"Sorry Andy. I've got work to do and chores," I stared at my phone waiting for a calm answer and got the opposite.
"I mean it's okay, but you should be trying to do better." His voice was clear. Andy was mad at me again for not having time to hangout.
I sighed and gave him my answer, while looking at the screen. "I have to go. See you." I hung up then.
I turned off my phone screen and listened to my mp3 player, while I did my math. I was jamming to a good song, so I didn't hear the door.
A hand landed on my shoulder, and I jumped. I took out my headphones and looked at the person. Just my brother Darien.
"What's up big bro," I asked. Normally he left me alone, unless it was to eat or drink. Sometimes I'd get the reminder to fall asleep.
It's been this way since we were very young. Or I was very young, Darien was about my age by that time.
"Dinner," he said quietly. He looked over the book I was doing. I switched to biology sometime mid-course last year.
He looked at it again, gave a weird frown and then headed for the door. I followed slowly behind him. As I went my body ached.
I hadn't realized I'd been laying down for so long. How time sure flies?
Dad was already eating dinner at the small table for four. Darien took his leave out to the backyard. He was avoiding me again.
It made me feel awful. There were times I would question if we were even related. It happens too often like this.
"Off to moms grave again, I guess?" I asked dad as I sat beside him, he had made pasta tonight.
"Probably to see Beth's grave, yes." Dad answered truthfully. "Are you so worried about him?"
"I don't know." This made me sad. I wanted to cry but held back. "Do you think he likes me?"
"Of course, Madison. He just misses her dearly, that is all." Dad said very reassuringly. "And you look like her so it's even harder on him."
Her huh? Not calling her your wife anymore. Or a lover, not even a mom. Dad must be upset about this too. We were once happy. I think.
"Would you tell me if he hates me?" I looked up from my plate and then down again. Dad was reading a newspaper now.
"If he'll let me." Dad answered.
I ate my pasta slowly waiting for him to come back. Hoping he'd come back, but he didn't. I wish I could go back to the good old times.