Truth be Told ✔️

Chapter 22

"We have never ever had a family day," I said in disbelief. "Ever. Mom, seriously, you swore the last time that we went out that you would never be caught out in public with more than one of us. It's been six years, and you have stuck with that promise. Why break a good streak?"

Seth echoed my complaint.

My mom fixed me a with a stern look. "Hush, Alexa. I just got home, and seeing the both of you off in your own worlds with your friends and sports and relationships made me realize how close you are to moving out. Seth's a senior and you're a junior. I have two years!"

"So this is your way of making sure we don't change our minds and stay home?" I asked.

She shot me another one of her dirty looks that was on its way to being permanent on her aging features. I mean, she can complain about the lines all she wants, but she is just doing it to herself. Our concerns and mumblings were justified.

"Mom, we're not religious. Never have been, and unless you are visited in the night by the ghosts of present, past, and soon-to-come, then we never will be. Unlike most families, family day doesn't apply to us," Seth insisted.

"Hold on," I said, interrupting my mother before she could take another swing at my brother. I was going to beat her to it. "It's the ghosts of past, present, and future, Seth. Besides getting the context wrong, you also messed up the names."

Seth narrowed his eyes. "My abundance of Christmas spirit is well known, I'll have you know," he scowled at me. "I watch Scrooge once a day for every twenty five days of December. I know what the ghosts are called."

"Sweetie, there are actually thirty-one-"

"You are listening to the Spanish version," I snapped at him. "It's the ghosts of past, present, and future. I'm calling bull on your so-called spirit if you think that the names are fucking present, past, and soon-to-come, in that order."

"Hey! That language is not tolerated in this family," commanded my dad.

Seth scoffed. "I don't even remember you being around for Christmas."

"Neither were you!"

"That's different. I had a car. Once you actually become a real person and get a car, you'll understand that it's basically impossible for you to ever be at home."

"I have my drivers license. I only lack a car, but that's because you have no life but don't want to come home and face that so you hog the car and sit in a fast food parking lot and stuff your face with fries and cry," I sneered. "I have actual friends to drive me places."

Seth's mouth hung open. "What thebhell Do you mean I have no life? I am the senior regingin state quarterback for Baylor. Do you know how many people come to the football games just to see me?"

"Yes," I replied easily. "One. And that's Taylor. And she's only in it for the sex and to keep you from getting too fat eating the ball park fries."

"Football is more of a life then...what do you even do? Jog. If you're going to even attempt to exercise, sis, pick something real and run cross country or something. Jogging is for losers who don't have cars."

"Seth do not go there," my mom warned.

"Too late," I snarled. "Alright Seth. You're right. You do have a life. Now that you have everyone's attention with this petty argument, let's talk about it. While I am running and making good, responsible choices, you choose to spend your free time away from failing classes at The Problem."

Seth's eyes widened. He lunged forward to do something, anything to take out his frustration on me, but the seatbelt clicked and locked, holding him in place when his hands were inches from my neck. It was my turn to be shocked when I didn't feel his hands around my throat. I was almost just strangled by my brother. Homer Simpson style.