Handcuffed Rivals

2

„Mum! Mother!" I raced around the house, my dog Cedric barking at my footsteps, swinging his tail from happiness. Whenever I was in a bad mood he would glue himself more to me until I patted his fur. Then he would be satisfied and turn to his next victim. It was like he felt who needed the most hugs that day and runned after them to give it.

„In the kitchen!" she yelled just as I neared the corner. I bounced in place, holding my hand near my chest „Gosh, hello to you too."

„Not my fault you always yell at me. That Carter boy again?" she knew even when she didn't know anything. That's my mother, always keeping up with the gossip, especially those linked to her daughter, the talk of the town.

„Yes, and we call him King in this household." I sat on the rolling chairs and swinged around, an act she hated the most and warned her children about numerous times. Yup,you heard me right-children.

 There is four of us and I'm an only girl and the youngest. It was hard being me, really, with all those boys and their extravagant hormones so I usually yelled all the time and for anything possible. That's probably why they call me a brat most of the times, except Jared, he kinda likes me. That is because I leave him alone, don't ask much questions, don't give a fuck about his wherebounds and share muffins our aunt makes every Sunday when I steal it from the kitchen.

Aside from him who is a year above me, my other two brothers don't aknowledge me much, just when there's a need of punching every boy that comes near me. Not that they have to do that much, they already terrorized half the town.

„You are the only one who calls him that." Mum put the smoking pan down and turned around towards me „Jenny said you got a call from the Principal?" it wasn't a question, more like a statement.

„Ah, how you always know things before it happens."
„What did you do?"
„Nothing serious, really, and Mrs Jenny could use another entertainment, I'm getting quiet annoyed with her." The lady was a good neighbour and a nice person to chat with when you have none and just want to talk pointless gossip to speed up the boring weekdays, but sometimes, on the days like this, she could be too noisy for her own good.

She knew everyones personal business, not that I had any with the jerk, but not to deflect the subject, she just knew things she shouldn't know and wasn't ashamed to hide it.

„Bea, we do not talk about eldery people like that, especially about such a caring, old soul." If I could, I would've rolled my eyes so hard in that moment, but mum didn't appreciate my sarcastic soul, yet she glorified the 'one leg in grave' ones.

„How is she caring when she sticks her nose in everyones business? It's called tattletale, learn the difference Mum!" she raised her finger and I shut it instantly. „Okay, okay."
„Don't change the subject." She warned again.

„I'm not, it wasn't like something extraordinary happened. I insulted him after he stole my clothes and left me naked." The pan nearly fell on the floor when she turned around again mortified. „He did what now?"

„AHA, SEE! That's what I told the Principal as well-„
„The Principal?" she yelled.

„Calm down okay, it wasn't nearly as bad as it seems. He stole my clothes while I was in the shower at the Gym, and when I came to the Indemnity I told everyone he has a small, you know..." mothers eyes widened from horror „thingy."

„Bea Ann Cooper this is not how I raised you!" the lunch was long forgotten during the time she collected her thoughts and lowered her yelling „You should be a lady, not an immature boy like himself."

„But he started first-„
„I don't care what he started, I am your mother and I raised you better than that."
„Okay." My voice sounded like a defeated whisper. „I won't do it again."