Renegades | JJ Maybank

01

I looked at my reflection in the mirror and the silver beads of my dress shined with the sunset coming through my window and I sighed. I hated wearing dresses, I hated posh parties and the way my family forced me to go to every single one of them. The party was supposed to be in my honor, to celebrate my graduation, but I did not want any of that. I would be happy wearing a top and some shorts while drinking beer with my friends at the beach. Unfortunately, my parents thought this was a great opportunity to throw one of their formal events for the "nice people of the society" - kooks, all of them with loads of money and their glamorous looks.

"You look gorgeous honey. I'm so happy for you. Tonight is gonna be excellent" My mother walked into my room with a big smile on her face.

"Yes, I hope you'll enjoy it, because I sure as hell won't." I rolled my eyes and walked to sit down on the side of my bed.

"Language, Scarlett." She started pacing around the room. "Tonight everything is about you, you're gonna be on the spotlight. You are an Ambrose, we have to maintain a certain level in front of society. So all I ask is for you to smile and not throw another one of your tantrums."

"I don't care if I'm an Ambrose. I just wanna be a regular girl who is happy and free and does not have to attend all these stupid events, doesn't have to force smiles and pretend she enjoys hearing people talk about how many yachts they have or how big their houses are." I threw my arms in the air in protest but my mother ignored me and went into my closet, returning with an old wood box in her hands. I had never seen it.

"We've already discussed this. Do not be ungrateful. Do you know how many people would like to be in your position? Would you rather live like those damn Pogues that are always getting in trouble?"

"At least those damn Pogues have fun and they are free to do what they want. They don't have parents that put too much pressure on them and force them to be someone they don't want to be."

My mother sighed loudly and put the box next to me on the bed. "I'm tired of hearing you complain. Yes, we put pressure on you so you can succeed and be the best and continue with the good name of the Ambroses. One day you'll understand. Now put on your heels and hurry up. The party has started and the guests are waiting for us outside"

She stomped away from my bedroom and frustratedly, I pushed the box away, letting the fancy shoes fall messily on the floor. I covered my hands with my face and let out a frustrated sigh, hoping my mom could still hear it.

I didn't feel the need to be the best, I didn't want to live the kind of life my parents expected from me. I did not want to represent the Ambroses and I couldn't care less about reputation or money.

I grabbed the shoes lying on the floor and put them on. I recognized them. They had belonged to my grandmother. I had seen pictures of her wearing them in balls the family would host at our own house. I smiled when I thought of her. She had Alzheimer's ever since I could remember so I had never grown up listening to her stories of when she was younger. She was locked away in a nursing home and every time we would visit her, none of her conversations made sense.

After climbing down the stairs, my mother carefully put a flower crown on my head. I simply stood quiet. It was useless trying to talk her out of it. My father showed up in the living-room, adjusting the buttons of his spotless white shirt.

"Is everyone ready? We're already running late to our own party" He said.

"Well, next time you go to your daughter's room to hurry her up and you argue with her. I'm tired of her ungratefulness." My mother stepped closer to my father.

"Again with this conversation, Scarlett? We gave you everything and you want to throw it all away? We're not gonna let that happen. One day you'll understand the importance of being an Ambrose. Now come here so we can make our first appearance at the party. And smile; this party is in your honor after all"