May (Calendar Girl #5) Read Free Page A

wife. As far back as I could remember, she’d always wanted to get married, have the white picket fence, and a gaggle of kids. Exact opposite of my dreams.
    “So what’s Matt’s major?” I asked, curling the last strands of my long black hair.
    “Plant sciences, remember?” She sighed and sat on the bed clasping her hands in front of her.
    I nodded and caught her gaze through the reflection in the mirror. “Did you decide on your major? I know you were waffling in the sciences a couple months ago?” Internally I chant… please no forensic science, please no forensic science. I could just hear the question now. What does your sister do for a living? “Oh yeah, she cuts up dead people.” A grimace stole across my face, but I hid it quickly, not wanting to sway her one way or the other. As much as I wanted to make all her major decisions for her, rationally, I knew I had to let her go to some extent. My sweet baby sis was an adult and it was time I started treating her as such.
    She sucked in a breath and pulled up her leg and sat on her foot. “I have actually. Biochemistry.”
    Turning around, I let the word roll over my brain. Biochemistry has to have something to do with biology but that doesn’t mean forensics. “Okay, so what exactly is that and what would you be doing with that type of degree?”
    Maddy licked her lips and settled in. As she spoke, she became more animated, smiling wide, her cheeks pinking and her eyes sparkling. I tuned out most of what she said because honestly, she started speaking geek and my filter was on. “So basically, biochemists study aspects of the immune system, the expressions of genes, isolating, analyzing, and synthesizing different products. I could work with cancer mutations, mange a lab, or lead a research team. The options are endless.”
    Hearing the wide variety of options that were on the horizon for her made my cheeks burn I smiled so large. “I’m so proud of you, Mads. Biochemistry sounds difficult but right up your alley. How much schooling? You’re still going for masters level, right?” She bit down on her pink lip and looked away. “Maddy, now I know you’re worried about tuition, but you don’t have to. I’ve already paid your tuition this year and the remainder of last years’.” Her eyes widened and her jaw dropped open. I grinned, loving that little surprise. “By year’s end, I’ll have saved Dad’s ass, and I’ll have enough money to put you through another several years of school. I do not want you settling. At all!” Not like me, I wanted to add but didn’t. My lot in life was uncertain. For now, I was going with the flow and making the money I needed to in order to help my family survive. 
    Maddy jumped up, ran over to me, and wrapped her arms around me, tears filling those gem-like eyes. “I love you. When I’m a rich scientist, I’m going to buy you a house right next to me so that no matter where you are, you will always know where your home is. Close to me.” I petted the side of her head as she kissed my temple. “Now, don’t worry; I’m also going to be submitting for some scholarships because to go where I want to go in this field, I’m going to need a PhD.”
    PhD. That one acronym sent a rush of adrenaline through my chest and out each limb. The hair on my arms stood at attention as I let myself freak out. “A doctor!” I said with pure awe and motherly pride in my tone.
    Maddy rolled her eyes and nodded, pulling that pouty lip of hers into a smirk. “Yeah sis, a doctor… of philosophy,” she snickered.
    “Fuck, I don’t care what type of doctor. My baby sis is going to be a doctor and a scientist. You’ve made my year, sweet baby girl.” I shook my head and thought about the future. Maddy walking the stage getting her degrees, settling into some company wearing a white lab coat that screamed authority. Yeah, my girl was going places, and I’d do anything in my power to make sure she got every last one of her