying about the bills. But my mind kept drifting back to the one person who could make sense of all this.
Betty.
I grabbed my phone, hesitating for a moment. I hadn’t spoken to her since before the tryouts. She’d been grounded, and then everything with my family had taken over. But now, I needed her. I needed to talk, to feel like someone understood.
All my calls from the last few days were unanswered, and my texts to her were unread. She hadn’t even been online. I tried calling her one more time, waiting for the familiar ring, but it went straight to voicemail.
“Hey, Betty. It’s me,” I said, forcing a casual tone. “Just… checking in. Give me a call when you can.”