American History with Professor Franklin

[dolemeck]

Dolemeck had finally gotten settled into life at the Xavier Institute. He was getting a little stronger and able to walk to his classes without feeling like he was going to drop dead too often. He still wore his old school uniform from home to class, but that is what made him feel comfortable. A small reminder of home.

He walked down to halls, trying to find Professor Franklin's office. He desperately needed his help for his citizenship classes. Dolemeck was worried about failing them and being deported after his schooling was over (and not just because he wanted to see Professor Franklin because he was cute). His eldest brother continued to pressure him to get his citizenship as well, saying he would be happier living in America than at home.

With all of that weight on his shoulders, he wanted to lift some of it off. The best way to do that was to ask for help. Once he found Professor Franklin's office, he gave a gentle knock at the door.

"Professor Franklin? Are you in there?"

Comments

[firstbornrichards]

"I'll have to check them out sometime." Franklin shuddered a little inwardly at the sound of creaking metal, but didn't betray a bit of it openly.

"You mean Britpop? Like Oasis or Blur?" Damn, Franklin liked those guys. Though Radiohead was better.

Or oh, maybe he meant like that. Eighties, not Nineties.

"It's probably for the best in the long run that he didn't. Quick bucks today often comes at the price of long-term credibility."

[dolemeck]

"I mean like the pop music Blur was forced to make by their record label, before they created their own sound with songs like "Coffee and TV" or when their lead singer created "Gorillaz"." he pointed out. "I consider Oasis rock music, not pop, by the way. I also enjoy Noel's new band, "Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds", better than whatever his brother is doing."

He wanted to curse about his leg braces creaking. He hated the noise as well, and tried to remain as still as possible, so they stopped.

"Sorry about that. They tend to do that every now and again." He apologized to Franklin. "If anything, the documentaries tell me that my Da always stayed true to his form of music. I know he writes all his own music, because when he is home on rare occasions, I see him do so."

[firstbornrichards]

"I guess it depends on your definition of pop music, really." Franklin replied with a slight smile. "In the most literal sense, anything that's popular and doesn't involve orchestral instrumentation should be pop music.

It's okay. Don't worry about it." Franklin replied with a slight smile. "You sound like you're very proud of your father."

Franklin just hoped that Dolemeck's father could be proud of him.

[dolemeck]

"I am." He admitted.

"He does what he loves for a living, he makes people happy, what is not to admire?" Well, other than dumping Dolemeck on his eldest brother and barely paying attention to him. But if he said that, then that would make it true. It was best to focus on the positives. "My Da is a wonderful man. Doing concerts for charity, performing in all sorts of weather conditions, and keeping his promise to remain sober after the accident."

"But I am also proud of my eldest brother, Dayton, too. He took care of me while Da did all those things... and he still managed to complete Uni!" He smiled more, thinking about Dayton. "He's a crown prosecutor, now. That is a very admirable job! And umm... Charles... has a band of his own."

[firstbornrichards]

"Sounds great." Franklin replied with a smile. "So what do you want to do? And if you haven't figured it out yet, don't worry. It took me ages to realize I wanted to teach."

Franklin and Dolemeck probably had more in common than they realized. It was very easy to live in the shadow of famous parents and brilliant siblings. It was much more difficult to stake one's own life out from that shadow.

[dolemeck]

"I am VERY limited on what I can do and what I cannot do." He hated to admit that. He tried to sit in the chair so he was more comfortable. "The doctors fear that as I get older, I will have more... "health issues". They fear I will eventually be confined to a bed or a wheelchair if I am lucky. It's like a ticking time bomb, and I do not know if it can be defused. That knowledge makes me not want to pursue anything that I could one day not be able to do."

He looked solemn for a moment, before looking back up at Franklin.

"I love history, and I love sewing and making things. I wish I could combine the two, making costumes for plays or operas..."

[firstbornrichards]

"With due respect to your doctors, we have access to expertise that they cannot even dream of. If there is anything that can be done to help you, Dolemeck, it will be done."

Franklin's expression relaxed a little. "That sounds awesome, actually. And hey, you're pretty close to the theatre capital of the world. I'm sure there's people here that could hook you up with what you need to learn and do with that."

[dolemeck]

"I can home, Professor Franklin." He smiled. "When I was first admitted to the hospital, the doctors told me I would never get out of bed again. But I proved them wrong, and I want to keep doing so. I want to be able to do everything I can... just in case the worst happens."

He smiled more. Hearing that people could help him make costumes for theaters in New York City was exciting.

"I would enjoy that very much. But small steps, first. Like becoming a legalized citizen of this country." Carefully, Dolemeck got back up again, offering his hand to Professor Franklin for a shake. "Thank you for listening to me... and for helping me. I think that is the most I opened up to for anyone here."

[firstbornrichards]

"The door's open, any time you want, Dolemeck." Franklin smiled. "And agreed, we can work on the citizenship stuff first. Keep in touch if anything else comes up."

Franklin took the hand and shook it. "It was nice talking to you. Feel free to take some candy to go, too." He laughed slightly. "I've got plenty more where that came from."

[dolemeck]

"Thank you, but I think I had enough." He smiled. "I do not need to have a sugar rush... I may end up all jumpy and causing things to go flying with my mind."

Dolemeck gave a wave as he started to head out of the door. "I shall remember that your door is always open to me, Professor Franklin. Thank you."