The Trials and Tribulations of a so-called Trouble Teen

Chapter 24 - Can't Buy Me Love

TW: Discussion of abuse, violence 

Maya and I have been up early this morning since we can't seem to get anymore sleep. I was exhausted last night, so it's strange. It's only, what? Half 6? Normal time for Maya to be up anyway, although today she's up an extra hour. With all this extra time, she's got ready and is doing school work. I've just been lying here scrolling through my phone, clearly the opposite. You can see where our priorities lie. I don't know what it is, but this morning Maya seems very chaotic. Sort of like she's frantically rushing to get something done. I've barely been able to get a word in because she's so focused on her work. I feel kind of alone. Is this just going to become a daily reality for us? This is certainly not the future I dreamed of.

E: [sighs]

M: [closes laptop] What's wrong baby?

E: [stimming and looking at floor]

M: [walks to bed] Hey. [sits] Do you want to tell me something?

E: [looks up] No.

M: You sure?

E: Yes.

M: [presses weak spot] You sure you're sure?

E: [shaking]

M: Come on, tell me.

E: I'm not happy.

M: Why?

E: You've been working all morning and barely spent any time with me.

M: I told you that I just needed the hour to get everything done, and it's done. We need to get you ready now anyway.

E: What if I don't want to get ready now?

M: You have to.

E: And why is that?

M: Because you're supposed to be leaving in over an hour. [pulls to bathroom]

E: [struggling] Let me go!

M: [locks bathroom door]

E: Why?

M: Lower your voice. Your sister's still sleeping.

E: [glares at]

M: I'm not the one who's delaying getting ready, I don't understand why you're getting on like this. Come on, your clothes are sitting there, why not just get on with it?

E: [sighs and starts getting ready]

Every. Single. Time. She's right about timing, yes, but Maya's need to control every little aspect of the situation is getting far worse. I don't necessarily want to tell dad about it, but I might have to. I should just pretend to let it slide, that it's no biggie. But if I do that, she might get worse.

/

E: [making porridge]

G: Buen día Evin.

E: Buen día papá.

G: [making coffee] And how are you this morning?

E: Unnecessarily alert.

G: How come?

E: I've been up since half 5. I just couldn't sleep any longer. [walks to table]

G: Was Maya up too? [follows]

E: She was, yeah.

G: How are you feeling about today?

E: Fine.

G: No worries?

E: None.

{Graham's POV}

Did something happen with Evin this morning? They seem very agitated and unwilling to answer any questions. Did they even sleep in the first place? The past week or so has been really tough for Evin. Their suspension seemed to not bother them when it happened, but with them being home alone a lot, I think they've had it on their mind constantly, and for the first time are starting to regret what happened. Maybe they're stressed with Maya moving in? Evin is definitely starting to talk back more and not being nice to. They're not being very nice to anyone for that matter. Sometimes I wonder if it's just me putting too much pressure on Evin that's causing them to crack, sometimes I wonder if I could've done a better job over the years. This has got to me my fault in some way or another.