A Spark of Hope

Chapter 2- Why Must I Look Past the Stars?

The next day Layla sat at the dinner table once again. It was like nothing had happened, like it was just another day. But that was how most things went in this house.

"What ever happened to your dream of becoming an actor Kylo?" Layla asked, completely lost in thought.

"Not this again!" Kylo groaned, clearly not wanting to reopen the conversation that they had had been times before.

"Layla focus on your food." Janice said strictly, not wanting an argument to unfold.

"But-"

"Layla." Janice warned, giving her a hard look. Layla sighed, going back to her dinner much smaller than before. Janice glanced towards Cameron, her smile returning to her face. "How did your chemistry test go Cameron?"

Cameron sighed dramatically, "AP chemistry Mom, not just chemistry."

Janice chuckled, "Sorry AP chemistry. How did it go?"

Cameron looked down at his plate, seemingly annoyed with the score he had received.  "97... I promise I'll do better at the next one."

David glanced at him, "What was the highest score?"

"Someone got 100, but-"

"Cameron. Why didn't you get 100?" their father raised an eyebrow. "You know how much we're paying for it." He spoke harshly, like the money was the only thing that mattered.

Cameron was quick to apologize. "Don't worry! I'll study more, I'll bring it up next time."

David relaxed at that. "Good, you make me proud son."

Cameron smiled brightly at his words. Layla, wanting to hear the same words, piped up, "Dad I got 95 on my English-"

"Did I ask?" he snapped, giving her a harsh glare that she wasn't prepared for.

"No." she spoke barely above a whisper, sinking back in her seat. Did he not love her? She didn't want to even think about that. So why did she question it?

"What time is your game Kylo?" Janice continued, acting as though nothing had even happened.

"Seven." he replied, stuffing more food in his mouth.

"Did you get that new equipment yet?" David questioned, looking up from his plate.

"It came in yesterday." Kylo nodded, adding, "They aren't as good as last year's though." 

David was quick to swoop in, "Don't worry, I'll take care of it. I'm sure I can call in a favor. I want my son only having the best."

Kylo smiled brightly, "Thanks Dad."

"Just keep up the good work, alright?"

"Of course."

"Dad-" Layla began, hoping not to get cut off this time.

"Not everything is about you Layla!" David cut her off quickly, not even sparing her a glance.

Again Layla sunk even lower, wanting nothing more than to disappear forever. Maybe even disappear from their lives completely.

Oliver, who had been quiet for the meal, simply listening, piped up, "Are you proud of me Dad?"

David looked towards him, smiling warmly, "I will be. Once you get rid of that pointless dream of becoming an astronaut."

Layla stood up, suddenly taking by the rage she felt in that sentence. No one told her little brother that his dreams were pointless. "What's wrong with that dream?" she asked, her fear long forgotten.

Kylo's eyes widened, knowing what was going to happen. "Layla... listen to Dad." he whispered, knowing exactly how their father would get.

"Layla." David warned, staring her down as if to say 'do you really want to do this?'.

Layla wasn't taking the warnings. Or maybe it was more she just didn't care. "I want to know! Why must dreams have limits?" she demanded.

"Because I say so!" David shouted, standing up much taller than her.

Cameron tried to step in, hoping to ease the argument. He hated when they argued more than anything, especially if his sister was defending something she loved. "Maybe we should-"

"Stay out of this Cameron! I'm sick of you sticking up for her!" David growled.

Janice, hoping to be the one Layla listened to, spoke up, "Layla listen to-"

"What right do you have to control his dreams?" Layla shouted, wanting an answer.

"There is no point in dreaming about something that will never happen! It's a waste of time!" David stated, folding his arms.

"He can dream whatever he desires! I'm not going to let you pressure him into something he doesn't want!" Layla yelled, glaring right back at him. The idea of Oliver ever being forced into something he hated, was something she never wanted to see. She wanted him to happy, full of life, like he always was.

"Yeah! You can't tell me what to do!" Oliver shouted, taking his sister's side.

Layla glanced at him, "Stay out of this Olives." She didn't want him to get in trouble for something like this.

"It's like your ridiculous dream of becoming an artist. It won't make you a living! Art never pays enough!" 

Layla's eyes widened. "Why does money matter? If I enjoy it... isn't that enough?"

"Jobs aren't meant to be enjoyed! People would need to be paid if they liked working!" David said even louder. 

"That's such a stupid way of thinking!" she exclaimed, "Things have changed Dad!"

"No they haven't!" David told her. "The stars are obviously poisoning your way of thinking!"

Layla looked at him in confusion. Where did stargazing come from? "What are you talking about? The stars have nothing to do with this!"

"Ever since you started 'stargazing' you've been dreaming about things that will never happen."

Layla took a step back as his words finally began to process. "Dad I-"

"I've had enough of this. Go to your room NOW!" he yelled, anger fuming through his ears.

Layla walked away, tears beginning to trickle down her face. She instantly fell on her bed, the same place as yesterday. The same place everyday it felt like.

"I don't understand!" she sobbed out. 

"Why must I look past the stars?"

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Hope you liked it!

Hope you have an amazing day!

-Snowy