Blood is Thicker than Water

 'A holiday!'

That's what my dad said two weeks ago. A trip to the Bahamas, far away from grey England.

Denise had squealed in delight, her stupid blonde hair flying about. Denise is my dad's new girlfriend. She has a fake tan and the most annoying, high- pitched voice ever.

Dad had kissed her, on the lips. Disgusting. They'd only been together for a couple of months, but the PDA was really getting to me.

But, no matter how annoying Denise was, I was so excited that day. Dad was finally going to spend time with me. I knew it would basically just be the two of us, because Denise would definitely be going on hour long shopping sprees. Of course, she would be using my dad's card.

An entire month with my dad. That would be heaven. Most mornings, he was already at work, and even when he was at home, he would spend the day in his huge office, working tirelessly. You see, he owns a big company that sells lots of school supplies. When my friends come over, they always question the dozens of glues I have, or the massive boxes of pen prototypes lying around.

And dad's girlfriend? Well, at least she actually acknowledges my existence. Denise hates me, and I hate her.

I was in my room when the argument started, practising the awesome song that my friend Mia had composed.

'Astrid!' she'd called, her glasses nearly falling off as she ran towards me. 'Have a look at this.'

Mia told me she wanted to call it "Blood is Thicker than Water". I don't really like that title, to be honest. Maybe it's because I don't really understand the meaning of the quote.

Anyways, it really is magnificent, that song. Plus, it fits in perfectly with the other instruments in our small band. Mia is the singer, Autumn's the drummer, Akari plays the keyboard and usually does the lyrics, and I'm the electric guitarist. Pretty awesome, if I'm honest. We're called "The Seasons" because we are four completely different people coming together to form something amazing.

'Astrid!' yells my dad as he opens my door. I can hardly hear him over the music. 'Can you stop playing? I'm trying to focus here, you know?'

I stop playing as he surveys my room.

'This place is a dump! What have you done?' he says, stepping in.

He notices my test results on my bed.

My eyes widen. 'No! Don't look at-'

'Fifteen percent?' he screams, his grip crumpling the paper as he reads.

'I- It's French, dad! I'm awful at French! Maybe you would've known that if you'd spent more time with me instead of typing away at your stupid computer!'

The moment the words slip out, I know I'm in big trouble. But I don't care.

Dad steps forwards. 'Well, my "stupid computer" is the thing letting us go on holiday.'

'I-'

'You know what? You aren't coming.'

I stare at him in disbelief. 'What?'

'You can stay here, on your own, if you think you're so independent. I'll get your auntie to check up on you every few hours. No holiday for you.'

'I don't care! I-'

'David! Can you take me to the shops?' calls Denise. 'And can you pick up my friends on the way too?'

'Coming honey, I'll be there in a second,' he says, giving me one stern glare before slamming my door shut.