A Little Bit of Both

Chapter 1

Dear Rae-Ann,

I know this isn't the best way to announce you such important news, but I have to do so, and the only way I can is writing you a letter, since we cannot talk face to face or Skype each other. That would be silly.

Darling, I told you I would come back home by the end of the month, but, unfortunately, I can't. I have to stay for a couple more months, but I promise I will be back home as soon as possible. Just trust me. Tell your mother and brother and sister I am well, but can't join you, as I said before. The flight I booked for the next two weeks has been canceled for no reason, and, moreover, I have been asked to do yet more meetings. I know. I wish I could have a magic wand, so that I could come back to all of you.

But don't be sad. You won't be alone. There is Mom; though, if you think she isn't dedicating enough to you, you can always write or call me, if possible. I will try to answer. Remember, you have a huge responsibility: take care of your siblings.

Anyway, Aunt Leighty and Uncle Cale are in the surroundings and might settle in town for good. Well, Leighty called me yesterday, saying that you and the others need a little bit of help.

Take care and say hello to the others.

Your father
Jeremy Daniels

P.S.: Remember: school is important, as well. Don't neglect your studies!

***

Reading this letter is shocking me for a couple of reasons. Firstly, how come did this happen to Dad? Why are coincidences always on the way between him and his attempts to stick to promises?

Secondly, why is Aunt Leighty, Dad's naïve and irresponsible younger sister, with no children and a seemingly ineffective husband, supposed to help us? We already have a mother and two sets of grandparents. I think this is enough. But who am I to complain? Maybe Leighty is not that bad... Anyway, who knows?

Lastly, I think Dad is exaggerating with all the school matter. I am dedicated. I care about school, but I am not so depressed and anxious about marks like Hayden. He spends his fucking life on books, and therefore has no social life. I want to do whatever a normal teenager does instead, which includes studying, of course, but which also consists of many fun activities such as parties.

As soon as my thoughts are absorbing my mind, though, Mom calls me with her usual shrill and loud voice. "Rae-Ann?"

Again. It's about the second or third time she has called me today, interrupting my activities. I am supposed to finish reading the letter, but, obviously, I have to listen to her rants.

"Rae-Ann! Are you coming or not?" she insists.

"Ok, Mom, I am coming." These words are coming out lazily from my mouth, and, since I am feeling so lazy, I take very long time to hide the letter somewhere in a drawer, and go downstairs, barefoot.

Mom notices this and complains yet once again, "Rae-Ann Daniels! How many times did I tell you not to walk through the house barefoot?" She shakes her head in sign of frustration.

"Sorry, Mom," I mutter, more lazily than before. I know she is going to rant. I know she is going to reprimand me or whatsoever. Well, I don't care a fuck.

"Rae-Ann, tonight we are going to have guests for dinner," she restarts talking. I take a deep breath. Maybe Leighty is coming round, or maybe not...

I let her finish the sentence. "Since today we'll have new neighbors. They are nice people, or this is what I thought when I met them at the mart this afternoon."

"And...?" Curiosity is getting the best of me. I need to know if the new neighbors are that nice. The majority of the others are anything but.

"They have a daughter, who is your age."

Now, I am a little more dubious. What if the girl in question is a bitchy whore like Angel and her friends? And what if she is super friendly and we become friends but then my other friends become jealous of her? Mom notices my worried face and says, "Ok, Rae, I don't know her, or anything more, but we'll know later. Now change, please. You look like you're wearing rags."

Great. Yet more criticism. Why can't Mom just show some signs of appreciation?

Anyway, I obey and return upstairs to get changed. According to me, "getting changed" means picking the first random things from my wardrobe, which is a true mess.

I open the wardrobe and randomly pick a checkered shirt, a pair of low-waist black jeans and a yellow tank top. Then, I look for a belt, and find an old blue one I have been using for... like... ages. Later on, I reach the bathroom and have a shower, but, as soon as I finish showering, I barely manage to put on my underwear because Hayden rushes inside without either knocking the door or asking if there is anyone else inside. I am half-naked, my hair is still wet, I am covered by a small towel, and, what's worse, my brother is seeing me half-naked!

"Get out!" I yell. "Do you know what the fuck privacy is meant to be?"

But he, instead of leaving, calls, "Mom! Rae yelled at me!"

Before she could berate me again, I defend myself. "Mom! I am half-naked, and Hayden came inside without asking for permission!"

I hear Mom calling my brother. "Hayden! Get out of the bathroom! Now!"

He obeys and leaves. Damn, I got to move! I don't waste time any longer and get dressed. Then, I clean the bathroom and leave it. I go back to my room, and soon I find Jessica opening my drawers. She must be looking for something.

"Rae," she asks, "can I borrow your belt?"

"No, you can't," I answer coldly. She has the bad habit of borrowing my stuff without permission. I won't be lending her anything, but she is about to glance at me and then she may call Mom, or fake cry, or whatever.

"Ok, you can borrow the fucking belt," I scoff, "but you'd better return it to me if you want to live in peace."

She smiles back and takes the stupid belt. Now that the problem is solved, I take a nice pair of short boots and wear them. Then, I look myself at the mirror. I am feeling sexy. Maybe the new neighbors also have a son, which Mom forgot to mention.

Anyway, I finish drying and brushing my hair, then I reach Mom in the living room. Hayden and Jess are there, as well. They all look nice.

"Now, the neighbors are coming, and I expect all of you to be nice. And, Rae, make sure their daughter is feeling at home," she advises and then, "I hope this will happen."

"So do I," I reply with a huge smile. My siblings sit on the couch, whereas I stand close to the door, waiting for the great moment.

Continues on the next chapter