The Last Scoop

Chapter One

"Now add the pistachios," Mom said.

"I know, I know," I replied. "I've been making this with you almost every week since I was four! That's like, ten years!" She smiled and placed her hand on my shoulder.

"It's going to be eleven years soon!" she cooed excitedly. "Your fifteenth birthday is coming up after two weeks!"

"Can I help to make the ice cream cake?" I nudged her. "Ple-ee-ee-e-ea-se?" It came out as a 6-syllable word. She shrugged.

"It wouldn't be right for you to make your own cake on your birthday." She grinned. "But I definitely need your help to make Benny's. He's gotta love it." I sighed, not exactly thrilled about making a cake for my annoying little brother. But it was better than nothing. Just then, Benny ran into the room.

"Zooooooom!! And Captain Benjamin lands safely!" he yelled, placing his toy airplane on the kitchen table. Benny looked in the bowl, his eyes filled with wonder. "I want some!" he said, reaching in with his pudgy finger. I pushed him away lightly.

"No, no, Benny! You've got germs. And I know that you don't even like pistachios," I said, folding my arms. He pouted and ran off with his airplane without a word. Mom chuckled.

"Maybe you're a little too hard on him, Hailey," she said. I scowled.

"I am NOT!" I argued. Mom laughed, but began coughing violently after. I placed a hand on her back. "Are you okay?" She smiled weakly.

"Yeah, yeah, it's probably just a cold."

"You should get some rest," I suggested. She nodded and went upstairs without arguing. I sighed. At least I could make the ice cream on my own...

****

Dad came late from work that night, so the food was cold. I couldn't help but pick my food around and I noticed Dad did too. I thought I saw a tiny twinkle in his hazel eyes when he sat up straight and said that he wanted to meet us in the living room.

As we sat on a couch, with Benny seated on Mom's lap, Dad explained his day at work and the usual things. But I could hear a bit of excitement in his voice.

"There is something I need to tell you guys." He took a deep breath. "I got promoted today."

"That's great!" Mom exclaimed. She could hardly contain her joy.

I was pretty ecstatic, too. Higher position means more money, which means more electronics! I suppressed myself from pumping my fist in the air.

"But," he added, "we need to move." It was all I could do not to gasp. For some time, no one spoke.

"Is it close by?" Mom asked nervously. Dad bit his lip.

"Um, no. It's..." He gulped. "In Montana."

"Montana?!?!" I exclaimed in shock. "That's halfway across the country!" Dad hung his head in disappointment.

"So we're not going?" he asked. Benny jumped up.

"I wanna go!! Oh, pretty please with a cherry on top!" he begged. I rolled my eyes. Benny was all for ruining my life. Mom coughed.

"I mean, I guess we could see how it is," she stated, her eyes watering. "It can't be that bad."

"But that means that I have to leave all my friends." I pouted. Dad sighed.

"It's gonna be hard for all of us, Hal. We'll just have to..." He paused. "Adapt." We all became very interested in our feet. I broke the silence.

"I'm gonna go sleep." I dragged my feet along the carpet and stomped up the stairs, being the regular drama queen. Even in my bedroom, I could hear Benny saying "We're going to Montana", in his annoying little sing-songy voice. Honestly, I think siblings are only there to shorten your life span.