Far And Away.

The clinking of silverware filled the room, making the silence even more obvious and causing the four people sitting around the kitchen table to become even more uncomfortable. Andy and Flora were sitting beside one another, with Flora's father beside her and then her mother was sitting between him and Andy. Flora was trying to keep her eyes on her food-this was the most awkward dinner in the history of family dinners and Flora felt terrible because it had been all her idea.

Flora had seen how weird things were between her father and Andy whenever the boy was over hanging out and she thought that maybe if they all sat down that it would change. Barely three words had been spoken around the table and Flora could feel the tension filling the air. Her mother had made a very nice dinner and neither Andy nor her father were barely touching it. Flora smiled at her father, who was now looking at her, but her smile fell once he spoke.


"So Flora-have you decided between Berkley and OSU yet?" Her father asked before putting his fork in his mouth. Flora froze-why would he bring that up right here right now? She had sent out her applications and had just received both acceptance letters in the mail.

It was a difficult choice.

"I-uh-not yet." She said softly. Flora couldn't look up but she knew that Andy was staring at her right now. The plan had been that they would tour together the summer before college and then Flora would go to Berkley, which was only two hours away from LA.

"What do you mean babe? I thought Berkley was the plan..." Andy said and finally Flora looked up at him. There was confusion in his blue eyes and a tiny flash of hurt.

"I mean yeah, of course Berkley is the plan..." She said but stopped as her father had decided that it was the perfect moment to chime in with his opinion.

"Well don't get me wrong-Berkley is a wonderful school. However, OSU is where her mother and I both went-it's close to home so she can still live here plus they have a wonderful Accounting Program." Her father spoke so quickly and Flora felt her stomach drop at the mentioning of accounting.


Flora wanted to write-to be involved in the writing process because that's what she loved-but her father didn't think there was a solid future in that. His advice to her was to go for accounting-his beloved profession-and work on her writing on the side. It did make sense, but Flora felt conflicted between living her dreams or pleasing her father. Andy reached out for her hand, his large one squeezing her tiny shaking one.


"I think Flora would be much happier out at Berkley, which has an absolutely amazing Publications Program. Plus I'll be only two hours away, so she won't be completely alone." Andy said through his teeth. It was obvious that he was annoyed and Flora couldn't blame him. She should of talked to him about this-about the possible change in plan.

"Let me ask you something Andy-what is it, exactly, that you plan on doing with your life? You're so concerned with Flora's plans...what about your own?" Her father asked and Flora's head shot up so quickly she felt a crick in her neck develop.

"My band-Black Veil Brides-has gotten really big locally and so we're planning on heading out to LA to record our first record. I mean does it really matter where Flora goes to college as long as she is happy and has a life for herself?" Andy said as he placed his napkin on his plate and pushed his chair out. Flora glanced up at her father and saw that he was glaring at Andy.

This was not the way tonight was supposed to go-at all.

"And if you don't make it? What then? Are you just going to flip burgers or build houses for the rest of your life? You love my daughter-that much I can see-but how to you plan on taking care of her if your so called 'band' doesn't make it?" Her father asked and Flora felt her entire body go numb. Andy had stood up and Flora with him, snaking her arm through his as he just stood there and stared at her father.

"Sir, I respect your opinion on this matter, but my concern is that you don't think your own daughter can take care of herself. I've known Flora for a while now-I think I know her better than you do at least and if there is anything about Flora that I know for certain is that she sure as shit does not need me or anyone else to take care of her. I'm sorry for ruining the night, but I'm going to leave now before I say or do something incredibly stupid. Thank you for the dinner..." He nodded towards her mother and Flora saw how stunned her mom was in this moment.

"Take care Andy-Flora you may walk him to the door, but I think your mother and I have something to discuss with you." Her father said and Flora only nodded as she and Andy disappeared around the corner.


They stood there, Andy looking anywhere but at her face and Flora felt her heart begin to break. She knew that her father had a point-Andy could fail and then what? She would of moved all the way out to LA to be with him and then they would end up having to just move back home to Ohio. The best thing for her would probably to just stay home, go to OSU and join Andy once they were both established. Flora didn't want to admit it, but her father really was thinking about her best interest.


"I guess you have some things to think about." Andy said sadly and Flora felt her heart ache for him. He felt betrayed-she could see it in his eyes.

"Andy..."

"No, I get it Flora. Talk to your parents and do what you think is best. I'll see you tomorrow at school." With that the door shut behind him and Flora was left standing in the hallway.


Things were beginning to fall apart and Flora didn't know how to fix it.

Notes