Dad's tone softened a little. "What's the point of a girl like you going to school anyway? You'll end up getting married either way. Be good to your brother now, and when he grows up and makes something of himself, he'll take care of you. You'll have a family to lean on."
I glanced at my brother, sitting there with chicken grease all over his face as he devoured a drumstick, and couldn't help but laugh bitterly. "By the time he amounts to anything, pigs will be flying. He's not my son-- why should I sacrifice my life and marry someone just to support him? If someone has to marry for money, why don't you two do it? I'm going to school."
"You've really crossed the line!" My dad slammed his utensils down and glared at me. "I raised you, and this is how you repay me? Defying your own parents!"
"That's right!" my mom added, handing my brother a piece of ribs. "Respect your father's decision. It's tradition. Parents decide these things, not you. Now, sweetie, eat more. I know school's been tough on you lately-- you've lost weight from all the stress."
"You're not going to school tomorrow," my dad said with finality. "I'll go myself and take care of the withdrawal. Mr. Smith already gave us the ten grand he promised. He'll be coming over for dinner tomorrow, so you'd better stay put."
