4 September 2012
Chapter 10:
I sat my parents down in the dining room to explain to them the decision I had made. I had been praying it would all go to plan and I would remember everything that I had been memorising for a week.
"mum, dad, I've made up my mind about what I want to do and I'd really appreciate it if you let me speak and then tell me your thoughts." They both nodded but my mum had an anxious look on her face and I was worried about her reaction. "ok, so I've come to the decision that I don't want to throw all my hard work away with my uni work," Mum was so happy I could see her mood lighten as she uncrossed her arms and relaxed slightly. "but, I also don't want to say goodbye to the new part of my life that I'm loving so much. I know I've only been working at the store for a few months but I can't even put into words how happy it makes me and I feel that all my dreams have come true there, so just imagine, one day I could be a top designer or if not that have the opportunity to work with some amazing people and experience things that three months ago wouldn't even be possible. The shop has brought me so much good luck and happiness and going to university has been great too so I've had an idea, and I'm gonna do it."
My parents looked at me, then each other and then back at me. "right, so what then?" mum was giving me that annoying tone where she suddenly knew exactly what was best and that my idea wasn't going to work before she'd even heard it. "well, I've spoken to Mr Johnson and he understood my situation perfectly. He said that I had been working really hard this year and that he was sad the school year was nearly over." (university years varied; they sometimes started earlier and ended sooner so I only had two more months until my holidays began) "he also explained to me that a lot of his students found the first year of law tricky and extremely demanding and luckily there was a solution to that. The solution is a Minor Degree." "what's that?" both my parents asked in sync with each other. "a minor degree is a degree that gets you very good law qualifications despite the fact you didn't completely finish it. They're not given out dilly dally; the board come and talk to all your professors asking about how you've worked throughout the whole year as well as mock results, coursework grades and your final end of year examination results. My professor told me that with this degree you can still do great in the "law world" although a full degree is definitely appreciated greatly and the best thing is if you want to finish your degree you can come back to it at any time, you just need to continue for two more uni years." I felt relieved that I had got it all off my chest and was prepared for whatever my parents would throw at me. "so what you're suggesting is that you do half the degree now and if the bridal thing doesn't work out you'll go back to it later?" my dad seemed to understand perfectly, but didn't seem himself. "but Soph, if you ever need to get a job in law they'll see that you didn't finish it the first time, even if you go back and get your full degree." I took my dad's hand and tried to tell him exactly what my professor explained to me. "but that's not true. Like I said this degree is just as hard to get daddy, they check up on your every move ever since you stepped foot in uni. And part of the degree involves a full report from your professor and Mr Johnson says he's really pleased with me." My dad let out a sigh and my mum just seemed puzzled. "look, sweetie I just want you to be happy, and I've always told you that no matter how many degrees you've got or how much money you earn I'm proud of you, and if your happy I'm happy." my dad said; I knew he had always felt like this for all four of us but it was nice to hear it when I needed support. "same here sweetheart, I just want what's best for you." "I know you do mumma, but I'm a big girl now and if this was all one big mistake well I'll learn from it but I just want to find my own path in life."
With that I stood up and hugged my mum and dad. I knew it may take a while for it all to sink in for them and me, but knowing that I had people that I loved behind me was enough.
I made may way over to Blushing Brides to tell Maggie and Cindy the news and they were overjoyed that I was taking my designs somewhere big. Of course I thanked them greatly for introducing me to this world and they simply replied by saying it was fate that brought me to their little store.
"look guys, if I want to peruse this new career I'm going to need some time off so I can study for my end of years. I don't wan to leave you stranded but I think I can make it work by coming in once a week, Saturdays are still good for me, but it's up to you when you want me. I'm really sorry." "honey, it's fine. We want you to get this degree out the way so you can have some fun! Trust me, working with Chris Parker is a once in a lifetime opportunity." said Maggie clutching onto my knee. "and to think you're only eighteen years old. He must have seen something great in you to put all his faith into you designs." "I know it's amazing isn't it. And I've decided that although I'll be working closely with Chris I'm still going to make the effort to stick at my job here. You guys need my help and I love being here with you."
We all kissed and hugged each other and Maggie scurried off to the back of the shop and returned with a white envelope. Inside was an invite the The Blushing Brides' annual Christmas party. Both the ladies were so excited and so was I. I couldn't wait to have a night of fun with my two favourite girls and hopefully another guest who I hoped could make it...
by vera©
The Wedding Shop • Opuss № I