So, at lunch, I ordered my usual—let's call it a mega cheesy burger—and sneaked to the back of the school, trying to hide like a ninja. I was just about to take a big bite when—bam!—someone snatched my food right out of my hands.
"Hey!" I shouted, jumping off the ground and sprinting after whoever dared steal my lunch.
When I finally caught up, I saw who it was.
Oh boy.
It was my big, annoying brother.
Before I could do anything, he shoved a huge bite into his mouth and then, just for fun, threw the rest of my food on me like it was some kind of snack.
I looked at him, totally annoyed, and asked, "WHAT DID YOU DO?"
He just smirked, that sneaky, 'I-just-ruined-your-day' look on his face.
"I'm so glad you're here," he said sarcastically.
"I wouldn't want anyone to see me with a goat.''
A GOAT? Seriously? I'm the cutest kid in the world—thanks to Mom's genes—and he's calling me a goat? Wow. Thanks, bro.
"Yeah, well, take this," I snapped, punching him right in the stomach. He winced, clutching his tummy like I'd just performed a miracle.
Yeah, that'll teach him not to mess with me.
I grabbed what was left of my lunch, dusted myself off, and tried to walk away coolly. But I couldn't resist glancing back.
And there he was, still wearing that annoying smirk, like he just won a prize.
Suddenly, I bumped into someone and—oops!—my tray dropped on the ground with a loud crash.
When I looked up, I saw Mark—tall, handsome, and looking down at me like I was some kind of cute little bug.
He adjusted his glasses, and I swear I turned into a statue.
What was I doing? Bowing? Was I about to kiss his shoes? Nope! I quickly stood up straight, trying to act normal.
"Uh, I'm sorry," I mumbled, hoping nobody saw how awkward I was.
I didn't want any trouble, so I decided to just walk away. But nooo, my brother had other plans.
Out of nowhere, he grabbed my arm and pulled me back with the strength of a gorilla.
"This is the ugly goat I was telling you about—my sister Ayana," he announced loudly, like he was introducing me to the world. Thanks for that, Jake.
''Nice to meet you Ayana'' Mark said, and hearing my name from his mouth made my heart skipped a bit, But I shook my head. That wasn't in the plan.
Mark, the tall, dreamy guy, smirked even more and stretched his arm toward me like he was about to shake hands.
I just brushed Jake's hand off my and walked away, leaving Mark's hand hanging there, Honestly I didn't noticed him, but I am glad I didn't it would have been trouble.
And so, I walked away, my lunch tray forgotten on the floor, my brother still grinning like he'd just won some weird trophy, and Mark just standing there, probably thinking I was the cutest, most awkward girl in school.
Yeah, today was definitely "the goat's" day.
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After all the hoopla at school—my food fight, meeting Mark, and my brother's latest antics—I finally made it home. I flopped onto the couch like a fish out of water, swung my bag aside, and tossed my shoe in some random direction. Honestly, I had no idea where it landed.
All I wanted was a moment of peace.
Just as I was about to drift into dreamland, I heard my mom's voice booming from the kitchen.
"Ayana! Come and help me with dinner!"
Ugh. I just got back from school, and all I wanted was to rest. But nope, apparently, resting was a crime in this house.
"Coming, Mom!" I called back, trying not to sound too exhausted. I didn't want to be chased around with a cloth hanger like some kind of wild animal.
I dragged myself to the kitchen, which isn't very big but feels like a tiny palace filled with love—at least that's what I tell myself.
Maybe I was talking too much to myself because suddenly, my bloody brother showed up.
"Hi, Mom," he said casually, pulling out a bottle of water from the fridge like he was on some kind of TV commercial.
My mom smiled at him and said, "Hi, son. How was school?"
Wait. She didn't ask me that. Nope, just him. I rolled my eyes.
"School was closed an hour ago," I said with a fake smile. "Why are you here now?"
He just sneered and replied, "I got into a fight. What's your problem?"
I was about to explode. But before I could, Mom gently tapped his shoulder and said, "Oh, my son, always getting into trouble."
He winced at that, smirked at me like he just won some prize, and then ran off like he was escaping the law. Honestly, I didn't care.
I turned to Mom, crossing my arms. "Why does he get to sit around and play while I always have to work?" I asked, trying to sound annoyed but honestly feeling a little tired.
She just smiled softly, her tone becoming more serious. "Because I want you to survive when you are on your own, and not depend on anyone. Just like I depended on your dad and then he left us."
Ugh.
That hit me hard.
Dad left with all our money and went off with another woman. Mom was always busy taking care of the house, probably wondering when her life would get better.
I didn't know exactly when they divorced—must've been when I was five—but I felt that ache in my chest every time I thought about it.
I forced a small smile, trying to lighten the mood. "Sorry, forget I asked," I said softly, laughing a little to hide my feelings.
"What's for dinner?" I asked, changing the subject quickly.
Mom smiled again, her eyes soft with love. "Your favorite—fried rice and chicken," she said.
I nodded gratefully even though it's what we ate for three days this week I am glad we're happy together.
Despite everything, I was lucky to have her. And maybe, just maybe, dinner would help me forget the chaos of the day.
--------------
Okay, so here's the thing about my dad. Honestly, I'm not 100% sure he left us because of some woman.
But come on—why not? It just seems… too weird. Like, one day he was there, and the next, poof! Gone with a new girl.
And I'm sitting here, thinking, Did he really leave for her? Or maybe he just decided he was tired of our family sitcom and hit the escape button. Whatever.
It's honestly so strange and annoying. I hate when my brain starts doing that deep thinking—like I'm some kind of detective trying to find clues.
And then I start talking to myself, because, well, who else is going to listen?
"Why did Dad leave? Was it because of that woman? Or did he just get bored of us? Maybe he found a new hobby—like bird-watching or golf. Or maybe he just ran out of excuses and thought, 'Meh, I'll just disappear!'"
Meanwhile, Jake always keeps eyeing me like I'm some kind of crazy monkey. I swear one day I will poke his eyes.
And honestly, he might be right. He's got Dad's good looks—sharp jaw, fit body, the kind of guy girls swoon over.
Meanwhile, I got Mom's small face (which I swear is adorable), and somehow I have blonde hair? Yeah, I know. I'm a walking contradiction—like a weird mix of a Barbie doll and a banana.
And let's not forget my "coca-cola" body—small, cute, fragile, but still awesome. I mean, who needs to be a supermodel? I'm just trying to survive and look good doing it.
And you know what? Ugly monkey, my foot.
I may not be perfect, but I'm definitely not ugly. I'm just a little… quirky. Like a rare Pokémon—hard to catch, but totally worth it.