Rashid recently sold his Dj’ing equipment to buy a top of the line computer after finding a better job. It’s hard to defend partying every night to two over-achieving parents that constantly ride his back. When he hears his door open behind him, he hopes it’s one of his brothers.
Rashid says loudly...Does anyone believe in knocking around here?
Sabien: Son, I swear...every time I come in here you’re on the computer playing video games.
Rashid breathes hard. Frustrated his parents keep disrespecting him. He’s always on the defense: It’s my job, Dad...you’re gonna make me lose this round. I’ll talk to you later.
Sabien: Boy, don’t dismiss me like I’m one of your lazy friends..I’m talking to you. Your Mom and I are trying to teach you guys a hard work ethic, the value of a dollar..and I’m concerned you’re trying to do things the easy way. ..Son, if you don’t look at me when I’m talking to you.......
Rashid looks up at his father and gets some things off his chest.
I’m letting you know that I know what I’m doing. It is possible to have a dream and make that dream become a success for you. You’ve always said to dream big, did you not? Did you or didn’t you, Dad?
Sabien reluctantly nods in agreement...still listening.
.....Well, thats what I’m doing! It starts right here! *points towards his computer* Have you ever seen me more dedicated to something?
Sabien: ...Maybe to a party, but...not really.
Rashid closes his eyes and take a deep breath to keep from cursing...and continues...Yall don’t ask me what I’m doing. You just assume.
I’m in Quality Assurance right now, but I’m working my way up. ‘Cause I’m not just learning gaming, I’m learning how to program computers, how to code. I can become the best gamer out here in Blythe Harbor..there’s big money in those competitions. It’s like a competitive sport. Or, I can be like the Simblr or Smoogle guys..and you know those companies are huge. It’s whatever I want, not you and Mom...it’s my life. I guess you won’t be convinced until I’m raking in big money, and it shouldn’t be that way.
Look, I love you and I appreciate everything you and Mom are doing for me. I get to stay here and not worry about anything. But, I also contribute to the bills and groceries each week. And I try my best to help out with my brothers. I’m not a slacker, so I just wish you guys would stop treating me like one.
Sabien: Alright, alright..you’ve made your point. I’ll let you get back to it. You know it’s all out of love, son.
Hey..why don’t you take that hot scarf off, it’s not freezing in here.
Sabien leans down and kisses the top of Rashid’s head, then rattles it with the palm of his hand.
Rashid laughs and gets playful: Ayee, don’t mess with the ‘do, man! ...I’ll put my sweater on..why don’t you turn up the heat? Better yet...why don’t you just getouttaheaaah!
He feels like he’s finally won the battle.
Sabien walks into the hallway. He can’t help but be impressed with his oldest son right now. He’s never seen this kind of passion and focus in him. He’s gonna trust Rashid and see what happens.