Harder,Better,Faster,Stronger.

Chapter 3.

By the time I got home, I was exhausted. I collapsed on the couch and gulped down a glass of water. Who knew running could take so much out of you ? Oh yeah, I did. My legs felt like they were jelly and my feet killed. I really needed to buy some proper running sneakers.

“What are you doing up so early Ari ?” a voice asked. I jumped, making me spill water all over myself. I swore under my breath and looked up to see it was my mom standing there with a half confused look and a half amused look on her face.

“ I Went for a jog. Can you imagine I managed to make it all the way to the mall !”I Said cheerily, boasting about my run. A look of surprise took over my moms features, and her jaw dropped. I almost rolled my eyes, surely it wasnt that unbelievable that I was doing exercise ? I looked down at myself.. well, maybe it was.

“ That's great honey ! Good for you !” mom said with a grin on her face but then that quickly changed to confusion again. “ But why ?”

“I've decided to lose weight mom. I'm really sick of dealing with all this bullying and teasing. Plus, i've signed up for self-defence classes. So next time someone tries to bully me I can kick there ass !” I said, grinning happily. I saw tears swell in my moms eyes before she pulled me up and into a bone-crushing hug.

“ I'm so proud of you baby ! You're finally learning how to stick up for yourself !” she let go slightly so that she was looking at me directly in the eyes. “ but you have to remember to always be yourself. I don't want to see you change from my beautiful ari to someone that you're not, okay ?” I smiled at her.

“Okay.” I replied. She was right, I couldn't lose myself in this. I needed to stay true to myself and not become big headed about my looks. No matter how good they turn out to be.

My stomach grumbled. Oh no. the moment of truth. I slowly walked to my fridge, in suspense. I opened it and saw all the different foods there. Cakes, burgers, pancakes, waffles, and cookies ! I moaned, cookies are amazing ! I closed my eyes, pinching the bridge of my nose and counted to three. Whilst slightly opening an eye, I pulled out a bottle of orange juice and slammed the fridge door shut quickly before i could spot any other food. I also grabbed an apple and sat down on my dining table, staring at the feast before me. I picked up the red apple, studying it closely. I don't remember the last time I had a piece of fresh fruit.

Slowly, I brought it to by lips and took a tiny bite out of it. Hmmm... not bad. I took another bite out of it, but this time a bigger bite.

“Mmmmm... Sho jushee !” I mumbled to myself, with apple still stuffed in my mouth. I heard a chuckle and turned to see my dad leaning against the doorframe and smiling at me. I gave him back a toothy grin and quickly finished my apple and chugged down my orange juice.

“ Your mother told me about your exercising but I wouldnt believe it until I saw it with my own eyes.” he said whilst gesturing to my running outfit. “ what's all this about ?”

“I've decided to lose weight, thats all.” I shrugged casually. My dad didnt know about the bullying. I could just imagine what would happen if I told him...

“Dad ! No !” I shouted. He didnt seem to notice. He just loaded his shotgun with a crazy look in his eye. He laughed maniacally.

“die ! DIEEEEE !!” He roared, and shot Melissa who was running not so fast because of her stillettos. Then tried to shoot jason but like very ninja-like, Jason jumped out of the way so the bullet hit the principle instead. Dad swore under his breath and then grabbed my face.

“Look, Ari, when I go to prison you're going to have to be the man of the house. Pay the bills, go to work, and keep your mom sane. You know how crazy she gets. Forget about that dream of yours of opening a cupcake shop because its-"