Hope Over Fear (Over #1) Read Online Free Page B

Europe. Upon our return, I would begin my wifely duties. What do wifely duties consist of, you may ask? Well, I would need to sit on the board of several prestigious charities, be the perfect hostess for my husband’s business associates and friends, and most importantly, start having children right away. Are you tired yet? I’m fucking exhausted just thinking about it.”
    I can’t help the fact that I’m looking at Alex like she’s just sprouted two heads and a tail. I can’t imagine Alex doing any of the things that she just laid out for me. The Alex I know and love is as far from a Stepford wife as it gets.
    “Alex, none of that sounds like you … I mean, I’m sure you were at the top of your class, but all the rest of that crap, no. It just sounds so shallow and pretentious, and you are not either of those things.”
    “I’ll take that as a compliment.” Alex giggles.
    “You should, because that’s how it was meant.”
    “Well, anyway, I’m sure it’s obvious that I had a hard time fitting into the mold that was pushed upon me. My parents’ plan wasn’t even close to what I imagined for my life. Luckily, I found my true passion while learning one of my “suitable” hobbies—painting. So I did the only thing I could do … I rewrote my story.” Alex grins, and I can’t help but laugh. Only she could make defying her parents look cute.
    “Just like that, huh?” I chuckle.
    “Okay, so there was a little more to it than that. Without telling my parents, my guidance counselor and I sent in an application to The Art Institute of New York. Not only was I accepted, I received a full scholarship. Bye bye, Green Wave!” Alex said as she waved her hands back and forth.
    “I bet that went over like a box of fuckin’ rocks with your parents … am I right?” I ask.
    “You would be correct. That was a really hard summer, but I stood my ground. They told me I was on my own in New York; I shouldn’t expect any financial help from them. I knew it would be very expensive, but my tuition, room and board, and meal plan were paid. I felt sure that I could get a part-time job to help with incidentals. And as time wore on, their resolve started to waver. I think their acceptance was helped along by one thing in particular—well, two things actually.” Alex explained, “First of all, of course, my parents love me. I don’t mean to make them seem like bad people, because nothing could be further from the truth. My parents are wonderful people who just have a certain way of looking at things. They loved me enough to let me explore my dreams in New York. It just took a while to come to that conclusion.”
    “And the second thing?” I ask.
    “Ah, yes, the second thing. My paintings didn’t suck; it’s just that simple.” She shrugs and snickers.
    I throw my head back, laughing out loud. What an understatement. It’s amazing that Alex can create such beauty from nothing. Talent like that shouldn’t be suppressed.
    “And it’s not like you’re a bag lady pushing your shopping cart up and down the street. You’re a successful artist who runs her own gallery. That’s got to count for something in “the land of the boring and pretentious,” right?”
    “That’s true, but they didn’t know that at the time. I’m sure they pictured their sweet little girl hustling people on the streets of New York City to sell $20 portraits. What a travesty!” Alex jokes sarcastically.
    “Well, it seems to have all worked out for the best. Your mom seems like she’s bursting with pride over her beautifully talented daughter.”
    “We’ve come a long way,” she states simply.
    Alex rests her head on the tree branch and closes her eyes, swimming in her thoughts. I follow suit, and let the sun warm my face as I contemplate all Alex has shared today. I think most parents have a vision about the path of their children’s lives. I think we all hope that vision is slightly more abstract than what Alex’s parents