Cigarettes, Sarcasm and the Complications of the Real World

5

I pull into my drive after a frankly elongated day of school.

I see a familiar car parked on the road.

I quickly climb back into my car and start the engine.

But a tall skinny man with traces of hair and a short pear-shaped woman with a pointed nose and a sour face scuttle out the door with Jess.

"Harriet!" The tall skinny man waves, smiling at me.

I stop the engine and sigh, clambering out my car.

He pulls me in for a strong but equally awkward hug. "Hey dad." I mutter.

"How's school been today?" he smiles making awkward small talk.

"Fine." I say, looking at the ground.

"That's good." I see the small pear- shaped woman examen her watch impatiently. "We're all going out for dinner tonight, me, Ynita and Jessica. You could come?"

Ynita (the short women) rolls her eyes, and hurries Jess into the car.

"I don't know..." I mumble.

"Pizza, your favourite." he smiles.

I shake my head lightly. "I've got homework to do and stuff..." I trail.

"Yes, of corse sure."

We hug and then he leaves.

I really do love my dad, but ever since he and my mom broke up it's not quite been the same. When I was younger I used to stay at his half the week like Jess does. But that was before Ynita, his wife. I don't think I've ever hated somebody that much in my whole life.

I slump inside. My mum comes to give me a hug.

"You alright hun?" She says, stroking my blonde hair behind my ear.

"Yea." I sniff.

"Cup of tea?" She smiles, lightly kissing me on my forehead. I nod yes into her chest.

"Mom." I mummer.

"Yes sweetie."

"Can we order pizza tonight."

She lightly chuckles. "Of corse we can."

I slouch up the stairs and into my messy room.

I can hear the TV done stairs, I want quiet.

So, like always I step out onto my balcony. Then I grab the loose brick on the side of my house and pull my slim body onto the slouched roof.

I inhale a deep long breath of cool air.

The streets below are noiseless as they often are in the suburbs of Holland, Ohio.

I close my eyes, lying down on the tipped roof. Pure bliss.

Don't wanna be an American idiot!

My phone sings loudly from my pocket.

I grit my teeth, open my eyes and bring the phone to my ear.

"Hello." I say blankly, the annoyance clear in my voice.

"I see you!" Will shouts down the phone.

"Yay! Bye." I say sarcastically hanging up the phone.

My phone rings again, but I ignore it.

I close my eyes, taking another deep breath and smileing.

Peace.

"Harry! Hey!" A faint voice shouts from the streets.

I grit my teeth and sit up, opening my eyes and seeing Will below me.