Chapter 6

Chapter Six

Ainsley

Ainsley, age seventeen…

Choose your major.

Pick a college.

Write essays.

I don't have anyone to complain to about my parents, tutors, or current situation. I've been reading a lot of books—young adult fiction. I hoped they'd help me understand what the average American teenager goes through when it's time to choose a college.

Since adults write them, most of them are unrealistic. They should do more research before typing them. None of them talked about auditioning for Juilliard or what to do when your boyfriend has certain requirements.

Everyone has a best friend or two to unload on. I have two brothers who took the easy way, a boyfriend who didn't go to college, and a best friend who keeps telling me that UCLA and Juilliard are my best options.

Sure, they're the best options according to him, but not according to Porter.

If I want to continue dating him, I have to be smart and go to a place where no one will recognize us. Did I apply to the music schools that are my dream? Yes, but I can't go to them. I have to move to a city where I can see Porter—without having to worry about my parents or Port's fans.

After all, he is Porter Kendrick.

Women adore him, and men want to be like him.

I wish I could talk to Papa the way I used to do when I was younger, but it's almost impossible. He's become a stranger to me. Dad is always traveling. I feel as if they're getting ready for us to leave so they can begin their lives. And as usual, they pay more attention to my brothers than they do to me. I'm done with everyone in my house. All I want is to get out of this house and be with Porter. He's the only person who understands me.

That's why I say no to Juilliard, and I choose the school Porter thinks fits us best.

"Texas?" Dad stares at the papers I'm handing him so he can pay for my tuition. He looks at me, disappointed.

I'm not surprised.

Nothing I do is good enough for them, and if it is, it doesn't matter to them. It's all about my brothers who plan on going to Seattle. And here I am, getting a you've-got-to-be-kidding-me look from my dad.

"We expected"—he huffs— "well, another college."

My chest tightens because I still want his approval. Isn't that what every child wants? The blessing from their parents?

But I never get it.

No matter how hard I try, I never get the same reaction my brothers received. They only applied to one school, and my parents were ecstatic when they got accepted. Matt and Jacob only plan to fulfill their college requirements before starting their music career.

On the other hand, I plan on doing something more fulfilling with my life.

Porter is right.

I shouldn't be playing in public. That's not for me. I should use my talent to help others, not to brag.

"Are you sure you want to go here, AJ?"

I almost glare at him for calling me AJ. That's like Princess D. If he ever says AJ in public, no one will know what he's saying, and no one will ever guess that he's talking about his child. Matthew is MJ, and Jacob is JC. People might believe he's referring to a pet.

Since this is the time to get something I want, I just use a sweet voice and ask, "Why wouldn't I be? The University of Texas is a good school."

He stares at the papers and then looks at me suspiciously. "Didn't you audition for Juilliard?"

I shrug. Not only did I audition, they accepted me. I declined the opportunity because Porter didn't like it. He doesn't like New York City—it's too crowded, too cold, and too close to the Colthurst clan. Grandma would visit me often from Albany. What if someone saw us? Plus, I won't become a professional musician. Why waste the space of someone who has those aspirations?

He's right.

"They don't have any of the degrees I want to study." I hand him the brochures with all the information I have so they know I'm serious about my future.

If they don't pay, Porter promised to do it.

"Music?" He frowns, fanning the brochure for the music school. "You're studying music in Texas? Your dad could talk to?—"

"No, Daddy. I'm studying education," I point at the Bachelor of Science in applied learning in the brochure I had handed him. "I want to teach both music and academics. Juilliard doesn't have that. None of those schools I applied to have what I need…" Porter's approval.

"How many degrees are you planning to get?" Dad piles all the brochures. "This is more than five different schools within the same university."

"A couple of bachelor's, a master's… the usual." I grin at him. "Isn't that what Papa did after Dreadful Souls broke up? He went back to college, and now he has several degrees."

He sighs and scratches his temple. "Tell you what. I'll set up a trust to pay for your education, and you'll be able to access the money through your checking account. The amount I set should last you for about six years and cover your fees, books, and some living expenses. Get a job to pay for your knick-knacks."

I smile, pleased by his response. I'm almost out of this house and ready to share my life with Porter.

"What, no hugs?"

"Of course, you deserve that and more." I hug him tight and relax, Porter will be happy with the news.