The Beginning of the End

1) SSCCP Day

"Lauren! Lauren!"
My little brother yells in my ear as if the house was on fire or something.

"What?! What?!"

Thinking that it's something major, I grab my alarm clock and sit up straight.

It's not a fire.

It's just Nate waking me up for no good reason.
And I was in a dream where there were no Nate's, just Channing's and Dave's.

"Me and Mom have a surprise for you in the kitchen!"

Noooo...

"Come on! Come on! Come on!"
He repeats making my ears 'bleed' in pain.
"Hurry!"
If this boy speaks one more time, I'm going to take this alarm clock and throw it at him.
"Get u-"
"OK. Just start going...I'll be down in a sec"
Really, I'm just saying that so he'll leave.

* * *

Coming down the stairs I could smell their excitement and proudness in the kitchen.
I could also smell Sunday's Special Chocolate Chip Pancake Day, aka. 'the SSCCP Day'. It's when mom makes some chocolate chip pancakes and tops it off with the most velvety whipped cream,
plus strawberries if you wanted to.

Smells, and tastes so good.

I guess this is the only good part about today.

"HAPPY BIRTHDAY!"
My mom and Nate ecstatically yell so loud, that probably even the neighbors heard.

I groan, but thank them. I mean, I don't want to be rude...they made me pancakes.

"Dad says he's sorry that he couldn't make it for your birthday,
but he sent you something in the mail!"

Wait. What could it be?
Could it be the 'Bow and Arrow 3000 + night vision installed' that I have been begging him for months now?!

"Come on, open it. Open it. Open it."
Why does Nate have to be so hyper all the time,
I mean I know he likes to drink Mom's coffee in the morning when she's not looking,
but come on, it's not even that bad.

Distracted, Mom hands me the package with tape and a letter attached.
I rip off the letter and read aloud,
Dear Lauren,
Sorry I couldn't be there for your birthday, the force is keeping me here until we find a cure for this virus.

Too much information Dad...

...I promise, and this time I mean it, I will be there for your next birthday. Don't forget Christmas, I already got things set with Captain.

Sure Dad. Maybe this time that will actually come true.

...I hope my absence doesn't bring you down, but if it does, I hope this will help you feel better...
Love you Lolo Bug,
Dad

Aw, love you too Dad, but you already know that.
Ok, time for the big reveal. If it's what I think it is, I'm going to freak.
I know my Mom and Nate are already jumping out of their seats waiting for me to burst into tears of happiness.

Not gonna happen, but nice to know they care.

1....2...3

Ripping the tape so quickly, I accidentally rip open the box with it.
Those little styrofoam things fly everywhere.
After all the mess, I look down.

"I KNEW IT I KNEW IT I KNEW IT!"
It is. It is the one and only 'Bow and Arrow 3000 + night vision installed'
I knew my Dad would come through in the end.
Better start writing a thank you letter.

"Well hurry up and eat your breakfast, it's starting to get cold."
Of course, Mom would be rushing me. It's in her nature.

I set my piece of machinery down and walk to the table.
Thankfully, Mom took Nate upstairs to change his summer clothes to autumn clothes.

Finally, eat in peace.

BEEEEPPP

Shit.

• • • • • • •

(A/N): Just so you guys know, this is just a small chapter so people can get to know Lauren and Nate. No action just yet. Also it doesn't say in the chapter but she just turned sixteen, NOT SEVENTEEN.
So yea, have a nice day and CORAL get in the house.
K bye.
- Italy