Chapter 68: You Need to Study
Fiona held a set of practice tests for the General Education Diploma, which were much like adult education exams, consisting entirely of multiple-choice questions.
Frank speculated that the practice tests were likely drawn from the question bank used for the actual exam.
The examiner had mentioned that understanding these practice tests could allow Fiona to skip classes and directly take the exam.
"Dad, I'll just take this GED," Fiona said, looking at the practice test as they walked home.
Initially feeling apprehensive, Fiona felt relieved and somewhat confident upon seeing that the test was all multiple-choice.
"No, you need to get your high school diploma," Frank insisted.
"Why? A GED is equivalent to a high school diploma," Fiona argued.
"It's not the same. As good as a GED sounds, it's not as valuable as a high school diploma. Plus, if you're thinking about college..." Frank explained.
While a GED is considered equivalent, it doesn't carry the same weight as a traditional high school diploma. It's often a last resort for those who can't obtain a regular diploma.
Since Fiona had the chance to earn a high school diploma, she should take it. It would also make college admission easier.
Even though a GED can get you into some colleges, a high school diploma is more straightforward.
The GED exam might be easier, but college exams won't be. Obtaining a high school diploma through coursework would better prepare Fiona for college entrance exams.
"College!?" Fiona was taken aback by Frank's suggestion.
"Of course. You're young, the perfect age for college," Frank said.
"No, I can't go to college," Fiona quickly replied.
Earning a high school diploma already seemed like a far-fetched dream for Fiona, let alone attending college. She had never even considered it. The only family member she thought could attend college was Lip.
"Why can't you go to college? We don't have to aim for an elite school. A regular university is more manageable," Frank encouraged.
Frank wanted the best for his children, feeling especially indebted to Fiona. Because of the old "Frank," Fiona's life had been significantly disrupted.
But Fiona was only 21, still young, with plenty of time to change her path.
Moreover, tuition at a regular university was more affordable than at prestigious institutions.
While Frank might struggle to cover Lip's tuition at a top school, he felt he could manage to save enough for a regular college before his time was up.
"Going to college..." Fiona was still in disbelief about Frank's proposal.
"It's settled. First, get your high school diploma. Once you're home, start studying and find a night class for extra help," Frank decided.
"But I need to work, to buy food and necessities," Fiona protested.
"I'll pay you for lost work hours at your hourly rate," Frank countered.
Frank planned to essentially hire Fiona to attend school, knowing she was too proud to accept money easily. This was a way to support her education financially.
Despite Fiona's repeated refusals, Frank's persistence left her no choice but to agree to pursue a high school diploma instead of a GED. They would discuss college later.
Though Fiona claimed she wasn't interested, deep down she couldn't help but be excited about the prospect of college. She admired college students while working.
"Hey, Fiona, I found a great new restaurant," Steve said, approaching Fiona for a date.
"Sorry, Fiona's busy studying, no time for dates," Frank interjected, stepping between Steve and Fiona.
"Studying???" Steve was bewildered.
"Yup, she's preparing for college. No time for dates. You should go, don't interrupt my daughter's studies," Frank said, pushing Steve out the door.
Frank treated Steve like a concerned parent would treat a daughter's early romantic interest.
"Hey, wait..." Steve barely had time to respond before the door slammed shut, nearly hitting him in the face.
Steve knew Frank disliked him, often avoiding Frank during dates or waiting until he was out.
With Frank around, there was no chance for any intimacy with Fiona. It was as if Frank were wielding a metaphorical hammer to break up the couple.
Steve resorted to calling Fiona to understand what was happening.
"Studying is important, but relationships matter too," Frank thought as he watched Fiona take the call upstairs.
During Fiona and Steve's earlier cold spell, Frank had tried to break them up, but somehow, they'd reconciled without him knowing.
Meanwhile, Tony was too busy with the fallout from the shapeshifter's killing spree and Officer Eddie's death. The police department had cracked down on crime in the Southside, leaving Tony unable to help.
"Looks like I'll have to handle this myself," Frank mused.
"Frank! Frank!" Kevin burst in, seeking Frank: "I'm going to be a grandfather. Ethel has married an old man!"
"What happened? Calm down and explain," Frank urged.
With Frank's help, Kevin calmed down and explained the situation.
Kevin was agitated over his newly adopted daughter, Ethel. Rescued from a cult, her past was complicated.
Ethel had been married to a 65-year-old man named Clyde, the cult leader, who had five wives. Ethel, the youngest, was only 13 years old.
The fact that Ethel had a child with this old man was disturbing.
Shortly after Ethel's child was born, the cult was raided by police. Ethel and her baby were separated and placed in different foster homes. Despite being a mother, Ethel was still a child herself, only in elementary school.
"You wouldn't believe it. I planned to take her out to see the world, but I found her in bed, in pajamas. What the hell!" Kevin confided to Frank, shocked by Ethel's actions.