The Guy of Misfortune

Back-To-School Shopping

Hi! My name is Ares. Despite my name looking like the zodiac Aries, I'm actually not one myself. If you're into astrology, that might be apparent to you after reading this story. But if you're not, just know that I'm a very shy person. Shy to the point that my lack of talking is seen as rude to most.

I don't mean to be rude, though. I'm just too afraid to speak up, especially since I usually get made fun of whenever I do.

It's my senior year of high school in a few weeks, and I'm excited but also nervous.

I know it seems strange for a guy, but I actually enjoy shopping, up to a point. It's great exercise and gives me a purpose to leave the house and stretch my legs.

"Ares! Let's go school supply shopping! Get your brother!" my dad calls to us.

I nod, and yell back, "alright!" like I usually do, and rush to put on my shoes.

"Come on, Dustin. Dad wants to go shopping with us." I inform my sister.

She nods and starts getting her shoes on.

Christy is my sister, but our parents aren't very accepting of the LGBT community, so I'm forced to hide her secret from them, calling her by her old name and pronouns, which are commonly referred to as a "deadname" and "dead pronouns."

I don't mind, though. She knows I support her.

I check my phone before I go. Zuri still hasn't messaged me even though she was supposed to. I sigh. It's hard to keep down women, isn't it? She probably left our friendship because I'm garbage.

Dad, Christy, and I get into the small car. I get in the front seat and turn the radio on. I put a foot on the dash like I usually do.

"ARES!" my dad suddenly yells, startling me.

"You got pine needles all over my dash!" he yells back.

I look down at the dash and laugh nervously.

"Clean it up now!"

I brush the needles off with my hand, but I can't help but smile. Same old dad. He's the epitome of a stay-at-home dad, and I wouldn't have it any other way. Mom's better off being the one who works, anyways. I like her being away during the day so I can spend time with dad.

A song that dad likes comes on, and he goes, "Ooh!" and starts dancing.

Pretty embarrassing, I know, but what can you do? Every time I change the station, he gets huffy. Guess I have to learn to deal with it, right?

I get a response from Zuri. This is great! I wanted to tell her about my day, like I usually do. She's great at listening! I love her more than anyone in the world, and I stand by that statement.

Hey, wyd?

Nothing much, u?

Nothing

Well Zuri, I have news!

What is it?

I want to be an actor!

Ok

I'm sure I'll be able to do it!

So am I. I believe in u.

She always picks me up when I need it, and I needed that encouragement because I signed up for a summer acting camp!

I'm beaming from ear to ear. I'd marry Zuri if I could.