Chapter 23

6 days later...

Freedom and I go on a date. We've been dating for 2 and a half months already.

She came over on my day off and decided she wanted to spend the whole day with me.

We do what we normally do, go to the gym and workout, then play basketball. But I decided I wanted to cook for her (she tried to cook for me one time, let's just say I'm happy it was over not under).

My dad taught me how to cook when my mom left. He had to work 10 hours a day and couldn't cook for me, so I learned how to cook young. It's not necessarily a passion of mine, but I love eating food. After the gym, it was about time to start cooking. We talked while I cooked, I made coffee rubbed steaks that I got on sale at the market. I finally don't have to work 'til 7 anymore and can dip at 4 daily and I keep my Mondays off. So I have all the time in the world to cook dinner.

Now it's no recollection, back to the present.

"Hey babe, guess what? I finally decided what my major and minor should be." Freedom announced.

"Ooh what are they?" I asked.

"I decided to major in Physiology and minor in Business."

"Oh, okay?"

"I want to be a chiropractor."

"You are pretty strong, mentally and physically, but are you sure this isn't a whim? Are you sure you want to spend the next 5 and a half years of your life to become a chiropractor? You got to be sure babe. You only get one full ride scholarship, excluding math, all your classes were AP classes so you only need to take general math and you can take 3rd year classes immediately. Just I want you to be sure. I know we've only been dating for 2 and half months. But this is a crucial time. If you are sure. I'll support you the whole way." I tell her.

"Thank you for your concern babe. I've been thinking about either going into chiropractic care or becoming a professional trainer for a while. I decided that I wouldn't have as much struggle, and I'd have more of a life initially as an 8-4 chiropractor." she replies.

"I support you then. It's your decision."

"Thank you... I love you."

"Love you too."

Man we sound like an old couple. This is probably the first time I've ever said it out loud. Maybe same with her, but it's definitely the first time we've said it to each other.

"Y'know I'm happy that you're going to school nearby." I tell her.

"I am too, I already chose my college 5 months ago, but when I met you I was even gladder that I made the decision to go to Tokyo U." she replies.

"How's work as the manager? Is it stressful?" she asked.

"Indeed it was, I'm gonna have to edit the schedule for both Dvonte and Kaido once y'all's college year starts. The sophomores too. I might need to hire like 2 more people."

"Try looking for adults, I mean 22 an hour is 22 an hour y'know?"

"I got lucky, it's 21 an hour now."

"Still someone's bound to need a 21 an hour job."

"That's true."

We eat in silence and just stare at each other. It's 4:30 p.m., but it feels like it's 9:30 at a bistro.

"Dang that was good! I shoulda taken a picture of that! Thank you babe." Freedom said.

"You're welcome."

I finally got Freedom to watch anime for once, her parents are gonna come later and my dad gets off of work at 8 so we can all watch the game. It's become part of our weekly routine. To think most people's least favorite day is my favorite day of the week. And since I'm manager, I moved my second off day (Wednesday) to a day that works better for my family, friends, and Freedom, Saturday. Sakaki and all the sophomores take Saturdays and the usual old couple for overnight schedule.

We all come to watch the Hippos AND watch the highlights of the New Mexico Jags game, because they are the leaders of the AFC and we don't wanna get rekt at the super bowl if we make it so we studying (forgot to mention, football starts in February now, hence why there's a game in June. This is week 18, we have sealed our playoff spot but still don't wanna get rekt by the Jags in the superbowl).

Then they all get ready to go home.

"Y'know boy, thank you for being so good to my daughter, you always treat her with respect and me with respect. You're responsible too, I know I've been hard on you." Mr. Nqaxombo said.

"No problem, I love her, she's a special one." I tell him.

"Indeed."

They left like normal...