Farm Tag

Chapter 1. « Bad news. »

"What?"

"He will need a bed large enough for his splints."

I throw my headphones on my bed. I look at my mom, outraged.

"And where would I sleep?!"

"Marshall is freeing up some space in his room with your father."

"I won't sleep with this gross little one!"

"Angel!"

"He picks his nose when we're eating, Mom! His room must be even worse."

"We have no other choice."

"Why did you agree to take him in the first place? We already don't have enough money!"

"That's our problem with your father. Clear your room, we'll soon pick him up at the airport."

"Why can't he sleep in Marshall's bed?"

"Would you prefer Marshall to sleep in your room?"

I imagine him hanging his boogers on the wall and putting colored markers all over my stuff.

"Fine."

"Monique will pick up the jam trays, can you collect the money?"

"Yes, Mom. Take Marshall with you!"

"Planned, I won't have murder on my farm. Do you have any dirty laundry to wash while I'm here?"

"I've already put everything in the bathroom."

She smiles at me while rubbing my skull.

"I raised you so well."

She comes out of my room. I stand on tiptoe to grab my suitcase from the top of my closet and put away all the embarrassing things this fucking soldier could make fun of.

What prompted them to take in a soldier? I'm sure the state paid them to take him in, I don't see any other solution. I mean they're altruistic, but we're no better off than this guy in terms of quality of life.

"We're leaving, Angel. See you later!"

I close my suitcase by sitting on it and hide it in my closet. Will I have to share my closet with him?

I stamp my foot, stretching my hair. Why the hell did this have to happen to me?

I open Marshall's room, the smell takes my heart away. I lift my foot and discover fluorescent and sticky green slime that clung to my socks. I shake my foot but it stays hanging.

"Fucking shit!"

I finally managed to remove it with the hands of Iron Man's figurine, which are now very sticky. His toys hang on the floor, the racing car wallpaper doesn't make me want to sleep here.

Dad has already started putting the box spring on the floor, he'll probably buy the mattress when he gets back. The doorbell rings, I run down the stairs and smile when I recognize Monique.

"Hi, how are you?"

"Hello sweetie, still radiant as far as I can see. Aren't your parents there?"

"They left but I'll get you the jam."

"Thank you."

I put on my shoes and walk through the kitchen door to the garden. I grab the tray of jam from the table and go back to Monique.

"Did you drive here?"

"Yes, I parked a bit far from here. There was a sign that I didn't understand and I didn't want to take the risk. Fines are more and more expensive these days."