Chapter 3

As I sat in the car, all I could think about was the stories I was going to tell my sisters, especially my immediate elder sister, since she loved hearing stories a lot. I couldn't wait especially when I knew it was going to be a long drive. "Do you need anything?" He asked, since we were driving through the Mandarin market, a popular market in Jacksonville known for its amazing local boutiques. I want a sweater from my grandmother when she was going to buy a few clothes for me I was like a tradition for us there is no way my grandma would send me back home without new clothes and shoes These were some of the things I gladly looked forward to whenever I went to visit her and sometimes she doesn't let me pick what I want. After all, she just wants to be the one who gives me something out of her own choice, and even though I really don't like the clothes you gave me, I never turn them down because I always see how happy she is whenever I say thank you, and I accept whatever she gives me.

"Thanks, Dad, but I don't need anything right now. Maybe we can stop at the next restaurant to eat. I'm starting to get hungry," I said. "No Problem," he replied to me.

My dad was kind of a different person whenever it's just the two of us not that he doesn't care but you know he kind of never gives you so much attention to want to stop by at the market to get you something except he planned for it but why on a drive to somewhere it doesn't really do that but Whenever is just us he tests to pay a little more attention to me or maybe because he missed me since I've been away for over two weeks I don't know but I kind of do enjoy it

Citing the next restaurant he gently pulled over, "So what do you want to eat?" He asked as he opened the door and got down, likewise me, "Anything?" I said as we both walked into the restaurant.

We found an empty table and sat down. I looked around the restaurant, though it was not that big, but it was sure comfortable and warm. I smiled to myself wondering what it would feel like running a beautiful place like this. I was just about to drift into my World imagination when I was interrupted by my father's voice.

"Anna, I think we should order fried fish and shrimp," he said, looking at the menu and then looking up at me, waiting for my answer. "No problem," I said as he gently waved his hand, and the waiter approached us with a smile on her face.

"Good day sir, you are welcome. What can I get for you both? She asked my father to place the order while I was satisfying my eyes scanning every corner of the place "That will be all, thank you" my dad said and she thanked him and walked away shortly after she returned placing the meals on the table she turned and said to me "I hope you enjoy your Meal dear" I smile and thanked her.

I began devouring the food, and honestly, it was amazing. "Do you like it?" my dad asked with a mouthful of ffood"YeYess so delicdeliciousaid and h,e smiled as I could see this satisfaction in his eyes.

"Well you better already be up here you know we still have a long way to go" as he said that I nodded my head

The less than 20 minutes we were done and headed outside he got into the car and the journey began again, You know that feeling when you are looking outside the window of a car, you tend to think about your life, your dreams and some people think about their love life, you know just getting yourself out of reality once in her while imagining what your life could have been if things turned out differently.

But I was just imagining myself, being the queen of England's daughter, what it would be like to be a British person, and maybe I would have a different name and personality but then I figured it means I wouldn't be able to know my grandma even my family "No I'm kinda happy with my reality" I said to myself.

"Did you say something?" My father asked, unbeknownst to me, that I might have said it a bit aloud, I knew if I said no, he would think I'm starting to talk to myself, which is weird. "Yeah, I was singing," I said, and he didn't say anything else. It seems like he bought the lie. I reached for the car stereo and connected my phone to the car's audio system via Bluetooth and started playing my favorite tunes. "Now that's why to enjoy a long ride," My dad said excitedly, and we laughed it off.

He was right, music is more than just a beat and lyrics are like a sound the soul recognizes. When you listen to good music, even your spirit and your soul dance to the beat while your mind enjoys the lyrics.

I can't believe I have been sitting for almost three hours. My butts was starting to hurt, and I looked up to see the signboard "Welcome to Atlanta." I smiled to myself. I'm home with loads of stories and gists and finally my butts can rest. "You seem excited?" My father asked, "Who wouldn't be? My butts hurt like hell." I said, and he chuckled.

In less than forty minutes, my father pulled over to our house, and there it was. Our house is not that big, just a simple duplex but perfect for our family. It has a cozy living room with big windows that let in lots of natural light. The kitchen is warm and inviting, where we cook meals together. The bedrooms are comfortable and just the right size for each of us. Our backyard is a lovely spot to relax and spend time together.

The house may not be fancy, but it's home. We've made many happy memories here, and it feels warm and welcoming. It's a place where we can be ourselves and enjoy each other's company. We've decorated it with our favorite things, and it feels like us........

Chapter 4

My mom was waiting outside the house, you know that part where you kinda already know what you are gonna look like when you are much older? Well, that's my mom.

People say I do look so much like her, although she's a bit chubby while I'm skinny, but when you look at me, you could possibly tell she's my mother.

Although sometimes I don't really see it, whenever I take pictures with her, I end up seeing the older version of me to be honest.....

"There she is, how was your trip?" She asked as she carefully examined me to make sure I was looking fit since I hardly eat food. "It was amazing as always," I said. I took my bag and we both went inside while my dad went to park in the garage.

Immediately I walked inside, my siblings (Two older girls and two younger boys) came out from their rooms, I figured they didn't hear the sound of the car so they had no idea I had returned

Our eldest daughter Jennifer is 17 at the moment, she is almost about to graduate from high school, you can tell from her attitude because she knows she is about to become a full grown adult, while the second daughter Monica, she is 16 years old, she is so beautiful that she was the first to have a boyfriend even before our eldest daughter, but what can I say boy likes good things don't they?

Don't even get me started on our first son, although he's just 13 years old he's so annoying, you know that one sibling that you just feel like murdering not killing you know like, they just pissed you off because of how annoying and silly they can be, that was my brother Jordan, and I know I'm not the only one who feels like killing him, my two sisters do too, although he gets along with Monica than all of us he's still annoying and doesn't know when to stop, the one thing I appreciate is how helpful he can be at times other than that please spare me the love your blood nor matter what.

Lastly is Kelvin, he's 9 years old, the baby of the house, when you talk about an angel, that's Kelvin so sweet and fun, he's my favorite and sometimes I feel like I'm his favorite as well, he gets so much love from everyone that it seems hard to him to have a favorite, even though Jennifer wouldn't let anyone into her room but not Kelvin he's always welcomed, although he can be stubborn when he wants to be but I bet you he's so sweet that you just can't see him do anything wrong.

When you talk about bonds, remember when I told you that I wasn't really anyone's favorite, while you already guessed, Jennifer and Monica kinda get along or let's say Jennifer loves Monica a lot more than all of us, while Jennifer and I we kinda don't connect so well but she's my sister, not like we hate each other but she wouldn't let me borrow any of her things but Monica can, even when I asked for permission she wouldn't give me but Monica can have it without asking.

Monica and I connect well but that's because she finds me way cooler than Jennifer, she would tell me things and ask me not to tell anyone, and she shared secrets with me more than anyone else, so she's always around me you know wanting to know what's going on with me while she shares her secrets and updates with me and personality I appreciate it, only because I feel good than she trusts me more than she trusts Jennifer even though she loves her more than all of us.

You already guessed Jordan and I don't go a day without wanting to kill each other; he's so annoying that he plays stupid and risky pranks on you. One time he touched a leaf that scratched the shit out of him, he brought it home and asked me to rub it on my body after lying to me that it brings out water, out of curiosity I did and it was brutal I was scratching myself to dead while he stood there laughing so you know why I don't really trust him, he's so mischievous, although sometimes we gist and talk you know he's your blood and all.. but boy is annoying.

"Flat ass, you are back," Jennifer teased. "Welcome home," she said and walked inside; I simply smiled and wasn't expecting anything more anyway. Monica hugged me. I could tell she had lots of secrets to share with me "Grannie's baby, how are you?" She asked; I told her I was doing great.

"Ooh, I thought you were going to live with Grandma forever?" Jordan asked, no hello or welcome but I wasn't even bothered. I mean, his being too nice was going to be weird anyway, so it's better that way. Plus, I'm already used to it.

Monica helped me carry my bag as she began asking me loads of questions about Florida and if I met any cool boys there; before I could say anything or answer her questions, she began telling me about this new guy she added on Facebook and how cool and handsome he was

Chapter 5

"Guys, hurry up, you are gonna be late, but it's not like I have any other choice but to go. "Did you see my wristwatch?" Monica asked, standing at the door looking a bit anxious, "No I haven't, I wasn't even around remember?" I said, she sighed, and walked away

Just then my phone buzzed, I picked it up and saw a message notification from my bestie, Felly "You won't believe the gist I have for you, I have waited so long to finally tell you this" The content read

I smiled and put my phone away, although I became curious what it was going to be, we spoke throughout the holiday and I could tell she was hiding something because of her constant posts on her status and her always being busy, I felt she was hiding something but I'm glad she just wanted to tell me in person

"Hey Anna, please can I borrow your black hoodie, please, please, I haven't washed mine," Jordan pleaded with me.

Seeing how serious and anxious he was, I decided to say yes, plus I just got back, and he hasn't done anything yet to piss me off, so he's still in my good book for now. I signaled him to go grab it from my wardrobe. "Thank you! Thank you so much, " he excitedly said and went to my wardrobe and took it, thanking me one more time before making his way to the door.

We were all already to leave, I was the last one to get downstairs, only to find out that my dad left with the rest of them without me "What? Didn't you leave with them?" She asked as she looked surprised. Don't worry this is not the first time they have forgotten me and the worst part is that none of my siblings could speak up and say I wasn't around

I just made my way to the door without saying anything to my mom, as she already understood how disappointed I was whenever my dad and siblings did things like this. Normally I would go over to the neighbor's house and plead with him to drop me off since his office is close to my school. "You know what? Just hold on, I will drop you off, darling," my Mom said before I opened the door. She quickly went to the table looking for her key. Seeing how determined and sorry she was, I decided to wait for her.

"Let's go, hun," she said as soon as she grabbed her key. We both left the house, making our way to the car I got into the car I was furious. This was the first day of resumption, and I couldn't afford to be sad or upset.

I began imagining how disappointed my dad would be in himself if he realized he did it again and maybe even yell at my siblings and tell them how much of a terrible siblings they were and maybe Jennifer might get upset and tell him if he would have been a good father he wouldn't have forgotten any of his kids and on a second thought I figured it was gonna cause a big problem for the family so I quickly stopped imagining such ridiculous things I already know my dad isn't gonna be affected that much so it was fine.

"Hey, I know how disappointed you are when this keeps happening over and over again, but I'm truly sorry for that, and don't you worry, I will be dropping you off from now on, okay?" She said as she placed her hands on mine. I don't even know what to say to her "I guess that's fine at least I won't be bothered by being left behind" I said and she chuckled although I wasn't trying to be funny but I guess she was just trying to cheer me up

Just then her phone started ringing, I figured this was definitely gonna be my dad when he figured he had done it again, my Mom at first refused to pick up which made me a bit happy but after the third ringing she decided to pick up "John?... Why? I thought you always take them to school.... I don't know.... I said I don't know, why don't you check your car, maybe she's hiding somewhere..... Whatever bye" she disconnected the call and hissed

I felt a bit relieved seeing he got scolded, at least I can't tell him what's exactly on my mind but now I feel happy at least, few minutes later we arrived at the school my dad and siblings were standing outside I guess they were waiting to see if the neighbor would drop me off as usual but surprisingly to them it was Mom, as soon as we got down from the car, my Mom went to Jennifer

"What kind of behavior is it, young lady? You are the eldest, can't you at least notice your sister wasn't with you? Can we explain that it always has to be her who gets left behind? This is not the first time it has happened. It's not pleasant at all. At least check on your sisters before leaving the house. How many times do I have to tell you that?" She yelled at her not minding the attention she was drawing to herself and Jennifer.

I believe we all know that part when we try not to get emotional about things but when someone tries defending you and puts it in a way you didn't even view it in, then you begin feeling emotional to the extent of crying, that's exactly what happened to me, tears began rolling down my eyes as I heard her say "why do I always get to be the one that it's left behind" I could see her sympathetic face, although I didn't want her to see me crying but I could not help it I might have over stored my tears, making it overflowing "I'm sorry darling okay, don't let it get to you it's not your fault, I will see you later" she said and walked away, I decided I was definitely not speaking to them, so I walked away as well without saying anything