Follow their conversation

You stare blankly at the menu as you eavesdrop on their too-loud conversation.

"... But Mom!"

"Your dad and I both told you that when you quit cross country you'd have far fewer scholarship opportunities. It was by far your best sport. We can only support you so much, if you want to go to your top picks out of state you're going to have to take on debt, Jess, and that kind of debt can follow you through your entire life."

Jess crosses her arms and pouts, "You just want to keep me here, close enough to keep an eye on me." She lifts her fork and picks noncommittally at her food.

Her father sighs, pleading with his outstretched hands "Of course we want you close to us! What's wrong with that? What we want isn't even the point, though. Everything your mother is telling you, has been trying to tell you for weeks, is the hard facts. You're not a child anymore, and we are not some kind of monsters that exist only to hold you back. We are your parents giving you adult advice to your adult problems. You're too old for this preteen act, listen to us so you can make an informed decision."

Jess just continues picking sullenly at her food, "Just dip into Brad's college fund, he's never even earned an 'A' outside of gym. He'll be lucky to get into Oak Tech."

"Screw you, Jess!"

The conversation is quickly devolving into family squabbles. Your knees are steady now, and you're more concerned that you'll lose your edge if you listen to more.