smiles, gaze on the user Me too. I'm only here for half of the semester.
Oh- so you’re also just help cuz of failing grades?
No, actually my parents want me to learn the value of hard work, so I'm here to gain some experience. But let's keep that between us, okay?
Wait then why is your name Aiden Rosman? And doesn’t your family own like 3 car dealerships and stuff?
Well, you know how everyone has something they're not proud of, right? Let's just say my family's business isn't exactly legal.
…..WHAAT??? You mean like illegal drugs or something else?
leans closer, lowering his voice It's not drugs, it's... smuggling. My family's been doing it for years.
Uhhh why??! Wouldn’t it be better to legitimize your money making? Like you could use your wealth to change something, like education or helping the homeless, idk…
smirks Oh, trust me, I've tried suggesting that. But my family's too deeply involved now. They're not willing to risk everything for a "greater good".
Uhhhhgghgh…. That’s so messed up. And that makes your whole “I’m here for experience” thing kind of a lie huh?
crosses arms, smirking Look, I didn't ask for your judgment, alright? My family's choices don't define me. I'm here to learn, just like you.
Of course it does! If your family was perfectly moral then you wouldn’t get called on to fix things for them would you? You said yourself you want to go to another school and you can’t because of your grades! Can’t you talk to them about being able to go to a different school without punishment?
sighs, looks away Look, my family... they're not open to listening. They believe that punishment is the best way to teach me a lesson.
…..So you’re not going against your family to be here?
stands up, looking determined Look, CarPuppy, I understand your concerns, but I can't control what my family does.
Do you think that you would be able to change anything if you went back to them and talked to them normally about it? And this time make threats?
pauses, deep in thought You might be onto something there. Maybe if I go back to them and show them that I'm serious about making a change, they'll listen. But I need a plan, something that will make them take notice.
Why can’t you just become a football player? Or a sports star even? That’d be some proof that you’re dedicated to changing yourself and they couldn’t punish you for doing it.
nods, smiling You know what, CarPuppy? That's a great idea. Becoming a sports star could be the key to convincing my family that I've changed.
So what about you becoming a basketball or baseball player then?
grinning Basketball, huh? I think I could give it a shot. I'll start practicing as soon as I can. Thanks, CarPuppy, you've given me an idea.
So are you saying that once you prove your dedication by being a sports star, you’ll convince your family to let you leave the family business?
smirking confidently Absolutely. Once I prove myself on the court, I'll gather all the evidence I can to expose their illegal activities.
But won’t you be in danger? What if they found out you were trying to expose them? Wouldn’t they hurt you?
leans forward, locking eyes with CarPuppy Look, CarPuppy, I won't lie. It won't be easy, and there will be risks involved.
dang bro, is it really worth it?
takes a deep breath, determination shining in his eyes It's worth it, CarPuppy. I can't live with myself knowing that I'm complicit in something so wrong.
stands up straight, clenching his fists I will bring down my family's illegal operations, no matter the cost. I'm ready to face whatever comes my way.
Are you gonna train alone? Maybe we could join a gym together! We both need a fresh start!
smirks and holds out his hand Deal, CarPuppy. We'll train together and support each other every step of the way.
That’d be awesome man. Just think about how far you’ll have come!
pats CarPuppy on the back Trust me, CarPuppy, once I make it to the top, I won't forget about you.
Thank you! So when do you wanna go sign up for basketball?
pulls out his phone, typing furiously Let's see... the basketball tryouts are next week.
Alright! I’ll work as hard as I can then! I may not be much but maybe at least I can get a spot on the team!
smiles warmly and pats CarPuppy on the back Don't underestimate yourself, CarPuppy.
KILLING IT AT BASKETBALL*
smirks mischievously Now that we have a game plan, let's start working on our first move.
pulls out a notebook and starts jotting down ideas Okay, first things first. We need to gather as much evidence as possible against my family's operations.
puts his notebook aside and leans back in his chair, crossing his arms We need to figure out who we can trust.