纵横美国 – 05. Breaking the News

Dad? Yeah?

We have to talk. Uh-huh.

I have some good news. Oh?

This music school accepted me and they’re offering financial aid and a partial scholarship. I . . . uh . . . they want me to be a student there.

When did you get this letter? This morning.

This college is in San Francisco! Yeah, I know.

My God, that’s the other side of the earth! Come on, Dad. It’s only six hours by plane.

It’s too far away. We’ll never see you. Why don’t you go to school around here? All the music schools in Boston turned me down.

What about a nice community college? a good teacher’s college. I want to study music. This is the only music school that accepted me.

What about Kevin? What about us? Kevin’s almost eighteen, he can take care of himself.

And with a little help from him, you’ll be fine, too. This is my big chance. So, what do you want from me?

I . . . um . . . nothing, just your approval. You want my approval, no way.

What? N-O. No way.

That’s it? End of conversation? What do you want me to say . . . that I’m thrilled?

I gave you my opinion, but you don’t care. But, Dad. This is something I really want to do.

There’s a lot I want to do, too, but you don’t always get what you want in this world. But, I’m not going forever, I’ll call, I’ll visit.

Visit? Who’s gonna pay for that? I will.

And where are you going to live out there? Rebecca, do you know how expensive it is to live on your own?

Yes, I do. I have a place to stay. I don’t understand.

Rent-free. Where?

At Nancy Shaw’s. That woman! Where’s my cane?

I know you don’t like Nancy, but she is my godmother. Does your brother know about this?

Not yet. I’m going to bed.

That school in San Francisco accepted you? Yeah, they gave me financial aid, too.

So what are you gonna do? Dad really wants me to stay, but I’m going.

When do you have to leave? In a few weeks. Kevin, the truth. Is it all right with you if I go?

Go for it! Thanks, you’re a pal.

Don’t worry about Dad, he’ll get used to it. You think so?

I’m sure of it. . . Besides, then I can have your room. My room! You little . . . my room! I’m not even out of here yet and you want my room?

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It’s ten o’clock. Come on. It’s break time. You want to get a soda?

No, I need a cigarette, so. . . No, you don’t.

Yes, I do. Sandy, when are you going to quit smoking?

Tomorrow. So? What did they say?

I haven’t told Matt yet. Kevin thinks it’s great. My dad is definitely not happy!

He’s mad, huh? Yeah . . . Well, today’s the day, it’s time to let the boss know I’m leaving.

You’re going to quit . . . just like that? Well, I have to give them a two-week notice, right? Then . . . I’m out of here.

Oh, I can’t believe it. Well, it’s true . . . Hey, I need some new clothes . . . you want to go shopping after work?

OK. What are we looking for?

I’ve got plenty of jeans and casual stuff for class. What I really need is something dressy for California, I’ve got zilch.

How about this? Too formal. This is pretty. Where’s the price tag?

Two hundred dollars! And it’s on sale? Who can afford this stuff?

This is 30 percent off-only sixty dollars. I like it. Do they have your size?

Mmm, Size six, perfect. I m going to try it on. Listen, I have to tell you a big secret, my mom doesn’t even know.

What? I’m moving in with Jack.

You’re what? The two of you are always fighting! Well, things change.

Yeah, but people don’t. Look, I’m going to do it, period.

I know you don’t think it’s a good idea, so let’s just change the subject. Sandy, I just want you to be happy, that’s all. This thing with you and Jack is just . . .

I think I can make it work. It looks great.

I don’t know, maybe it’s too. . . It’s perfect. All right.

When do you have to leave? In a few weeks.

Do you have your plane ticket? No, of course not.

You’d better hurry up. It’s cheaper if you buy your ticket a few weeks in advance. I am not flying, I’m driving to San Francisco.

Drive? All by yourself? Are you crazy? No, practical. I’ll need a car in San Francisco, right?

Anyway, I want to see the Southwest. So, why not buy a car here and drive it out there?

You are nuts! So, what kind of car are you gonna get? The best car I can get for fifteen hundred dollars.

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Hello, can I help you folks? We’re just looking, thanks.

Are you looking for anything special? She’s looking for a car to drive across country.

Gotcha! So you want something you can count on. Yeah.

I have something for you right over here. It’s in A-l condition, new tires, excellent engine . . . It’s a Florida car.

Oh, no! That’s much too expensive. Well, for you, I can come down a little in the price, how much do you want to spend?

Fifteen hundred, max. Fifteen hundred, max! I don’t think so.

I haven’t really got anything for you. But I’ve got a friend who sells cars about four blocks from here.

I need something to eat, do you want anything? No, thanks.

Hi. Hi.

Kevin and I went looking at used cars for my trip. They’re all so expensive.

Unh-huh. This is silly. Would you please talk to me?

OK. Everyone has to leave home sometime.

Dad, I’m leaving pretty soon. I know.

I don’t want to leave with you angry at me. I’m not angry.

Try to be happy for me. I just don’t see why you have to go so far away.

Dad, it’s something I really want to do. I know, I know, but I don’t have to like it, do I?

One response

  1. scholarship 奖学金
    partial /ˈpɑːrʃl/ adj. 部分的
    thrilled /θrɪld/ adj. 非常兴奋;极为激动
    cane /keɪn/ n. 手杖;

    pal /pæl/ n. <非正式>朋友,伙伴,哥们儿;
    dressy /ˈdresi/ adj. 讲究的;正式的;衣着讲究的;
    zilch /zɪltʃ/ n. 没有;毫无
    you can count on. 你可以信赖。

    A-l condition 车况一流
    tires 轮胎

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