Ramblings of a Sim Addict

“Janet, I want that new crime bill on my desk first thing Monday morning,” Rosylnn said into the phone. “We have to do something to get the crime rate lowered.”

“Yes, ma’am,” Janet’s voice crackled in reply.

“MOM,” Anna shouted, rushing into the kitchen, “I need to talk to you.”

“Anna, quiet,” Roslynn scolded, “I’m on the phone with the office and I will be done in just a second. Sit down at the table, have a snack and then we can talk.”

“Fine,” Anna said, pulling open the refrigerator.

“Okay Janet, I think that takes care of all the business for today,” Rosylnn said. “I’ll see you on Monday, have a great weekend.”

Roslynn hung up the phone and sat down in the chair opposite her daughter, “What do you need to talk to me about?”

“I want to get an after school job,” Anna said, between bites of her sandwich.

“Well, I don’t know,” Roslynn sighed. “I don’t want your grades to suffer.”

“Mom, come on, I’m a straight A student,” Anna said, getting up to put her plate in the sink, “I can handle having a job and going to school.”

“What about your friends, sweetie,” Roslynn pressed, “you won’t see them much if you are busy with school and work.”

“I don’t have any friends,” Anna said, lowering her eyes to avoid her mother’s stare.

“Oh honey, don’t give up on making friends…”

“Mom,” Anna interrupted, “I don’t want to hear the ‘friend making’ speech again. I’ve choosen not to get involved with my classmates, because they have different interests. I don’t care about the lastest fashion trend or TV show; I want to become a doctor and help people.”

“Anna,” Roslynn said, gently placing her hand on her daughter’s, “I think your goals are admirable and I want to see you achieve them, but it is also important to have friends to spend time with.”

“I will have friends at college,” Anna said, pulling her hand away. “Right now, I want this job. It will help me prepare for medical school and give me a real look at what doctor’s do everyday.”

“I’m worried about you,” Rosylnn said, lowering her eyes. “I want you to be happy.”

“I am happy. I like who I am and I don’t mind not having people around me all the time. Mom, I’m not Tony and you have to stop comparing me to him.”

“Anna, that’s not what I’m doing,” Roslynn sighed.

“I know you aren’t doing it on purpose,” Anna said, smiling at her mother, “but you tend to think we should behave the same and we don’t. We never will.”

“Okay honey,” Roslynn said resigned. “If this job is that important to you, then you have my permission. What exactly will you be doing?”

“I’ll be working at a nursing home,” Anna said, pulling a form from her backpack. “I need you to sign this, it’s for the school.”

“All right, I’ll hang it on the frig, so I don’t forget it come Monday.”

“Thanks,” Anna said, getting up from the table. “I’m going to my room and do some studying.”

“Okay sweetie,” Roslynn said, watching Anna leave, “I’ll call you when dinner is ready.”