[Fic] "Running From Her Shadow" -- Labyrinth

The movie Labyrinth has bugged me since the first time I watched it, mostly because it's trying to be a family film but it has much darker subtextual themes, mostly all about sex. (Then again, considering David Bowie's tights, perhaps they're not all that subtextual!) This ficlet grew from my issues with the ending; more detailed notes follow the story.

(ETA: A slightly revised version is cross-posted here on Fanfiction.net.)

( Running From Her Shadow )

And there we are.

[Fic] "Running From Her Shadow" -- Labyrinth

The movie Labyrinth has bugged me since the first time I watched it, mostly because it's trying to be a family film but it has much darker subtextual themes, mostly all about sex. (Then again, considering David Bowie's tights, perhaps they're not all that subtextual!) This ficlet grew from my issues with the ending; more detailed notes follow the story.

(ETA: A slightly revised version is cross-posted here on Fanfiction.net.)

( Running From Her Shadow )

And there we are.

decisions

Well. This is my evil plan. I am dropping out of my current university (the traditional four-year liberal arts education is just not working for me) and attending the local community college for a year, after which time I will transfer to a regionally accredited college so as to qualify for teacher certification. (Yes, there are exams and student teaching requirements as well, but this is the first step.)

I am taking a second look at my potential apartments/rooms tomorrow afternoon, and will be able to reserve one until I get the rent money from my parents; it's nice to have a good relationship with your rental agency!

I am applying for some summer courses at CCM for the summer, mostly so I have something to do that'll keep me away from home and the kitchen remodeling.

This will save money in some ways -- the tuition will be a hell of a lot cheaper -- but cost extra in others -- I get kicked off my mom's health insurance next year, and this way I can't use the built-in insurance that my current university offers.

But I'm really not doing well at full-time college. I just feel kind of selfish and useless, whereas I was doing quite well, emotionally speaking, while I was on medical leave and actually working a real job. Work keeps me grounded. School emphatically does NOT.

But even though university is not working for me, I've fallen in love with the Finger Lakes region, and I really wouldn't mind living here.

So now I just need to finalize the apartment, apply to TC3, apply for CCM summer courses, and start my job search. This is where church comes in handy -- yay networking! (That's how I found my last job, actually; the former minister's wife recommended me.)

Hmmm. I haven't heard back from my parents yet. I know Dad will be peeved that I'm shutting doors by really quitting university instead of requesting another year off, but I'm certain I wouldn't go back even if I left that option open. And Mom will be peeved about the insurance business. But I'm pretty sure they'll be supportive, once they get past the automatic "but Elizabeth deserves the best and why is she settling for lesser options!" response.

Man. Big life decisions are draining. But kind of relieving once they're firmly made and put behind you.

decisions

Well. This is my evil plan. I am dropping out of my current university (the traditional four-year liberal arts education is just not working for me) and attending the local community college for a year, after which time I will transfer to a regionally accredited college so as to qualify for teacher certification. (Yes, there are exams and student teaching requirements as well, but this is the first step.)

I am taking a second look at my potential apartments/rooms tomorrow afternoon, and will be able to reserve one until I get the rent money from my parents; it's nice to have a good relationship with your rental agency!

I am applying for some summer courses at CCM for the summer, mostly so I have something to do that'll keep me away from home and the kitchen remodeling.

This will save money in some ways -- the tuition will be a hell of a lot cheaper -- but cost extra in others -- I get kicked off my mom's health insurance next year, and this way I can't use the built-in insurance that my current university offers.

But I'm really not doing well at full-time college. I just feel kind of selfish and useless, whereas I was doing quite well, emotionally speaking, while I was on medical leave and actually working a real job. Work keeps me grounded. School emphatically does NOT.

But even though university is not working for me, I've fallen in love with the Finger Lakes region, and I really wouldn't mind living here.

So now I just need to finalize the apartment, apply to TC3, apply for CCM summer courses, and start my job search. This is where church comes in handy -- yay networking! (That's how I found my last job, actually; the former minister's wife recommended me.)

Hmmm. I haven't heard back from my parents yet. I know Dad will be peeved that I'm shutting doors by really quitting university instead of requesting another year off, but I'm certain I wouldn't go back even if I left that option open. And Mom will be peeved about the insurance business. But I'm pretty sure they'll be supportive, once they get past the automatic "but Elizabeth deserves the best and why is she settling for lesser options!" response.

Man. Big life decisions are draining. But kind of relieving once they're firmly made and put behind you.