Imperfectly Perfect

Six

"Hey Dad."
"Yes?"
"I, um got an English essay back today."
"From that sentence I take it you didn't do well."
A ping of anger shoots through me. "Actually I think you'll be impressed.i worked really hard and I actually got the second best grade out of all of my teachers classes."
"Why not the best?"
"The other kid only had one point higher." I say slowly as I'm taken aback by his reaction.
"Well what did you get?"
"It was worth 200 points and I got a 199."
"Wow."
"Yeah-"
"That must of been an important essay. wouldn't it be nice if you had gotten a 100?"
"Are you serious? When I found this out yesterday I was so happy because I thought it would make up for my math test and you would be proud. I couldn't wait to tell you, but you didn't get home until late last night so I had to wait until this morning and I was so excited and you're actually disappointed?"
"A good grade in English doesn't make up for a horrendous grade in math."
"It wasn't a "good" grade. It was an excellent grade and my teacher thought so too. I am so done trying to pleas you because I was so happy and you just ruined it." I feel tears rolling down my cheeks. "You don't even care about how I feel."
"I care about your future and in order for your future to be successful you need tough love."
"Screw tough love. Screw your fucking approval." I grab my keys and my book bag and storm out the car as he shouts angrily behind me. I slam on the gas on don't calm down until I'm almost at school. I park and reapply my makeup. Unlike usual I apply two coats of black mascara then I stare at my car mirror and look down at my outfit. A white shirt with a white tank top underneath and black jeans. I'm still angry and I'm feeling rebellious. "Fuck it." I mutter. I'm tired of being little miss perfect. I'm tired of not having a boyfriend because "it will distract me from my school work" and the fact that boys just think I'm some prude nerd. I take off my shirt and then the tank top. Then I slip on the white shirt again. It's a little see through which is why I wore the tank top, but why bother? My bra is light grey so it's not like it really matters although at first it does feel wrong. I squirm in my seat and pull my hair out of the clip I put it into earlier.
"Hey."
I turn to my window startled. It's Alex from detention. I grab my bag and get out of my car. "Um how long have you been standing there?"
"Well after I pulled in and saw you stripping I got out of my car and I aw you were upset so I walked over. I wasn't here very long."
I feel my cheeks flushing into a vibrant red. "Um...I...."
"Don't usually change in front of people? don't worry about it. Honestly from what I saw no guy would ever not like you taking your shirt off in front of them."
I shoot him a glare. "Creep."
"Hey, I just think you have a lovely upper half and I am complimenting you."
"I guess that's what I get for stripping in the parking lot of my school." I swear under my breath and start walking with him.
"So what's with the sudden change?"
"Honestly I'm done with being little miss goody two-shoes. I want a change."
"Well you came to the right person. I don't believe in changing for other people, but I sure as he'll believe in changing for yourself."
"You would help me?"
"Sure."
"How?"
"I'm not sure yet, but you should give me your number so you can help you when I figure out how."
"Oh nice try to be smooth." I smile teasingly.
"Oh you're a sassy one Annabelle aren't you?"
I smile, "Yes, that I am."