Twist and Returns

Chapter 12

*Chandelier's room 4:15pm*

~Chandelier's pov

"Hello"

"Hello Selene, how ya doing?"

"I'm fine, and you?"

"Well you know, same old same old" I ran my fingers through my hair. "How is Pete?"

"Pete is fine. He went out, but I don't know where he went to or when he's coming back"

"I didn't see you in school today. Is everything ok over there?"

"Y-yeah"

"Come on Selene, you can talk to me"

"Well, our parents are really mad that Pete was suspended from school. My dad is hard on Pete the most. I tried to explain why he got into a fight but my father doesn't want to hear it. Pete is angry that our parents would judge him without giving him a fair hearing. This was my fear initially, and it's all happening now"

"I'm so sorry about that. But in all of this, hope you're ok"

"I don't know. I mean I love Pete, and I hate to see him like this. My parents are not being fair to him at all"

"I totally understand. Your parents will come around eventually, and Pete will be fine. Meanwhile, you shouldn't be skipping school because of this"

"I know, I would be in school tomorrow."

"Okay, that's better. I missed you guys though" I smiled

"Really? I missed you too. Uh, hey, I gotta go now. My parents just got back. I'll see you in school tomorrow?"

"Yeah sure. Say hi to Pete for me"

"Okay, bye" Selene hung up.

I dropped my phone on my center table and sank into my bed. I thought about our conversation, I couldn't help but feel sorry for Pete. It's bad enough that he was suspended from school, and now his parents are putting so much pressure on him. They ought to be proud of him for standing up for his sister.

* * * * *

Bang! Bang!!

A loud bang on my door woke me up. I rubbed my eyes and stared at the clock. The time was 6:45pm. I felt too tired to get out of bed. How rude of Alex to wake me up in such manner.

Bang! Bang!!

"Ugh, go away Alex!" I groaned

"Get your lazy ass downstairs, it's time for dinner"

"Since when do you care if I ate dinner?"

"I don't" he stated.

I got out of bed grumbling. The third knock on my door told me Alex was still by the door. I scrapped my feet as I walked to the door and unlocked it. Alex stood by the doorframe with a smirk.

"You don't care huh? Then why the hell are you here?"

"Because nom asked me to call you. Everyone's at the table except you"

"Really? I'm surprised"

"About what?" Alex arched a brow.

"I'm surprised that mom actually sent you to call me instead of yelling my name all the way from downstairs. I mean, mom has really quit yelling my name? I'm impressed by... "

"CHANDELIER! get down here both of you" mom yelled from the kitchen

"Unbelievable" I sighed.

"Well, I guess she hasn't quit yet" Alex snickered. "Get used to it."

"Yeah, right" I said rolling my eyes.

Alex and I went downstairs to have our dinner. Mom and dad were already seated at the dining table. Alex and I joined them and mom dished our food.

We're having rice and tomato sauce with chicken.

Ugh, Alex's favorite!

I hate tomatoes!

"My favorite!" Alex said gushed.

"Yeah, whatever" I mumbled

"Quiet you two" mom scorned at us. "Have some table manners"

We ate in silence. I barely ate much before pushing my dish away. Alex grabbed my dish and added it to his.

"Don't do that Alex" mom said.

"What? I didn't do anything, she pushed her dish away!"

"Sweetheart are you done eating?" Mom asked me.

"Yes mom, I don't want to eat much tonight"

"You sure about that?" Dad furrowed his brows.

"Yes dad, I'm sure of it."

I was about to leave the table when I remembered that I wanted to ask my parents if I could join The Dragon's Junior team.

"Uh, dad?" I croaked.

"Yes sunshine"

"There's something I wanted to ask you, and mom."

"Ok hon, what is it?" They looked at me eagerly.

"It's about basketball. Our captain told me about a gym down town. They have a professional basketball team, and they're called The Dragons. They allow high school players to join their junior team. Most players in our team have joined The Dragons. I was wondering if you'd allow me join the team? I would love to play basketball with professional players"

"You wanna join a professional basketball team?" mom grinned.

"Uh, honey, I'll have to discuss this with your mother first, then I'll let you know what we decide"

"Discuss? What's there to discuss? Our baby girl is finally blending into our new environment and you want to discuss it first? We have to let her play basketball with the others girls in the team. She needs to start making some friends you know"

"Uh, well okay then. If you want to join a professional team, then you have our blessing"

"Really? Thanks dad" I squealed and ran to hug my dad, then my mom.

Alex coughed aloud, drawing everybody's attention. We all turned to stare at him.

"What? am I not allowed to cough in this house anymore?" Alex shrugged.

"Is there something you wanna say?" mom raised a brow at Alex.

"Me? No! Nothing! I'm good. It's all cool. I mean Chandelier is free to go down town to play basketball, that's cool"

"Do you have a problem with that?" I shot him a look

"I never said that" Alex shot back at me.

"That's pretty much what you're saying" I said annoyed.

"That's enough" mom cut in, "Alex, all your sister did was ask. So, if you have something you wanna do or somewhere you wanna go, all you have to do is ask, okay?"

"Eh" Alex blurted.

"Eh? What do you mean eh? Mom quarreled.

"Okay, okay mom" Alex said throwing his hands in the air

"Ugh, these kids" mom mumbled, rubbing her Palm over her forehead.

I decided to wait for everyone to finish eating so I could clear the dishes. I was particularly excited my parents allowed me to join the team. Alex hurried to his room after when he finished eating, Dad went to the barnyard to check out the farm animals. I helped mom to put away the dishes before going to my room.

It just occurred to me that I haven't done my assignment up till now. It's nightfall already!