Morning Hustle

cont.

I screw up my face and go to the kitchen, dropping the bags at the front door on the way. I make toast for everyone and pour a glass of orange juice for myself. As I sip it Charlie comes into the kitchen and sits at the bench.

"Morning Catty," he says with a grin on his face. "Morning," I reply and push the toast towards him. He eats it up messily, as I eat mine. Mum comes into the kitchen a few minutes later, dumping her bag at the front door also.

"Is everyone ready to go?" She says taking a bite of her toast.

"You know we don't have to go mum," I state, looking at the bottom of the glass.

"I know," she says with a mouthful of toast. "It will be good to get out of the house for a couple of days."

"We're going to see a big banana, what's so exciting about that?" I say nibbling my toast.

"Well Charlie's excited, aren't you Charlie?" Charlie lets out a big grin and begins clapping his hands, "yea, yea, yea!"

"So? Charlie gets excited about everything." I say putting my cup and plate in the sink.

'What's that supposed to mean?" Mum says putting her toast down on her plate.

"You know exactly what it means."

"I don't think I do. Tell me what you mean."

"Nothing," I say rolling my eyes as mum never understands, "I didn't mean anything." I go to leave the kitchen but mum blocks the way.

"Catherine, tell me what you meant," she grinds her teeth together.

"Ooooo, Catty you in trouble. Mummy's angry," Charlie laughs.

"Shut up Charlie!" I shout, frustrated by now.

"Catherine, there's no need for that!" Mum says raising her voice.

"What? Just because he has autism I'm not allowed to say shut up!" I scream furiously.

"Catherine!"

"It's not my fault! It's not my fault he has autism!" Charlie begins to cry.

"Catherine bequiet." Mum speaks with a stern, yet soft voice as she tries to comfort Charlie.

"No. I hate my life. I hate it and nobody cares!" I yell, I've burst into tears now as well. Charlie and I are both crying and mum's trying to comfort us both.

"We need a break," she whispers. "We'll get through it. Trust me it's gonna be okay." I nod my head.

"We'll get through it."