Like Sheaves Of Corn (#Wattys2016)

Sowing: Intelligence

Today I was participating in the school's annual readathon.

I was so nervous. Though I tend to talk a lot when I'm surrounded by people I know, I'm actually quite shy. Nobody ever believes me when I say so because I'm always making speeches when our school is hosting an event and because I'm in the drama club and because I talk a lot.

I freak out when I need to be in front of people but once I'm on stage, I try to suppress the nerves and I guess it works out.

Anyway, I got second place and that sucks. I hate how second place always needs to fade away into the background so that people can congratulate the winner.

I'd rather be third than second. Mom said she was proud and she took the medal and certificate and placed them on the trophy shelf.

I feel like that silver medal is taunting me, telling me how I have failed, standing too proud against my gold medals and making them look dull; taking away their shine.

I called dad to tell him the bad news. He told me that he was proud, and that I did well. I believed him.

He asked me whether I knew that a group of spiralling hawks is called a boil, I didn't know so I was glad.

I like this new little tradition of ours. It's our thing, something only we share and I love it. He asked me whether I had made a decision, I kept quiet and he said he understands. Dad is smart like that; I'd like to think that I take after him but I don't want to get ahead of myself.

I think I should start writing fun facts of my own just so that I have something to say to him when he brings his up.

I'm not sure that there's anything dad doesn't know. He's really a jack of all trades...except for knowing what to do with his family.

Scratch that. I feel bad...I love him but I feel bad for mom and I don't want to cause her more pain.

I will stay with mom and I think it would work out pretty well if Abe went to live with dad.

That way, nobody will feel abandoned and unwanted. Abe and I could switch on weekends or even weekly.

Let me call dad.

Dad says mom wants full custody...why is it so hard? Why do they want us to choose? Why do they want to tear us apart?

Talking to mom isn't as easy as talking to dad. He understands me and he is always willing to listen without changing the calm look on his face.

I'm afraid to talk to mom but I will have to...for my brother and for dad.

Diary, what do you think I should do?

Oh I forgot, you're just me.

* Pride, muster and ostentation are all collective nouns for peacocks

* Leonardo Da Vinci's Last Supper is in the city of Milan

* Fleas have no wings ( duh! But I hope to trick dad a bit)

*Triskaidekaphobia is the abnormal fear of the number 13

* The plastic thing at the end of a shoelace is called an aglet

* In weaponry, the abbreviation SAM stands for Surface of Air Missiles

* The birthstone for the month of September is the Sapphire

* Lepidoptera is a group of insects such as butterflies and moths

That should do for now :)