Judged

Chapter 2

[Authors Note: So, when I first wrote the prologue, Harper's younger twin siblings were named Lennon and Lennox, but I changed Lennox to Alanis because I realized Lennon and Lennox were only different by one letter. Stupid me, lol. Sooo I changed it. The twins' names are Lennon and Alanis :) Happy reading!]

Chapter Two     

With one eye open I glance over at the clock sitting on the table next to my bed, 1:36 PM

All I want is to lay in bed the rest of the day and read or watch tv until it's time to go to sleep again. But I guess I better make at least one appearance downstairs so my family doesn't think I've died or something.

Really I just don't want them to come up here and bug me, especially not my mom... I shudder at the thought. 

Pushing the covers to the side, I drag myself off the bed and pull on my favorite sweatpants. I could honestly live in sweatpants, like if my entire wardrobe was just sweatpants, hoodies, and a couple pairs of jeans I'd be happy. Might as well dress comfortably, it's not like I plan on going anywhere anytime soon. At least I hope not. 

I don't know what comes over me but I decide to look in the mirror hanging on the inside of my closet door. Big mistake. I stare at the girl reflecting back at me before quickly looking away, and closing the door. 

I looked a complete mess. Paler than usual. A horrible case of bed head. Hollowed and colorless cheeks. Chapped lips that not even Burt's Bees could cure. How had I not noticed this huge change in my appearance? How long had I been wearing bags underneath my eyes? 

Surely my parents had noticed by now, too. SHIT. The last thing I needed was them up my ass about how unhealthy I looked. I hate when they worry. I'm fine... I just look a little different. 

Closing my bedroom door behind me, I walk down the stairs, more like tumble down the stairs. I land at the bottom with a THUD noise. Rubbing my soon to be bruised bottom, I notice Lennon in the corner of my eye. "Hey buddy, good morning."  Afternoon my subconcious reminds me. 

"You ok sissy?" he lets out, seriously looking concerned. Bless his little heart. 

"Yeah, I'll be okay...Where's Alanis?" Lennon and Alanis are usually attached to the hip, I was suprised she wasn't next to him. 

"With mama at the doctors. Daddy's in the kitchen making your favorite," he sings the word favorite in an almost sing-song voice. 

I laugh. "Homemade mac and cheese?" 

"You know it," my dad says, peeking his head out from inside the kitchen, smiling. 

I ruffle Lennon's hair and then walk down the hall to the kitchen. My dad is standing infront of the stove, stirring the noodles. "That was quite some fall," he says deadpan before a smile forms on his lips. 

"You know dad, that was so funny I forgot to laugh," I say to him. "But my butt really does hurt now," I wince as I sit down at the table.  "Mom took Alanis to the doctor? Is she sick?" 

"Er.. Yeah..I guess." I don't question him further even though I know he's lying. He clears his throat and changes the subject, "So uh, your mother and I agreed that-"

"You made a deal with the devil?!" I blurt, hoping he doesn't get mad that I just referred to my mom as the devil.  I'm relieved when he chuckles. 

"I suppose you could say that. Your mother and I agreed that tomorrow you should go back to school.." he tenses, knowing what's coming. 

I let out the loudest, most irritated sigh of my life. I really regretted leaving my room today. 

"It's like she wants me to hate her, I swear. She deliberatly does these things to annoy the shit out of me!" 

"Language!" 

Normally my dad is completely fine with me cussing, knowing I picked up the habit from him using profanities around me so often when I was a little kid.

I know he's only reprimanding me right now because Lennon is in the living room, and the last thing he wants is my four year old brother going around saying "shit" at daycare. 

I look over at Lennon, and he's entranced in the movie he's watching. From the sounds of it, Monsters Inc. My dad sets a bowl of mac and cheese in front of me. I take in it's amazing aroma. Man, I love food. 

I hear my moms key turning in the lock, and sprint towards the stairs, my bowl of mac and cheese in hand.

"I'll be in my room!" I yell to my dad. I practically trip going up the stairs of death and force my way into my room, slamming the door shut behind me. 

******

After hours of watching a Teen Wolf marathon on MTV, I decide now would be the perfect time to take a shower. Gathering my stuff, I stick my head out the door and look both directions to make sure the hallway is clear. I walk across the hall to the bathroom,  and plug my iPod into the portable wireless speaker. 

Fall Out Boy sounds through the speaker, and I start the water. 

Almost an hour later, I'm wiping the fogged up mirror with my towel, singing along to Hall & Oates' "Maneater." I pick up my dirty laundry and throw it in the hamper. I unplug my iPod, and open the door to see my mom standing on the other side. I jump, letting out a muffled noise similar to that of a yelp. 

"Better get to bed. School tomorrow," she turns and goes back downstairs.

FUCK! She sure knew how to ruin a good night.