Chapter 2: Annoyances
Where is it? Where is my algebra homework? I need to be more organized. My first day at this school was yesterday and I already lost my homework. I can see it now "South Burlington Student can't keep track of math assignment." Flora would tease me endlessly. Mom would kill me. Dad wouldn't care. He never cares. Not about me at least. All I am is a son. The important thing is "Daddy's little princess, Flora." She gets everything she wants and what do I get? Ignored. Just like always.
"Augie! What's taking you so long?" Speak of Her Highness...
"Who's Augie?" I yell back down the stairs.
"What do you mean 'who's Augie'? You of course!" She never takes the hint.
"No, I'm August." Will she ever get it right?
"Silly! 'Augie' is your nickname!" Nope.
"I'll be down in a sec, Flora." I wish I had a choice. Then I would never go anywhere that she would be. I got down the stairs and out the door as fast as possible. I wanted to see the leaves. I wanted to be outside. My only joy comes from the outdoors. Painting, sketching, and writing poetry are my favorite hobbies. My favorite subject is Vermont. I have been to every corner of this state, but Her Highness refuses to leave Vermont. Of course she gets her way. Not that I would ever want to leave. It's perfect. Hot summer, cold winter, warm weather in between. Let's see if we can get through the day without exploding about my supposed "nickname"...
The Home of Haley Cranmer...
The same as last night. Different as every night. A bolero, fierce and powerful. I wonder what that new guy will do today? He was really rude yesterday. Is he always like that? I guess I'll have to find out! That should be pretty easy, considering he's in all my classes. Wait. Where's Charlie? He was supposed to be up by now.
"Charlie! We have to ride the bus! We don't have time for you to sleep in! Get UP!" I heard Kat yell upstairs.
"Coming!" was the muffled reply, coming from the general direction of Charlie's room.
"If he's late it's not our fault, is it?" I ask Kat.
"Right... but don't you think we should attempt to get him to school on time?"
"I guess... but if he makes it really hard, we can say we tried and failed." We thought for a moment. Me smiling, Kat thoughtful.
"Here's an idea!" Kat suddenly exclaimed.
"What?"
"You know how Charlie loathes being left behind for anything?"
"Yes..."
"How about we tell him that if he isn't ready to go by the time we are, we'll leave him home?"
"One problem with that."
"What?"
"He hates school."
"Oh yeah."
We ended up leaving for school late. As is normal when we have to tote Charlie around.