*Time Skip Chapter*

Time goes by strangely when you are at a cross road. I was finally in my last year of school and exams were hell. No, studying for exams was hell. It also meant I could avoid having that conversation with Mark until I was ready. My friends all banded together to form a study group and we hammered through the material over and over until my dreams were more about my homework than Mark for the first time in months.

I had to decide my future this year too. After careful consideration my applications were in to my top three universities, and I was waiting nervously to hear back from them. William felt my pain and asked me every night before dinner started if I had heard anything back yet. I usually just shook my head. Our conversations were geared around mother and her latest projects usually, except that first night back from her trip.

She had asked if I got everything I wanted for my birthday. I said yes and couldn't keep the grin off my face. She wanted to know what made me so happy, and Mark had looked rather alarmed at that. That made her very suspicious, so I told her that I had a taste of alcohol. That wasn't a lie, I had tasted the alcohol on Mark's lips.

Mark had given me a strange look. My mother had asked if I liked it and I nodded a little. Then I told her it was a bit strong for me though, and I would wait a bit before having some more. I had looked right at him when I said it, and he had smirked. I think he got the message. This wasn't over, but I knew I was not ready to go chasing him just yet.

Especially not when I was still under her roof. I was desperately in love, not stupid. I had to secure my university education, but I was sure I could date him on the side. I knew I didn't have to worry about money. Now that I was eighteen, I should have full access to all the accounts and investments that had been set up for me. I could pay for my own schooling; within reason I think.

If I did well on my exams though, there was a chance I could apply for scholarships to help pay for it. Then I knew without a doubt that I didn't have to rely on my mother. That is why I was so crazy studying for end of year exams. I didn't leave my room sometimes for days at a time in the weeks coming up to them, instead having Maria bring me sandwiches to the den while I pored over my textbooks.

Mark was watching me closely with interest as I worked hard to finish my schooling. I knew he wanted to talk to me about my birthday, but I wasn't ready yet. Soon, but not yet. I needed to answer some questions in my life before I could talk to him about that part of it. He was being very patient, like he always was with everyone. I was very excited the day I gave my first nod to William.

I had the email sitting in my inbox already, and now I had the printout to confirm it was not a dream. One university accepted me, on condition of final marks of course. They were recommending me for an entrance scholarship as well based on my midterm achievements. I was still waiting for two more though, well one in particular.

I finished two exams and waited for the others. My account online still had 'pending' showing and I was nervous. I knew I had done well, just not sure if it was going to be well enough. As each test was completed, I got more nervous with the ticking down of the clock. I got a second email just before my last exam and it was the perfect encouragement.

I was accepted to two very good universities. Both were offering entrance scholarships based on merit. They were not the one I was waiting for though. That one was the last I was still waiting for. I went into my exam optimistic though. Hoping beyond hope that my marks would be enough. Hoping they would give me something to help with my costs.

My marks went up and I breathed a sigh of relief. I was graduating with honours. I met the requirements for my universities. The third letter came in and it was everything I hoped for, and more. I took all three letters down to the dinner table with me, and a copy of my final grades. I was elated for my own accomplishments and couldn't wait to show Mark.

I was an adult. I was going to go to university and make him proud. I would become an amazing person so I could one day stand next to him, instead of her. I showed William first and he ruffled my hair while congratulating me. I was grinning from ear-to-ear. I plopped into my seat and waited for both my mother and Mark to take their seats before making my announcement.

"I got my final grades in today. I passed with honours and a ninety-three average overall. I also heard back from my three top choice schools and got accepted to all of them." I showed them the printouts and smiled in pride for my achievements.

"Congratulations Greg. I know you worked very hard for all this. Do you know which school you want to go to?" He congratulated me and I felt a warm glow in my chest with the pleasure of hearing his praise.

"Well I was thinking..." I began to say excitedly, only to be interrupted by my mother as she laughed incredulously.

"Are you kidding? I have already sent your application in to Oxford and you have been accepted. I am arranging your first site visit after your graduation so you can get a feel for the place, and we can go apartment shopping then." She dismissed me with a wave of her hand and ignored Mark and I as we stared at her in shock.

"What?" I blurted out finally. Mark heard my distress and joined the conversation.

"Kelly, this is Greg's future. He should choose a university that best suits him for himself. I appreciate that you want the best for your son, but he is an adult and this is not for you to decide." He said firmly with a bit of heat behind his words. She looked up at him with a raised brow.

"Excuse me? You are not his father. Stay out of this." She bit back rudely. That had me standing up in anger.

"Really!? That man has been more of a parent in the last six months than you have been in the last ten years. You have no right to speak to him or me like this. I will not be going to Oxford or wherever you wanted me to go. In fact, I do not even want to stay at this table with such a selfish, inconsiderate bi..." I was deadly calm as I chewed out my mother but Mark interrupted me before I managed to get out the last word.

"Greg." I gave him a cool look and walked out of the room, taking my letters with me. I was more resolved than ever now. I knew Mark would back me up on this now too. It was my life, so it should be my decision whether it was right or wrong. If I screwed up, I would have no one to blame except myself. I stormed up to my den and sighed as I sat at my desk.

My laptop was still open on the desktop and I went on to do a little more research on my top choices. More and more I felt like the last one was the best choice. Their program seemed very well reviewed and their campus was spacious and beautiful. The professors were very highly qualified and the courses all sounded reasonably interesting.

"If you decided to go to that one, I might be able to set up some free accommodations for you... if you wanted." I heard Mark speak from the door before I heard his footsteps. They made their way across the floor and I smiled up at him.

"I think I want to go here. They have a really great program, and their class sizes are much smaller. Look at how nice the campus looks." I swiveled the laptop slightly so he could see it. He smiled and looked back at me kindly.

"It's your life Greg. Do what makes you happy." He replied. I heard the scoffing noise from the doorway and looked over to see my mother glaring at us both.

"What makes you happy? Don't make me laugh. All that does is make you poor and unimportant. Do what makes money and keep what makes you happy in the bedroom," The scornful look she sent the man next to me had me shivering in disgust. Was this person really my biological mother? "Oh and Greg? If you don't go to Oxford, you might as well pack all your stuff and get the fuck out." I let out a shaky breath as she turned and stalked down the corridor.

"I am so sorry, Mark. She had no right to say that." I was almost in tears and couldn't look him in the eyes. I could tell he was upset, and so was I. How dare she? As if Mark wasn't the nicest, smartest man I had ever seen her with in my life... She was so stupid. I couldn't do anything but shake my head at all the stupid!

"Don't... don't apologize. You don't have to apologize for her." He replied awkwardly with his head down in contemplation. I got up and gave him a quick squeeze to try and cheer him up. His half-hearted chuckle at my attempt was worth it.

"So... uh, you mentioned you might be able to get me a place to stay? Do you think we could move that up a little on the timeline? I might be needing that sooner than later." I scratched my head with a sheepish and determined smile. He beamed at me with pride.

"You bet, Greg. I'm really proud of you, you know that? You have become such a great person despite... well, I shouldn't say anything." He gave me another quick squeeze back and we walked to the door.

"Thanks Mark. I know what you mean, and it means a lot coming from you. I better go down and grab something to eat before I hit the sack. It will be a long day tomorrow, I think." I headed down the stairs and found William already waiting with a nice hot plate of dinner for me in the kitchen. I would miss the staff all terribly.

But most of all, I was going to miss Mark.