Tongue Tied

Chapter 3

Chapter 3:

Believe it or not, Sam has lived next door to me since fourth grade. I barely hung out with him. We had one or two classes throughout our school history. He used to be that kid with the braces. But ever since that play of Romeo and Juliet, all he cares about is the attention, the likes, his looks, his so-called girlfriend. He thinks he's the total package. He's not. I don't get what everyone sees in him. Sure, I've noticed his deep brown eyes and flawless physique. That's all there is to him. All he talks about is himself.

It was a long day. I slowly step up to our front door. Looks like mom was home early. Her car in the driveway. Dad went inside already. I turn the knob and enter inside. "What are you doing home so early?" Mom asks in an accusing tone.

"Honey-"

"You're supposed to be at work. We got another letter, David," her voice went lower.

"Maya needed a ride home," he answers, "and I'm handling it." Handling it? This again. I sigh, moving my lips to the side. I step in for a peek. Mom snatches the mail back from dad. Her face in a scowl, she turns to the sink. Dad throws his hands in defeat, shaking his head. "What more do you want from me, Vickie?"

"What you said you were supposed to do." 

"Hi, mom," I say with a grin to interrupt their argument.

"Sweetie, hi. I thought you were staying after school." Her frown was replaced with a sweet grin.

"Rehearsal was cancelled," I tell her, "the teacher's sister is having a baby." I dropped my bag next to my leg.

"Don't leave your backpack lying around," mom reminds me, rubbing her forehead. 

"Sorry." I pick it back up, wearing it on my shoulder. I walk up to my room so I don't have to hear anymore. Coming home to this everyday, it's what they do most of the time. About money, about bills, about everything. I lick my lips as I walk up the stairs. I almost shut the door, I can still hear them. 

"We'll talk about this after dinner," Mom tells him.

"Yes we will." I can picture her having her hands on hips, watching him leave and shaking her head.  This sucks.  I throw my bag in the closet, pull out my phone and lay on the back of my bed. I scroll on my screen, texting Quinn if she is free to talk. No reply yet. I ended up chatting with my other friend Jeremy to see what he was up to. He's busy too. A ping comes from my phone. 

Tell mom I'm at practice- Craig. The last one from my little brother. He's a sophomore, and plays baseball after school. 

All right - Maya

"Honey?" Mom knocks outside my door, "you busy?"

"No, come in," I say and lock my phone. She enters, peeking her head in. I sit up, scooting to the edge of the bed.

"How was school?" she asks.

"School is school," I answer. "How are you?"

"I'm fine, sweetie," she says, giving me a sad smile. 

"I heard you and dad. Everything ok?" 

She sighs, "your dad missed a payment for one of the bills. It's frustrating."

"Is there anything I can do?"

"Honey, just focus on school. Everything's ok. You hungry?" She tucked some of my hair from my neck.

"No, I'll wait till dinner. Craig is still at practice, he'll be home later."

"Ok." She kissed me on the forehead, leaving my room and closing the door behind me. I groan out loud, laying back on my bed, staring at the ceiling. It's about the same thing: bills. Dad's off and on shift hours, mom working part time virtually. My older sister, Stasie, is in university on a psychology scholarship. I miss her.  I hear my phone ping. It's Stasie, lo and behold. She sends me the GIF of Boo from Monsters INC with a sleepy face. I laugh.