Watching Sharina nod with a somewhat dejected expression...
Alvin glared at the heartless Gwen and told her to comfort her good friend.
Gwen came from an upper-middle-class family, so in theory, she should have been better able to understand Sharina's worries.
Unfortunately, Gwen once again proved to Alvin that once you caught Hell's Kitchen's "cancer," it was basically impossible to get rid of.
Putting an arm around her friend's shoulders, Gwen said boldly, "It's okay. We'll all help you.
As long as you don't want to go to Harvard, nobody can force you...
If it comes to it, I'll ask Beckett for help. Forcing you to go to Harvard is a violation of your human rights.
The new Hell's Kitchen Police Station is being renovated. Those detention areas made out of Shipping Containers should make them change their minds."
Then, in the tone of a Big Sister, Gwen said, "As long as you do all right on the ACT this time, I'll ask my dad to write you a recommendation letter!
He really likes you and your Gargoyle friends. Those guys work harder than New York's night-shift cops...
Besides, New York University has to give my dad some respect..."
Sharina listened, then said dejectedly, "You don't understand. There's no way I can convince my parents.
They always make every decision for me. They never have time to care about what I think!"
Gwen glanced at Alvin, who had remained silent. Frustrated by Sharina's defeatist attitude, she cupped her friend's miserable face and said earnestly, "If you give up, then you really have lost!
Call your parents. We'll take them to see what you've accomplished at the 'Stonewing Beast Church.'
We can also visit Bruto's hospital. You're the most popular volunteer there.
If it comes to it, I'll borrow an office