Rise by Stefne Miller

our conversation because he sat forward in his chair as he took a swig of sweet tea.
    “What’s that?” Pops asked.
    “I’m quitting school.”
    The shock of my declaration caused Riley to spew most of the tea he’d just put in his mouth all over me, and what didn’t fly out of his mouth shot out of his nose when he started laughing at seeing me covered in his beverage.
    I was so disgusted I couldn’t even respond. All I could do was wipe my face on my sleeve and give my attention back to Pops, who was trying to remain stoic and fatherly rather than laugh at the repulsive shower I’d just taken.
    “What do you mean, you’re ‘quitting school’?” he finally asked.
    “Only if it’s okay with you.”
    “Attiline, I realize it’s been a tough four days, but you just can’t up and quit school like that.”
    I felt my shoulders slump and my face droop.
    “I mean, I know I’m a pushover sometimes, but why on earth would you think I’d be okay with that?”
    “It’s not even like it’s necessary. I mean, you’re acting like it’s a big deal. I can always go back.”
    “It is a big deal!” It was the first time he’d raised his voice to me, and I didn’t like it. It even caused Riley to slide down in his chair a bit. “If you aren’t going to go to school, then what exactly is your plan?”
    “To enjoy life.”
    “Trust me, we’d all like to enjoy life, but sometimes we’ve got to do things we don’t like. You’re just gonna have to buck up and live a crappy life like the rest of us.”
    I shrugged. “Never mind, I’m sorry I even brought it up. It’s just—”
    “It’s just what?”
    “Joshua and I thought it sounded like a good idea.”
    “Joshua agrees with you?” Pops was literally screaming.
    “It was sort of his idea.”
    “What?” He was now on his feet and about to start pacing. I could tell because he looked just the way Riley did before he started pacing when he was upset about something.
    “Well, with counseling a couple of times a week and church on Wednesday and Sunday nights and football games on Friday nights and Sooner games on Saturdays and cheerleading practice—”
    “You can’t be on the cheerleading squad if you aren’t in school,” he said.
    “Why not?”
    “Attiline, it’s a school sport. You can’t be a cheerleader on a school team if you aren’t going to the school.”
    “Wait, what?”
    “You can’t—”
    “I’m talking about quitting classes at UCO, not high school.”
    Pops fell back into his seat. “Oh, thank God.”
    “What, do you think I’m crazy or something?”
    Riley laughed again but this time covered his mouth.
    “Shut it, Riley.”
    “I’m not saying a word,” he mumbled from behind his hand.
    Pops laid his head on the back of the chair. He looked like he’d been KOed and left hanging in the corner of a boxing ring. “Well, I didn’t know what was going through that head of yours, and I didn’t know what I was gonna do with you.”
    “I’m not a complete moron.” I was actually a bit offended that they thought I’d be as ridiculous as to think I could quit high school or even think it would be a good idea.
    “You don’t wanna take classes at the university?” Riley asked.
    “They haven’t even started yet, so I can get most of my dad’s money back.”
    “Do you think you need to call and ask your dad about it first?” Marme asked.
    “No,” I snapped. “I don’t know, it just feels like I’ve got too much going on. I don’t have any time to—”
    “Enjoy life?” Marme asked.
    “Yes. That’s exactly it.”
    “I think it’s the best idea I’ve ever heard,” Riley said. “Our lives are crazy enough as it is.”
    “I’m with Riley,” Marme said. “I’d like to have you home just hanging around more often. A girl your age doesn’t need to be goin’ and blowin’ all the time. Adulthood will come soon enough; no sense in rushing it.”
    I looked over at Pops and waited for him to respond. He