Harmonious Discord.

My life is the same every day. I wake up early in the morning – go out for a jog, come back home, do breakfast, take shower and go to work – the same routine for the last two years. There is no excitement, no adventure in my life – the most adventurous thing I did in my twenty-six years of life is – going out at three in the morning to buy a milkshake. My life has been the same since I was a kid. With my mother and father always busy with work – struggling to pay bills and daily finances and my brother – who is always out with friends – my life got as exciting as watching the paint dry.

Where my life is as boring as a silent movie for a blind person – my brother is living his life to the fullest. He never misses a chance to have fun – to enjoy life. Right now, he is in Paris with his celebrity best friend – Cole. My brother, Adam is a music photographer while Cole is a rising singer. Cole and Adam know each other since they were in school. They always travel around with friends, which include, Roy – who is Cole's manager, Jake – who is the videographer, Liam and Rania – the disc-jockey duo and Margret, who's also a photographer. Adam and Cole met Jake and Roy in college while, the four met Liam, Rania, and Margret through social media four years ago.

Cole was into music since I can remember. He used to write songs and play guitar or piano instead of studying in school, and so was the case of my brother – he had the least interest in studies – he was either clicking pictures or out at the parties. While I was a pure nerd – always busy studying, trying to get good grades, and organizing my life – I was so overblown that I forgot how to live. I am an introvert who wanted to be an extrovert but, never got the chance – or got the chance but, never availed it.

I got lost in the way to impress my parents. They had huge expectations from my brother and, when Adam, failed them – they looked my way. I have always been their obedient daughter – I dedicated my life to impressing them – to showing them that I am a perfect daughter. Where Adam didn't care about anything anyone says to him – I cared – I cared way too much. While I have been busy impressing my parents, showing them how worthy their daughter is – I become a robot – a robot that only serves others and satisfies others' needs. In my twenty-six years of life, I never disappointed anyone but, myself.

"Emma." I heard my name being called. I lift my gaze to see my boss, Mr. William Hart, entering my office.

"Yes Sir?" I asked him and stood up while smoothing down my skirt.

Mr. Hart rested his hands on his hips while his forehead creased, "Emma, could you be a darling and please bring me lunch from across the street? My wife forgot to send me lunch – again." He asked me.

We both know that she didn't forget – she didn't send it on purpose. Maybe they had a fight or something – like always.

I sighed, "Sure, Sir. What would you like to eat?" I questioned him.

He shrugged, "Anything with beef in it." He said and handed me a twenty-dollar bill.

"Alright, Sir," I replied. He nodded and walked out of my office.

As soon as he walked away I sat back on the chair and blew out my cheeks. William Hart is a fifty-something-year-old man, who doesn't like me nor do I like him. Mr. Hart owns a small organization with his partner and I have been his assistant for the last two years. He is a useless and lazy man – who can't do anything right. I have my reasons to dislike him but, I don't know his. I am his assistant only because I am good at what I do and also because I can't find a better job.

Without wasting another second I got up and walked out of my cube to get my boss his lunch. Luckily the elevator's door opened just when I stopped in front of it. I and a few other similar faces stepped in and waited for our destination to come. Our office is on the third floor – I wouldn't have taken the elevator if I wasn't wearing a four inches heel. Heels – I hate wearing heels. It always makes me uncomfortable and not to forget – it hurts too.

Thankfully, it didn't take the elevator too long to stop at my destination. As the elevator's door slide opened few people including me stepped out. I walked out of the building when my cellphone started to ring. I took my cellphone out of my purse to see my brother calling me.

"Hello, dear brother. How are you?" I answered the phone while walking through the packed footpath.

"Hey, sister – I am good. How about you?" he asked lazily.

I shrugged, "Same old – same old." I replied at which he chuckled – he knows how boring my life is, "So? How is your first trip to Europe going?" I asked excitedly.

"It's amazing, really. Turns out our Cole is much more famous than we thought." He replied.

Cole Fitzgerald is a rising star – with his good looks and tremendous voice – he's already becoming quite famous. He has been working on music his whole life – after uploading almost dozens of his songs on YouTube with help of his friends – a production company approached him and offered him a chance of a lifetime. He has already released two songs under them and both were included in the top ten songs of last year.

"That's good!" I said while entering the café I usually eat my lunch at.

"Are you out somewhere?" he questioned – he must have heard the noise around me.

I sighed, "Yes, I am buying lunch for my boss." I answered, "Could you hold, please?" I asked my brother.

"Sure." He replied

I put the call on hold and ordered a chicken sandwich for myself while asking them to parcel a roasted beef sandwich for the boss.

I put the phone back on my ear. "Hey," I said.

"He's asking you to buy him lunch, again?" he asked almost immediately.

I chuckled, "Yes, again." I replied.

"He's a douche. Why are you even working for him?" He questioned.

Because, not everyone gets a chance like you, I thought but didn't say aloud. "Enough about me – tell me about you? How is everything?" I asked.

He sighed, "Everything's fine. It was more fun before. Now it's hectic." He replied tiredly.

I frowned, "Why is that?" I asked.

"I don't know – we have more responsibilities now and you know us. We are the party animals – we stay up late, party and drink all night – everything is so unorganized." He replied, "I miss my old life – I mean success is great but, we lack discipline." He added.

I chuckled, "Are you kidding me, Adam? I could seriously kill to live your life. I mean, just look at me – I follow my boss's instructions all day long. It's no fun in attending calls, maintaining the boss's calendar, filing cabinets, getting your boss lunch in these killer heels." I groaned – my feet were already sore. Adam laughed but, I ignored him. "Anyways, don't worry – everything will work out for you guys," I added.

There was no reply for a few seconds – honestly, I thought the call disconnected but, when I checked he was still on call. I frowned, "Hello, Adam? Can you hear me?" I asked but, still, there wasn't any reply. "Did you fall asleep or what?" I chuckled.

"Wait – no." I heard him, "I got a great idea, Emma!" he exclaimed.

I knitted my brows, "Okay?"

"Just last night Roy, I and Cole were discussing that we should hire a manager." He replied.

"Okay – well, that's good," I said. "You guys should hire an assistant. It will definitely lessen the burden." I added.

"Exactly! And you are the perfect person to hire." He said eagerly – confusing me to a whole new level.

"What are you trying to say, Adam?" I asked.

"You need some excitement in your life and we need some discipline." He said, "Emma, you will be the perfect person to be our manager." He added.

"What?"

"Think about it, Emma. You can get rid of your boring life of yours and we can finally have some discipline in ours. I think you will be great for the position." He said.

I sat at the nearest table with my chicken sandwich and diet coke, "I don't know about it, Adam. I am not experienced in that field." I told him. It was true – the opportunity is great but, I don't think that I will be able to do it. Managing a celebrity is a whole new level for me. I have no experience in it. I will fail and only cause more trouble for you all.

"Yes, you are. You have been doing it for so long. I know you can do it. Just think about it, Emma." He insisted.

I bit my lip, "Did you ask others before asking me?" I questioned.

"Well, last night we were discussing it – but, they don't know about me asking you to fill in the position. I honestly don't think that they will have any problem. You are reliable – everyone knows that." He answered.

I sighed, "I don't know."

"Okay, how about this – we are returning to New York next week. We'll talk about it then okay? Till then – just think about it." He asked.

"You guys will come to Cleveland?" I asked excitedly. It has been three months since he last visited us.

"Yes, we will." He chuckled, "We will talk about it then, okay? Till then, please try to make up your mind, alright?" he added.

I smiled, "Okay." I replied.

Today was the day – Adam was finally coming home after three long months. I was so excited that I couldn't even sleep. I woke up early in the morning and started preparing his favorite chocolate tart – he loves it when I make it. I am not much of a cook but, I know how to make a tart. I learned it when I was in school. One day I made it for Adam's birthday party and since that day it has been his favorite dessert. I always make it whenever he visits us.

Adam lives in New York. He moved out when he was twenty-one and went to live in New York when he was twenty-five. After moving to New York, he first used to visit us at least thrice a year but, recently his visits have been cut down to twice in a year. He has been extremely busy with work.

Adam and I have always been really close to each other. He has always been extremely protective of me. There was a guy in our school that always used to bully me. I never told anyone about it because he used to threaten me – I was young and scared so, I never uttered a word about him bullying me. One day Adam saw him pushing me on the ground and that was it for him – he beat that guy in front of the whole school and got suspended for it. After that day that bully didn't even dare to come near me. My parents were disappointed in him for being violent but, Adam didn't care what they thought. Same goes with me, I once heard a girl talking against my brother and I slapped her – I was very young at that time but, I couldn't tolerate anyone talking bad behind Adam's back. We are not only siblings – we are best friends.

"Are you making your shitty tart again?" I was putting the tart in the fridge when I heard him. I suppressed my smile by mashing my lips together and turned around to see my brother standing at the entrance of the kitchen.

I playfully rolled my eyes, "It is not for you." I said as I folded my arms across my chest.

"Yeah, right." He huffed and put his duffel bag on the floor and walked towards me. "Am I going to get a hug or what?" he grinned as he opened his arms.

I squealed and jumped in excitement before embracing him in a tight hug, "I missed you so much, you idiot." I said as tightened my grip.

He laughed and picked me up like I weighed nothing and span me around, "I missed you too, Little Dove." He mumbled. Adam ruffled my hair with his hand as we pulled apart.

"Hey! Don't touch my hair." I objected and smoothed my hair by running my fingers through them as Adam passed by me and opened the fridge to take a water bottle out of it. He closed the fridge's door behind him and opened the bottle before gulping down the water.

Adam looked different – a lot different. He has grown medium stubble. Also, he has gained some body mass – looks like he has been working out lately. His naturally brown hair has grown out and he was tying them in a messy man bun. I have never been a fan of man bun before but, I must say it suited on Adam. "What?" he asked as he put the half-empty bottle on the counter and took his leather jacket off.

I shook my head, "Nothing." I smiled, "You look different." I commented. He chuckled and placed the jacket on the counter as well.

I gasped as I saw ink peeking through his half sleeves, "You got a tattoo!" I exclaimed as I pointed towards his bicep.

He looked at his upper arm and smirked, "Yeah." He said and rolled up his sleeves to show me the tattoo. "It's tribal, isn't it cool?" he told me. I nodded excitedly – it really was amazing. The jet black pigment did form a beautiful design. "Do you want to hear a secret?" he said. I nodded my head. He chuckled, "This isn't the only tattoo I have." He said proudly.

I laughed and shook my head, "Oh dear God, mum is going to have a heart attack." I said.

He chuckled and rolled his eyes, "I don't care." He said, "How are our parents anyway?" he questioned and we both walked out of the kitchen.

Adam and my parents aren't on great terms. Our parents were always against his choice of career but, he didn't care – he did what he wanted to do unlike me. Whenever Adam visits, our father never forgets to taunt him and our mother never forgets to show how disappointed she is in him but, that doesn't mean they hate him or he hates them. They just have some disagreements.

"They are fine." I answered, "When was the last time you talked to them?" I asked him.

"When dad told me that I need to get a proper job." He rolled his eyes and crashed on the couch before patting the empty space beside him, "Sit – we have a lot to catch on." He said. I grinned and sat beside him.

Mom and dad were on their jobs so, Adam and I were alone. I called in sick today – I didn't want to work when I knew that my brother was coming back today. I didn't want him to get welcomed by the empty house. "How long are you going to stay?" I asked him.

He scratched his neck, "Three days." He answered.

"What?! Just three days? Adam, that's not fair! You have come home after three months for just three days?" I complained to Adam.

He sighed out loud, "I have work in New York. Cole is working on an album and we all are so busy with shoots and all that shit." He answered and twisted his mouth, "I have to go back early this time." He continued, "But, you can come with me." He suggested as he raised his eyebrow. I chuckled lightly and downcast my gaze – I know where he is going with that and I don't know what to say to him so, I stayed quiet. "Emma, did you think about the offer?" he questioned after a small pause.

"I don't know, Adam, " I said. "Mom and dad won't approve, " I added as I bit my lip.

Since Adam asked me to be Cole's assistant – I have been thinking about the offer day and night. I liked it but, I know that mom and dad won't approve of it. All my life I have done everything to please my parents – now, I am scared that they'll see me as a disappointment as well – I am scared that my decision might hurt them. So many times, I thought about talking to my parents but, never got the courage to do so.

He sniggered, "Mom and dad won't approve? How old are you, Emma? Fifteen? Emma, they will never approve – never. But, that doesn't mean you'll live according to their rules. You are an adult – you can make your own decisions." Adam said, "Listen, I am not forcing you to come with me – it is your decision and you should do what you think is right for you. No one can force you to do anything against your will. If you want to come with me then don't think about anything else or anybody else and if you want to stay then I won't force you to come. The decision is yours – all yours." He instructed me.

I nodded my head and passed a smile to him. He winked, "Good, now give me something to eat – I am starving!" he said and got up from the couch.

"Do you want me to order pizza?" I asked as I stay seated on the couch.

He twisted his mouth, "No, please – no pizza. That's all I have been eating these days. Let's order Chinese?" he asked as he took his cellphone from his pocket.

I nodded my head, "Sure, sounds good to me." I said.

"Can I have a slice of chocolate tart?" he asked.

"No, that's for after dinner, " I told him.

He sighed, "I tried." He said more to himself. "I will order Chinese then." He said loudly. I nodded my head as he talked on his phone.

Since it was noon, we had plenty of time to catch up. After ordering Chinese, we talked about random things. He told me all about his Europe trip. He told me how Cole is gaining publicity day by day. He is now working on the collaboration with the American pop-star, Jordan King. It is really impressive how Cole has done in just a span of two years. He asked me about myself and as usual – I had nothing to tell him. Every day is the same day for me – I didn't have much to tell him as he had.

"And you know, when we were in Edinburgh – a girl threw her underwear towards Cole during a concert." Adam laughed as he told me, "That was epic. Cole didn't even spare a glance to that girl and her underwear was on the stage until the show ended." He added as he shook his head.

I gaped, "People do that?" I asked horrifyingly.

"Yeah, they do." He confirmed.

"Wow, " I whispered.

I have to admit – when we were in high school – I had a crush on Cole. I used to get jealous of his then girl, Ginny Marshall – although, that girl wasn't a queen bee nor did her ever behaved badly with me, still I never liked her. Maybe because she was Cole's girlfriend and I was not. They broke up after complete schooling as Cole was more focused to make his career in music. Even after Cole graduated – I still had feelings for him as he used to come to our place more often but, when he went to New York – my feelings for him died as well.

After the food arrived – we talked some more and then watch an action movie. I didn't know where the time went and it was already five in the evening, meaning that mom would be home any time now – while dad will be back in an hour or so.

Adam was sleeping in his old room as he was tired from the traveling and I was in the kitchen doing dishes when the doorbell rang. I whip my hands with a towel and walked towards the door to open it.

"Hey, mom!" I greeted my mother as I opened the door and scoot aside to let her in.

"Hey Emma, is Adam here yet?" she asked as she looked around the lounge to catch a sight of her son.

I smiled, "Yes, but he's sleeping – he was so tired." I told her.

She smiled back and nodded her head, "Let him sleep, then. I was thinking maybe we should go out for dinner tonight." She suggested as she took her coat off. "Oh – but, you made the chocolate tart for him." She added as she put her coat and purse on the couch.

"No problem about that. We can eat that after we come back home." I said.

She smiled, "Okay then, it is done. We will go out tonight. I will tell your father about the plan." She said as she took her cell phone out of her purse to call dad.

I am happy to see her excitement at the arrival of Adam – I can't wait for her to see Adam with grown out hair and tattoos. It will be fun, I thought mischievously.

Mom greeted Adam just as I predicted – she hugged him and cried. She complained to him that he doesn't call more often and as usual, he made a void promise that he will. Where else, dad – he seemed even more distant than the last time Adam came home. It feels like dad is getting a little more distant from him after each of his visits and it scares me. I never witnessed a fight between Adam and my father, but each time Adam comes home – it feels like they are on the urge of snapping at each other. I might have never witnessed them fighting, but I did witness them almost getting into a fight.

My father welcomed Adam with a handshake – he saw his son after three months and all they did was a handshake. And Adam – Adam didn't even try to make things better with dad. It is like their relationship is getting murky day by day.

We all went for dinner as planned. No one talked to anyone after a few seconds. We quietly ate our food while glancing at each other. It felt like someone forced us to sit with each other. Our eyes were talking instead of our words. Mom kept glancing at my father. Her eyes were begging him to not to start arguing with Adam. Adam glanced at me – telling me how much he dislikes it. I glanced at him back – telling him how upsetting it was to act like strangers when we are a family. Dad's glare was shouting at Adam – telling him how useless he was. And Adam was often challenging dad with his gaze.

Adam huffed and put his spoon on the plate before throwing the napkin over his plate, "You know what? I hate it when we all pretend that we don't have anything to say to each other when in reality we all are dying to say it aloud." He said irksomely. We all stopped eating and looked at Adam frowning. The air around us got denser. I worriedly averted my gaze towards my father who was clenching his jaws.

Mom put her hand over Adam's hand and lightly pressed it, "Adam, please not here." She asked him slowly. Adam looked at my mom and sighed before looking down at the table – while clenching and unclenching his fist.

"Why did you stop him, Martha?" My dad spoke hotly. "Let the boy speak. What is he going to do, huh? He will bash his parents in front of a packed restaurant. That's all, right? I mean like just look at him." Dad waved his hands towards Adam, who was glaring at my father. "Tattoos, long hair, weird dressing – he has already taken a wrong path – what worse can he do now?" My dad taunted Adam.

Adam slammed his hand on the table angrily – causing mom and I jump a little. I closed my eyes tightly and lightly shook my head. The chattering around us goes down – everyone was mumbling and looking towards us. "What is your problem, dad?" Adam asked him. "I am not a teenager living under your roof – I am twenty-eight and I can make my own decisions!" Adam said. "I like the way I dress, I like what I do. You can't you be just happy for what I am?!" he looked at dad and mom, "You both are always complaining, whining about life, depressing over the situations that shouldn't even matter! You both don't live and you don't let anyone live either. Try to understand this – I am my own boss. I will live my life as I like!" Adam's voice was getting louder with every second. "I am not Emma, whom you both can dictate and make me dance to your beat!" He snapped.

My eyes widened as I stared at Adam as he panted. My father angrily stood up from the chair, "We dictate Emma? What kind of nonsense is this?!" My father yelled. By now everyone was quietly looking at us – fighting like animals. The manager came and tried to talk to my father, but he ignored him and continued. "She is living her own life! She only made better decisions than you, Adam. Just because, she isn't a hipster like you, that doesn't mean she hates her life – she loves it!" My father shouted.

Adam laughed sarcastically and clapped his hands. "Wow – just wow. Are you even listening to yourself, Dad?!" Adam confronted. "Emma's living her own life? You make her breath your air, Dad – that's not what living means. You are suffocating her! You are a ringmaster of her life – You whip the hunter and make her live her life on your terms." Adam yelled.

"Gentleman, please – it would be better if you take this outside." The manager interjected as he placed his hands on my brother and father's chest and tried to separate them as it looked like they both will get into the physical fight any time now. My mother was still in shock by the manner thing were taking place while I kept my head bowed as I hear them heatedly discussing my life like I wasn't present there like I was a child who couldn't speak for herself – oh wait, that's exactly what it is. I don't speak for myself – I never did.

Silence filled in the restaurant – everyone was looking at us – judging us. "I am sorry, Sir, but I will have to ask you to leave." The manager politely yet sternly told my father. We were being kicked out – it couldn't get more embarrassing. I removed the napkin from over my lap and put it on the table before I got up and took my handbag and quietly left the dining area with my head down. I could hear my mother and brother calling my name, but I didn't stop. Some diners were giving me sympathetic gazes while others gave irritated gaze – my family ruined their peaceful dinner after all. I lowered my head and quietly walked out of the restaurant.

"Emma." I heard my mother calling my name as she followed me out. I halted in my way without turning around to look at her. I was trying to control myself – I didn't want to cry. Tears were burning my eyes, but I didn't dare to let them fall. She hastily walked and stood beside me while putting her hand on my shoulder, "Emma, I am so sorry dear." She said lightly. I sniffed and took a deep breath, "It doesn't matter, mom." I told her slowly. I glanced towards the entrance of the restaurant and shrugged, "They are always arguing like this. Everyone in our family tries to boss each other – no one ever thinks that they might be hurting others." I poured my heart out. Mom listened to me with her eyebrows knitting together.

"Tell me, Emma, do you really think that we dictated your life?" She asked almost nervously. Of course, she is scared that I might say yes.

I sighed and swallow the lump I felt in my throat, "You tell me, mom, do you think that you dictate my life?" I asked her. She kept looking into my eyes – her silence was the indication that she knows my answer, but before he could say anything – scowling Adam and Dad walked out of the restaurant. I sighed as my father walked passed us – my mother gave me a last glance before she followed my father – who unlocked the car and angrily sat in the driver's seat.

Adam walked from behind me and put his hand on my shoulder. I could feel his gaze on my face, but I was too angry to even look at him. "Emma, I am so sorry." He said softly.

I shook my head, "You crossed your limit today, Adam." I told him without looking at him.

He sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose, "He was being ridiculous, Emma." He tried to justify himself. I finally looked at him, "And you weren't?" I asked him to which he went silently, so I continued. "Adam, I never thought you would do something like that. No matter what he does or how he behaves – he is our father. You could have waited until we get back home. That was so inappropriate and humiliating." I said to him while he silently listened to me. "First you both fought in front of a packed restaurant and then you two talked about me like I wasn't there." I snapped at him. Tears were threatening to fall down, but I didn't let them. I sighed and tried to calm myself, "I can fight my own battles." I told him.

He frowned and stared me for few seconds before he replied, "Then why don't you?" he asked. I didn't have any reply to it. No matter how angry I was with him, but he was right – I never fight for myself. Just then I heard a car honk – I turned around to see my father honking, "Come on, Emma." He called me. I looked at Adam. He rubbed his forehead and bobbed his head, "Go home." He said. "And what about you?" I asked him. He chuckled, "I am not a kid, Emma. I will come on my own. And anyway, I need some time alone." He shrugged. I looked at him for a few seconds before I nodded my head and made my way to the car.

All the way back to home, my father put across how much Adam embarrassed him, how he was behaving badly and how disappointed and angry he is with him. My mother silently listened to him while I pretend as if I wasn't even present there. When we reached home, I didn't talk to anyone and tranquility went to my room. I could hear my father still angrily ranting and my mother hushing him – I ignored them and changed into a t-shirt and sweatpants.

I laid on the bed and thought, what was I really doing? I am twenty-six year old. Most people of my age are already on their own, enjoying their life and here I am – living with my parents, making their wishes come true. What was I doing with my life? I know I wasn't happy with the way thing were. No matter how much I try to pursue myself that I am happy – I know I am not. What will happen if I will take stand for myself? My parents will be disappointed in me – yes, but what about myself? Will I be happy knowing that I am the reason for my parent's disappointment? After Adam let them down – they hoped that I will be the one who will fulfill their dreams. If I will let them down – who will they look at after me? I sighed and turned over to my side. I slept with the thought of what I could have achieved in my life as far, but I didn't because I was too afraid to live and breathe my own air.

Next morning I woke up and somehow I was feeling even more depressed. I took a long shower and brushed my teeth. While I was in the shower I thought about Adam's offer. And just by thinking of it – I somehow felt excited. I felt good. Maybe it is time to take another step. Maybe it is not too late. What if I ignore Adam's offer now? What if I never get another chance again? What if it was my getaway from the life I don't want to live? Too many thoughts captured my mind. I changed into my pencil skirt and white blouse and applied a little makeup before I went downstairs.

My father was reading the newspaper while my mother was buttering the toast and Adam was nowhere to be seen. I sighed and tranquility sat on the chair while picking up a cup to pour some coffee in. My mother looked at me and smiled, "Good morning, honey. I made you some pancakes." She passed me the plate. "Where is Adam?" I asked her. Before she could reply my father interjected her, "Who knows? He didn't return home last night. If he is going to act so immaturely then it would be better he would just leave and go back to his hell." My father said hotly.

"At least in my hell I am happy and with people that support me." I heard Adam. I turned my head around to see him walking towards the table. "Don't worry, Dad, I will be gone by tomorrow." He told my father as he sniggered and sat beside me. He kissed my head and mumbled a soft 'sorry'. I sighed and offered him a small smile.

"Honey, where were you last night?" Mom asked him. "I stayed with my friend." He answered mom. "Adam, why don't you stay for a few days more?" My mom asked him while glancing at my father who completely ignored us and kept reading the newspaper. Adam smiled, "I can't, mom. I have important work to do." He replied to which my father chuckled, "Like you know what working really means." My father taunted Adam.

"Yes, dad, I don't know what working meaning – you are the only person who knows what real work is because apparently, the rest of the world is just wasting their time while you are the only one working. You must feel burdened." Adam taunted in return.

"Please, both of us – at least have breakfast in peace." My mother interjected, but my father ignored him and looked at Adam.

"Yes, I have a real job unlike you. Photography isn't a real job. All you do is goof around with friends and go on tours and spend all the money on tattoos, weird dressing and God knows what. Adam, unlike you, we have stability in our lives." My father argued with my brother. It bothered me how he was dissing his profession and the way of his living. Adam stayed quiet and ignored my father. My mom sighed and lightly shook her head.

I gulped and looked at my father, "Dad, I have decided to quit my job." I announced causing all three heads to turn towards me. My hands were getting cold as I was nervous. It only took my father dissing my brother choice of profession to stand for myself.

"Why?" my dad asked bewilderedly. "Are you applying somewhere else?" he asked and I nodded, "Yes – yes I am, " I answered. A proud smile lit up on my father's face and it twisted my heart – I was going to kill his dreams and it made me feel horrible, but it was either now or never. "That's what I call a good decision, dear. I hope where you apply for work will pay you better than your present job." Money – why does everything revolve around money? I sighed, "I don't know about that, but even if they don't – I will be happy, dad." I explained softly.

"Well, they better pay you well, since you have experience in the workplace." My father said. He wasn't getting it, but my mother was. I can already see the disappointment on her face. "What is this company called?" he asked. I blew my cheek out and looked at Adam who was carefully listening to me.

I looked back at my father. "It is called Adam and friends, " I told him and within a second my father's smile turned into a frown. "What?" my father asked. Adam chuckled and patted my back. "You are hired, sister." He said joyously while my father and mother looked disappointed – just what I expected.

I shattered their dreams, but I took a step closer to new experience and self-determination.