My Shorts, and Flash Fictions - 8. Prompt #586 – First Line "Where are you planning to get the money for that vacation?"

“Where are you planning to get the money for that vacation?” Professor Kline asked looking over at AJ. “Three weeks touring Ireland, England, and Scotland, seems to be rather expensive.”

AJ smiled at his Professor, knowing he meant well. Professor Kline was his academic advisor, and whom he sought guidance on a variety of issues over the years. He’s also the man, which needed to approve him to access the campus computer system while he was away. “It’s mine and Tommy’s wedding honeymoon. Dad’s bankrolling it. Though, we have to take our own spending cash. I’ve already talked to my grandparents, and I can pull the money out from my Trust. It’s going to be a magical trip.” AJ stated with a twinkle in his eye.

“Alright, thanks for answering, though you didn’t need too. Are you going to have the time to study while over there? Don’t get me wrong, schoolwork would be the last thing I thought of, while I was with my new partner while on a honeymoon.”

“I’ve already talked it over with Tommy, and he knows that I’ll need to focus some time on my work. I’m planning, on at least an Hour a Day, most likely more, and every Saturday I’ll spend most of the day on school work.”

Professor Kline smiled at AJ, nodding his approval, and turned to his computer. With a few keystrokes, access was granted to the secured server, with new credentials made for AJ. “Your Profile has been updated, and you should have access now. Mind if I ask you another personal question AJ?”

“Sure, Professor, I don’t mind.”

“Why are you in college, pursuing this degree? I know your parents are Ranchers like your Grandparents were and Great Grandparents before them. You’ve told me about the Trust Fund, your Grandparents established for you. You’re already fairly well off. Why go to college to seek a degree in something, that you’ll do grunt work on before you can break out in about twenty to thirty years?”

“It’s not about the money, nor the ranch I’ll inherit, Professor. I want to learn, and I want to do something I can use to contribute to society. I’m going to concentrate on genetic engineering for my doctoral studies, with a goal towards disease research. I’m not an idealist, who thinks I will come up with a cure for cancer, but I want to help in researching a way that might lead to one.” AJ paused, for a moment. “It’s also for Tommy. I want to become something, he can be proud of me for.”

“He’s already proud of you, AJ. I’ve seen it every time I’ve seen you two together. How he looks at you when he drops you off at class before he heads to his own. He’s a smart young man, and he loves you.”

“Thanks,” a deeply blushing AJ stammers out.

“Oh, I’m sorry that I embarrassed you. Just speaking the truth, and now you need to run along and catch that man of yours. Unless you have any more questions or concerns to discuss.”

“I’m good Professor. Thank you for your time, and for granting me access.”

AJ stood up and heads out the door.