Reverie

(03) Grades

Noemi - Sunday

I picked at the food in front of me with a straight posture, identical to my brothers. Mashed potato gravy, pasta, and a side of veggies.

I'm so tired and sleepy. I spent the whole day studying for the Physics test that I have tomorrow. I didn't even know there was a test until one of my classmates emailed me for my notes. To top this all off, I suck at physics. It's compulsory to learn in Science for year 9.

Lately, I think I'm slowly losing my appetite day by day. I feel disgusted when I eat more than two meals a day. Sunday's are those days. All my brothers tend to be home on Sunday to spend time with each other, so they make sure I eat properly. 

I find this bullshit.

I have breakfast, and dinner around six, and then thats it. I eat snacks in between or after, but it's all healthy like fruits,

Majority of my brothers are health conscious, instinctively passing down their habits to me. I don't mind eating healthy meals like this either, it's helpful to say the least. I have lots of school and out of school commitments where I need to be physically fit.

But, I already ate two meals today, so if I eat any of this I'm going to get fat which is not a good look for tomorrow as I have volleyball. My stomach swirled in disgust at the thought of my stomach bouncing while I run for the ball.

"Is something wrong, tesoro?" Elijah asked, making me come back to reality.

(Sweetheart)

"Uhm, yeah. I just feel full. I told you to give me a smaller portion," I directly spoke to Elijah, looking up at him.

His eyes furrowed as he glanced at my plate, my own gaze following down to my plate.

"I'm sure you can take a few more bites, you only had two proper meals today," Romeo educated.

Damn him and his doctorate degree.

"Please," I begged, giving him my sweetest eyes.

"You're taking five more bites than you can excuse yourself."

My gaze snapped to his, subconsciously staring at him rather aggressively. He cocked an eyebrow at me, daring me to say otherwise.

My gaze softened in defeat, and I nodded, hesitantly shoving a questionable spoonful in my mouth.

If I throw up it's his own fault.

"Right, I think it's time I tell you all about some exciting information." Alessandro stated, addressing the whole table.

The chatter died down as I half heartedly shoved another spoonful.

Please God, don't make me wake up tomorrow with extra fat.

"Our cousins will be moving back into our home after their two year business trip."

I softly gasped in shock.

They're coming back..?

"When are they coming?" Romeo asked, excitement radiating off his voice. A smile beamed on his face.

Cute.

"Right, today is Sunday.. Monday.. Monday. They're coming on Monday," Alessandro answered.

"Wait, like- forever-forever? Right? Like, joining school and things?" Moreno questioned, still not understanding the situation.

I eagerly waited for the response. I hope they can stay now. We used to live together, everyone remembering us as a big family of siblings, until they had to move due to business reasons two years ago.

"Yes. And Noemi, your volleyball coach informed me about your volleyball game tomorrow. If the others aren't jet lagged, then we might come to your game."

I nodded my head in surprise.

That would be my chance to show them what a strong girl I've become. My mind came up with different ways I could spike the ball over the net.

'Let's all congratulate Ms Noemi for her amazing skills as an outstanding outside hitter.'

"Noemi? Noemi..? Noemi!" I jumped in my spot, switching back to reality.

"Yes, Elijah?" I spoke in a rush.

"Are you done?" He questioned, gesturing to my plate.

"Oh! Yes, yes." I reply by handing him my plate.

Only two bites and no one even noticed. I kept my cocky smirk at bay.

The so-called family dinner has finally finished.

I stood up from my chair, grabbing my phone from my pocket, looking at my socials.

Time to relax, finally Noemi.

"Noemi, can you come with me to my office," Alessandro beckoned as he gestured for me to follow.

I widened my eyes, as I glanced at a few of my brothers that haven't left the table yet.

Lucas wiggled his eyebrows at me, thinking I was probably in serious trouble, but he just looked funny.

I followed Alessandro to his office, and closed the door behind me, settling down on one of the chairs in front of his desk. He sat down on the other side, taking his laptop out to show me something.

"I got a very concerning email today from your teachers.." Alessandro trailed off, clicking away on his laptop.

Ah crap.

I'm a good student, what have I probably done?

Did I get a bad grade on a test? Did I talk to one of the teachers rudely, although I doubt it-

"Mr Marchetti, I'm afraid to inform you about Noemi's lacking grades. She's normally a straight-A student, but her Math teacher has enlightened me about her getting a B+ on a recent Maths text. Given her track record on receiving high grades she bumped it up to an A-, and also looked at her previous tests. She said her marks on every test were slowly dropping, giving us the result of this email. After conversing with other teachers, it is said that it's the same for Science. We are glad to have you and your siblings enrolled in this school, and find this situation unfortunate, given you and your brother's track record." Alessandro stopped talking and my heart dropped.

He was still reading through the email. Oh God, there's more he isn't telling me.

Flip, I should have stayed up longer when studying about all the different types of angles and substitution problems.

"We recommend a tutor for Noemi, a student named Danil is more than capable of teaching her after school or whenever it's suitable for both parties. Please send me a follow up email regarding this." His eyes finally left his laptop as he looked at me.

I looked like I was caught.

A big sigh left his mouth as he began to talk.

"Noemi, why didn't you tell me you were struggling in school?"

I opened my mouth to reply but nothing left my mouth. I have no excuse.

"Look, I'm thinking a tutor would be a lovely choice, but it's up to you. Do you want one?" He questioned.

I looked to the side as I thought of it. I can not have a bad grade, it's going to ruin my perfect report card that my family's going to receive at the end of the year.

If a tutor will help my grades, then I should take the help.

I glanced at Alessandro, my answer known. 

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1112 Words

Guess who's back?