Just Believe

BORING DAY

"School is finally over." While the other children were uttering these sentences, Mark was sad that it was evening again. He was upset because he was alone. His father would be arriving very late today, though early, it wouldn't have mattered much. They were just talking at dinner—more so at Mark's urging—he spent most of the evening in his room doing homework, playing the piano, reading, drawing, or watching. Although it sounded good, doing these alone every day was suffocating after a while. One of the few places where he was not alone was his school. He loved his school very much, he did not even think about other problems while dealing with his lessons, he had many friends. He loved them too, because they were behind him no matter what. But he couldn't feelthis support enough exceptfor some supporting speeches. Unlike his friends, his father neither trusted him nor was proud of him. He had tried a lot to get his attention, and he kept trying.

***

When he got home, he first took off his school uniforms like every day, put on a gray sweatshirt and green sweatpants, then went down to the kitchen and got an apple to snack on. After that he went straight to his room. He put the books on his desk from bag as soon as he reached his room because he had a lot of homework. He finished all his homework while eating his apple. He did some research on the internet until his father came. At 9:00 pm, with the sound of the door opening, he put his computer aside and hurried downstairs to greet his father.

- Hi father! I'm so glad you came, said Mark with his cheerful face.

His father just nodded, keeping his usual cool. He didn't look tired at all. The job doesn't tire him anyway. Mark didn't know what to say but he tried to continue the conversation between his father and him. 

-How was your day today father? Did you finish the project you have been working on for almost a month? 

-Not yet. It still has things to add. Replied his father. Than add,

-And how was your day? Are the things going good with Lenny and James?

-Oh yes, I still hang up with them. As usual...

-What about Elizabeth? You have been talking about her a lot recently.

-Ah... Aaaa father how dou you even know about her? Asked Mark nervously. Definitely blushed a lot.

-Are you serious Mark? You always talk about her in the dinners and breakfasts as well. I mean everyone could understand that you are into that girl. "Father, Elizabeth gave me this pen today. I am so Happy, but I am not sure whether i should use it or not. Maybe I should just keep it, right? I mean I can lose it? Yes i will definitely keep it." He tried to imitate his son.

Mark was even more red now. He tried to resist on what his father said about him.

-What? Of course I am not into Elizabeth, let's just say that it is a little thing. It is because she is so nice to me, unlike everyone... He said while trying to hide his sadness.

-Besides, you know that I don't feel that way to people. I mean like falling in love and  desiring to kiss people. As I said, I am just excited because someone is not messing with me.

- It is not important at all. As long as you are happy I am okay with it. Now I'll prepare the dinner. Be ready in 30 minutes.

-Thanks dad. And... Do you need any help?

-No I don't. Just go rest, or study.

-Okay, I already finished all my homework so I can study Maths. 

 said Mark and went back to his room. After a half hour later with his father's instruction he made his way to kitchen to eat dinner.

-It is delicious father. You are awesome as always.

-Thank you Mark.

-Oh and i forgot to mention one think father. Do you remember the math exam I took last week? The exam where the ones who scored a 100 will receive a surprise gift

-Yes, I do remember. What happened with that?

-The teacher will introduce the results tomorrow. And, I am pretty sure I'll get the surprise. I studied a lot for that exam.

-That's great for you. But are you sure you didn't study for the surprise? It would be lame if you did. 

Mark was stunned after what his father said. he was not expecting this as a response. He immediately tried to defense himself.

-No father, I did not study for the surprise. The teacher told us about it after the exam actually. We didn't even know there was a surprise in the first place.

His father didn't seem very convinced, but he shook his head affirmatively,

-Whatever you say Mark... Now did you finish your meal? If you, go ahead to your room and study. You should work hard for your exams. Life is not just about surprises as you know. 

-Yes dad. It was delicious, thank you for the meal.