Spell Break

2. Poptarts and Popularity

Ok, hey sorry about this but I'm changing a few things. The external link didn't work, so i am going to start linking songs that you guys should listen to while you read.

Disclaimer: I don't own these songs, so all rights go to the actual artists. and stuff.

Sad song by We the Kings:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BZsXcc_tC-o

{(2)} Popular by MIKA ft. Ariana Grande

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OHW2EC9ZqlM

~~~

I open the door to my house using the spare key under the potted plant. Honestly why does my dad like so many potted plants?

"Hey dad I'm home!" I call, wandering the large hallways into the kitchen.

Dad sits at the granite countertop, his laptop setup next to a pile of paperwork. His usual steaming cup of tea rests on the table next to him.

"Hey Crash! How was school today?"

"Dissected a frog in biology today." I say as I rest my backpack on the large counter, and begin making myself an after school snack.

"Again?"

"Yeah the teacher was being an absolute fart-bag today."

"Fart-bag?" My dad raises an eyebrow at me.

"Sorry, I've been hanging out with drama kids again."

He shrugs, laughing lightly. "Of course you have."

I shrug and toss a pop tart over to the toaster, where it lands perfectly inside. Dad's eyes grow wide and he gives me an approving nod. "Where'd ya learn that?"

"I have a lot of down time," I wink. "so I get lots of practice."

"Impressive." He says as I toss another in with the same result. I take a deep bow, and he applauds my efforts.

"You know what else is impressive?" I ask, pouring myself some hot water from the kettle on the stove. I take a seat across the massive counter from my dad, and carefully dip a tea packet in. "I convinced a bully to ask the shy girl to homecoming."

Dad nods, looking back at his laptop. "Nice! Strong work, Darling."

Then I spill the story to him. I tell him everything about Parker's proposal, the two weeks left, the bus incident. By the time I'm finished, Im close to tears, and my pop tarts have been ready for a while. I didn't know it had affected me this badly, but all the feelings over the last two weeks finally broke through the dam walls. 

Dad comes around the island and wraps me in his arms, stroking my hair. "Honey, I'm so sorry. If I could lift the curse, you know I would. In a heartbeat. But that is out of my hands. I promise, you'll find someone. And if you don't, just never forget that I love you, K kiddo?"

I nod into his shirt, and he stoops down and scoops me into his arms. He plops me on the giant sofa, and drapes a blanket over me. He hands me my cup of tea, and gets my pop tarts out of the toaster, taking a bite before handing me the plate.

He does this whenever I'm sad, or feeling down. I love it when he doesn't have work to do, and he snuggles up with me, and we watch stupid chick-flicks together late into the night.

But tonight is not one of those nights. He has work to do, and I have school in the morning, so he goes back to his laptop, and I go back to Netflix.

Just the way its always been.

"Hey dad?" I ask.

"Yeah?"

"Are you gonna be here on Saturday?"

"Sorry sweetheart, I've got work." He winks, and I know exactly what kind of 'work' he is referring to.

"Are you going to bring everyone here again?" I ask, imagining the house full of Greek deities.

Dad chuckles. "No they called us all out to New York City."

"Oh." I wilt a bit. "Have fun."

"Thanks Crash." He ruffles my hair. "If it makes you feel any better, you can throw a party here."

"Really?" I ask, surprised.

"Well, yeah, anything for you, sunshine. Just has everyone out by midnight, I don't want to upset the neighbors again."

"Awesome. Sounds like a deal."

He makes me promise to do my homework if I watch some tv, and I agree.

I watch an episode or two of a feelsy show, then begin on my homework. Dad left to the office down the hall, so I have free range of the kitchen.

So naturally, I play sad songs while dancing around and 'doing my homework'.

Stupid math equations, dumb biology post-lab worksheets, and world maps swirl together with the music to create one giant depressing atmosphere.

I wander around the kitchen, and eat whatever I find.

One of the perks of being the daughter of the god of love: I'll look good, no matter what I eat.

frog worksheets. Stupid frogs. But hey its better than the salamanders worksheets. I shiver just thinking about those.

{(2)} The song changes to a 'popular' remix by some teenagers, and that gives me inspiration. When in doubt, party it out. I sent a group text to a bunch of school friends:

Hey Everyone! Party at my place, Saturday at 7! Bring a towel, a swimsuit, and an empty stomach! ;D hope to see you there!

I tap my chin and think for a moment. The party is going to be pretty lame with only ten people coming. Lets up the stakes.

Feel free to bring friends!

Perfect. Send.

Within ten seconds I start getting replies from all my buddies. Parker even replies with:

Alrighty! Can't wait to see you again Crash!

My instinctive reaction is to hiss "Traitor." But then again, he never betrayed anyone. He's my best friend, and that as all. So I wait patiently as replies filter through all night long.

Back to biology worksheets. Frogs. Salamanders. Mongolia. Ireland. Photosynthesis. Party. Tajikistan.

Sometime after 9 Dad walks in and sees the mess I made with food and homework, and kindly instructs me to clean up after myself. I do so, then scamper off to bed.


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