My need to be free and my mother’s neediness culminated when I was in high school and wanted to live on campus. Despite knowing that it would hurt her, I saw an opportunity when I was put on academic probation and went for it. During my hearing, I complained about the lack of space and resources at home. I told them I didn’t have a computer, which was a white lie. I had a word processor. I complained that I couldn’t focus because my younger brother would turn on the television when I studied. Another white lie since I was the one who turned on the television set. My plan worked. Weeks later, I was a boarding student and housing was fully paid for by the Phillips Academy. My mother had no choice but to accept that her little girl was out of the house. Still, she set ground rules.
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