Forehand

Platinum cards

I was munching on the chocolate-chip pancakes in front of me and humming along with my music when I felt someone tap my shoulder.I turned towards the person only to find Rose,our cook telling me to take off my headphones.

I took of my headphones,when she waved a $20 note in my face and frowned and said"You sure you don't want me to whip up something for you?I can re-construct last night's lasagna."

I shook my head and smiled"I'll be fine.The vending machine still lives,Roza."

She wrinkled her nose because Roza(Russian for Rose,Rose (maid)is originated from Russia) believed that chips and skittles and jellybeans and specifically as she likes to say "čert"(shit in russia) is cafeteria food.Believe me,I know.

But I know she secretly likes skittles and hobnobs.I have seen her sneaking them in.
She just finds it hard to appreciate american junk food,that's all.

"Okay,Now you need to go,kiddo or you'll be late for school.And that reminds me come back as soon as you can,your parents called.They want to have a talk with you."She said holding my arm before I could skip away,hearing the "parent word".

"You mean talk to me as in video conference me and tell me not end up in the Principal's office and wear better clothes.Definitely up for it.Excited."I said sarcasm literally dripping from my voice.

Roza shook her head and muttered some Russian profanities because I couldn't understand them and I guess they were profanities that is what everybody does when they meet my parents.Literally.Just ask me.

I reached for my car key and also took my jacket hanging on the coat hanger.

I got in my silver jaguar and the smell of leather came over me.I smiled and waved at Roza and made my way to the school.

I parked my car in my parking spot nearby Sherri Hill High School,my school.
As I entered the premises,I was met with curious stares but mostly people passing by,not noticing me.Like I didn't exist and I liked it.I don't hate attention but I particularly don't appreciate it much.It's not like I would stammer or puke but still.

"Hey Victoria! How you doing?"said Chance Taylor,my  best friend swinging his arms around my shoulders.
"Nothing much.Same old,same old but if you're gonna ask for my lunch,know that I told Roza to hold it back today."I said smirking knowing how much he loved Roza's cooking.I mean,who doesn't?

Chance groaned beside me and pouted.I just burst out laughing real hard at his attempt to be cute as he pouted.

I heard familiar laughs join me on seeing Chance,it was Lisa and Sarah,my other two friends.

We all talked about our weekend as we entered the building,to our lockers when we heard the bell ring and knew we had to proceed to our classes.
...............Last period..............

I groaned internally as Mr.Ahmed continued telling us about mitochondria.He was our
Biology teacher.I mean I like science but still sometimes it's a drag.

The bell rang and the smiles and delight on every face was like Santa Claus had appeared on class.

I met up with my friends and then went home.Henry greeted me at the gate and then at the door.He took my backpack which I appreciated but never encouraged.

I went up to my room when Roza called for me on the intercom"Get ready,Victoria.Your parents can call any time.I'll set some snacks for you as well.
I want you down in another 3 minutes or so."

"Okay"I replied back and went to was my hands and face.I wiped my face with a towel only to see my face in the mirror.I just looked at me for sometime.I don't know why?

I just did.

When I heard the intercom ping again,I knew Roza needed me downstairs.I put my glasses back on and ran down the stairs when I heard Roza say,"Don't run,Victoria.Just hurry along."in her thick Russian accent.

I rolled my eyes at her and took the sandwich from the plate.
Suddenly,I heard a creak and looked to see Roza with a pitiful face.

"Yeah.Yeah.They're here.Cheer up."I said exiting the kitchen with the sandwich in my hand.

I sat on the couch and looked at the computer,only to see my blond-haired mother and father staring back at me.Well, my father was talking to someone on the phone.

"Hello,Victoria. It's nice to see you."she said in a reserved voice."Hello Mother.Hello Father."I said as I nodded to both of them.

Before they could continue with their extra bullshit,I cut them off and said,"So what have I done this time to receive this visit?I should say I rather feel honoured."

She rolled my eyes at my way of addressing her warmly.Sarcasm be my bitch.
She still continued "Very well,daughter.We have called to tell you that our annual platinum card at the country club is expiring and we need to make full use of it by some godforsaken rules,while you can,so your father and I decided to let you know that you are responsible for using it."

I just stared at her like she had just grown another head.
After a while,"No.Hell no."I deadpanned.
"Victoria Marie Richwood!
Watch your language.You will not talk to me that way."
"See,I told you David,we should have enrolled her in the private school.She's learning god knows what in that godforsaken school."She continued telling my Dad.

"Victoria,behave.Be nice to your mother.We have your interests at mind too."My father spoke,excusing himself from someone on the phone and then resumed his talk.

"More like on a notepad to remember them."I muttered bitterly.

My mother just ignored and said"I have two options for you to choose from and those are either you have a complete makeover and regular spa treatment at the club for a month or you can learn a sport like tennis or swimming."

Now on a regular day,I would never opt for athletics or sports but I am not a fan of makeovers,although I would not mind a day at the spa.

"You can sign me up for tennis classes and I'll mix it with spa days."I said in monotone.

"Great.I'll talk to Ralph."She smiled at me.Actually smiled.For a moment,I had forgotten.

"Yep.Whatever."I said reminding myself that it was just me.

"It is something productive to do with your time.Please don't let this opportunity go.Keep your grades up.Do your homework and take care.We love you,Tori,We do."

She did.She called me Tori.

"Victoria,mother.It's always Victoria for you."I said taking a deep breath.

She sighed and waved at me.
I waved back.
She pinged offline.

I shook my head at my life.
"I need a cigarette."I muttered to myself making my way to my car but not before telling Roza not to wait up for me as I'll be late.