One Night Can Change Everything

2

I left the bathroom and went downstairs into the kitchen only to find it smokey with a bad burned smell. My mom, Kathy, was standing over the stove fanning a frying pan that was issuing puffs of smoke with a dishtowel. My 13 year old brother Benji was opening windows trying to help. The smoke detector started beeping loudly. I quickly pulled a chair out and unscrewed it from the ceiling. Once I did the noise stopped. Mom then took the pan over to the sink and turned the water on, making the smoke stop with a sizzle noise. Mom turned and seemed to notice me for the first time.

"Oh good morning bunny rabbit, how did you sleep?" She asked, like nothing even happened. I shook my head slowly and stepped down from the chair. Sometimes I honestly think my mother might be crazy, but I love her no matter what. "What happened mom?" I asked and set the smoke detector on the counter. "Hmm? Oh right, see I was trying to make you and Benji-boy spinach omletes but I wasn't paying attention and I guess they got a little burned." She said and gestured to the black crusty pan. "Just a little." I mumbled. "I tried to tell her that cereal was fine but she wouldn't listen." Benji said while going for a box of Fruit Loops. Mom made a face. "Cereal is not good breakfast food, it's full of sugar and who knows what else, plus it dosen't fill you up." she said and frowned. Benji rolled his eyes and dug into his Fruit Loops.

"It's okay mom, we like cereal, and next time you want to make us breakfast try something more simple, like toast." I said and hugged her shoulders. "Alright" She sighed. My parents have been divorced for awhile, dad was the one who could cook so mom has trouble with it. Benji and I live with mom most of the time, we spend every Wednesday with dad and his wife Terri. A year after my parents got divorced dad married Terri Because she got pregnant. They love eachother of course, but that was the main reason they got married. 3 months after their wedding along came my half sister Lola. She's over two years old now. I sat down at the table and poured a glass of juice.

"Anything happening today at school?" Mom asked. Benji shrugged, mouth full. "Not really, but there is a party tonight at Courtney's house." I said. "Which Courtney, the one who wears all that make-up, or the volleyball captain?" Mom asked while handing Benji a napkin. I laughed. "The volleyball one." "Do you want to go, because you can if you want." Mom said. I thought about it. I like Courtney, everyone knows her because of how great her parties are. "Yeah I might if I'm in the mood." I said. After breakfast I got dressed, comfortable jeans, blue band t-shirt, and converse shoes, typical outfit for me. When I was ready Benji and I got into my car and left.

I usually took turns with my mom taking and picking up Benji from school. This morning was my turn. "Have a good day Ben." I said when I dropped him off. He waved. At school I parked and checked my hair in the mirror. It was back to its natural frizz, like all that time with the stupid straightener this morning was for nothing. Oh well. I sighed and got out of the car, ready to officially start the day.

-Love By Teasha

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