Everything I Can Do You Can Do Better
By: Kryptonite
_____Let's Push Things Forward___________________________________
You will never guess what happened today! Kara exclaimed, slamming into the kitchen.
Hush! Your brother's talking. Kara just stared at her mom as her older brother recounted the altered adventures of his day. Just as bummed as she had started the day, Kara dragged her feet all the way up the stairs.
I can't do anything right, can I? She asked the air, securely locking the door behind her.
No, Dustin is the perfect child. He's the only one who can do anything.'
Oh shut up. She muttered, plodding lethargically to her desk. I'll never get permission for it now.
Kara had been offered a shot at the lead in a play at the local college but she had to have both her parent's permission.
I can't do anything right. Her parents would jump on Dustin to go down and try for a part. But I'm not about to give him another chance to shine. Silent tears slipped down her face as she ripped up the permission slip.
~~~~~
So Kara I believe you had some good news earlier. Not so good for my door or wall... Her mom hinted vaguely.
Yeah Kar. What was it? Dustin asked, looking up eagerly.
Oh. I... uh... She grasped at her test scores that she had gotten back that day. I got straight A's on my midterms. Kara said lamely, trying to sound more energetic than she felt.
Oh. Well, that's nice dear. What did you do today honey? Whereas her mother's attention turned to her father, Dustin's attention stayed riveted on her.
~~~~~
What were you really going to tell us?
Exactly what I did tell you. Kara didn't look at the door where the golden boy lounged against the frame.
Since when do you rip up paper? Dustin had spotted the permission slip where the pieces had fallen.
Since forever. Now get out.
No.
Out.
No.
I'll scream for dad.
He and mom are going out tonight.
Ahhhhh! Screaming her frustration, Kara pushed her brother out of the door and slammed it shut, knocking the lock home.
Come on Kar! Dustin's voice called through the door. Let me in!
Go away. She whispered, sliding down the door to the floor. Just go away.
~~~~~
Dustin? Earth to Dustin. Hello! Tori called waving her hand in front of Dustin's face the next morning.
What's with you dude? You usually aren't this spaced this early in the morning. Shane added.
It's my sister.
Kara?
You have a sister? Blake said at the same time Tori said her name. Hunter simply straightened up some and listened.
Yeah, Kara. She's acting so weird lately.
Weirder than you? No. Shane said only half sarcastic.
No, it's like she's given up.
Huh? It was Hunter's turn to harmonize with Blake.
It's really complicated. You have to spend a day with Dustin, a full 24-hour day, to understand. Shane answered. The group was quiet for a minute.
Hey aren't you supposed to be in school? Dustin asked, confusing the two adopted brothers.
That ended yesterday. Mom said you forgot this. Hunter looked at Dustin's little sister.
Same height as her brother, shoulder-length reddish brown hair falling in shiny waves around her thin face. Ebony black eyes framed by long dark lashes above a button nose and full red lips stared past Hunter at Dustin.
Dump it in the trash.
What? Golden Boy doesn't want his perfect lunch? She sneered at the yellow wind ranger.
Hunter was taken back, What could possibly put that much venom between siblings?'
No I don't want it.
A split second after, another voice called out. Kara? Her face fell and then picked itself back up before she turned around.
False optimism rang out in her voice. Good Morning sir. How are you?
I'll be doing better if I know that your my lead. There was a teasing tone to his voice. Kara's hands clenched together behind her back, ringing the top of the brown bag.
My parents said that I couldn't. They want me to wait until I'm a little older.
That's too bad, you'd be perfect for the role. If they change their minds, come find me.
Yes sir. She murmured watching him stroll out the door.
What was that about?
Just leave me alone! Kara screeched, whirling towards her brother and throwing the bag before running from the store. A few uncomfortable minutes later, everyone was still staring after her.
Well. I- well. I have to go. Hunter spoke, stuttering.
Cya. Was the general consensus as he strode out the door.
Turning right, Hunter passed the alley and barely heard the quiet sniffling. Stopping, he slowly walked towards the sound.
Kara? He asked when he saw the bent head. The girl looked up quickly then bent her head once more, wiping her eyes and nose on her sleeve.
Go away. She said softly. Kneeling, Hunter reached out. Kara shrank away.
Come on. We can go somewhere your brother won't see ya. How's that?
Hunter stood and offered his hand. Kara sniffed once more, nodded, and grabbed his hand, using it to pull herself up.
