Rhyme's Dream

Beat, you have a dream. You just haven't dreamed it yet.

It's true. My brother has plenty of potential. He's strong willed and stubborn and if he can put his mind to it, he can do just about anything. He just needs a little nudge and some patience. But I guess our parents lost theirs and Beat's too.

Why can't you be more like your sister?

Don't say that… Beat's great the way he is. Why can't you see that? Sure he's rough and rash, but there's more to Beat than you guys realize. He's a lot of things that I'm not. Just because I'm getting good grades in school doesn't mean that he should be following my example.

You don't even see just how much it hurts to see you guys go at each others' throats like this. You don't have to shout like this. There are better alternatives to confront someone. Don't use me for an example. I'm only doing so well in school because I feel like I have to. After seeing you guys

It just wasn't right. I'm his sister and all I can do is try and reassure my brother. If I attempt to intervene, then they'll yell at me too and things would fall apart at the seams. I'm sorry, Beat. I can't really say anything this time. As your sister and friend, I want you to be happy and achieve your goals. Mom and Dad aren't really there to support you, but you'll settle for me, right?

"That's it! I'm outta here!" He roared.

Beat stormed out again and as usual and I ran after him. It was routine whenever he and our parents fought to such an extent. Even if it was daily, I still ran after him. Beat had a habit of getting himself into trouble. I know he would come back, but I'm scared. I'm scared of losing the only person who mattered! Beat was the only one who saw me for me. Everyone else just look at me and my clothes and assume I'm some kind of gangster wannabe. Beat was there for me when no one was. I want to repay him and I want to help him in the same way.

Rhyme, what are you? Some kind of gangster wannabe?

Nah, she probably thinks she's a boy!

Haha, she can't even punk anyone for shit!

Even if he doesn't show it that often, Beat cares. All those times I was bullied for the way I dressed and spoke, he stood up for me. Beat was always crashing his way through things rather than stopping to think, but it's what makes him the brother I know and love. His actions showed me it was okay to be myself and that I should just go for my goals and face things head-on. Although, I prefer to be a bit more prepared before doing so.

That's part of my dream actually. I wanted to cheer up my brother whenever things were low and things seemed dark. I excel in school so my parents can feel good about raising a good kid. I did those things for their smiles. I just wanted us to be a happy family again. I dreamed that dream for years and I'll keep dreaming it until it comes true. Our family's a bundle of polar opposites, but there was a time we all got along just fine. No yelling, no crying… It was just peaceful, warm and happy like a normal family. I don't want to lose that. I don't want us to forget what we were.

"Rhyme, look out!"

CRASH

Then I realized I took away her reason for living…