2 Chapter 2

I step off the bus and sling my backpack on my back and start heading for my house. I walk up the stairs, take a deep breath and grab for the door handle. Sweat starts beading on my forehead, as I began to dread my mom asking about my day.

I opened the door and l glanced around. My mom is in the kitchen, she has her apron on and her hair pulled back in a tight bun. I smell the delicious scent of chocolate chip cookies. 

"Hi mom, I'm home," I say while walking by the kitchen and making my way up-the-stairs to my bedroom.

"Victoria, how was your day at school?" she asks as she turns toward me, I knew she meant well but I really didn't want to talk about it.

 "It was good," I lied and headed to my room.

The last stair squeaks, as I step foot into the hall. I notice my bedroom door is already half-way open, I peek in and see the top drawer of my dresser is open. Some of my underwear is hanging over. I glance over at my mirror, and see my little brother admiring himself, in my bra, chuckling. His shirt is turned inside-out and lay next to him balled up on the floor.

He turns around to notice I was in the doorway, eyes blazing. He starts giggling maniacally. What's even worse is that he is wearing my black lacey one. I stomp to the balcony.

"Mom, Vincent's in my stuff again," I yell.

Just as I yell my last word, I hear the timer go off.

I head back into my room and I yank my bra over Vincent's head.

"GET THE HELL OUT OF MY ROOM," I scream.

I chase him out and slam the door behind him, as he runs down the hall laughing. I grit my teeth as I throw my bag against the wall, and jump on my bed in fuming. I grab my journal and consider writing an entry, since it's been awhile. Especially, since today was so stressful, not to mention I ran into a door and a cute guy helped me off the floor. 

How embarrassing, to have such a catastrophe happen my first day at a brand new school.

Just as I think about starting my homework, my mom knocks on my door. Still Irritated, I stomp to my door and aggressively fling it open.

"Yes, mom," I say flushed.

"Dinner time, Victoria." My mom said in a tender tone and gives me a gentle hug.

"Mom, I'll be right there, I promise."

I finish speaking, then hear her walk into the kitchen.

Just moments later, Vincent flew down the stairs and make his way to the kitchen. I slowly open my door and shut it tightly behind me, with hope that Vincent won't go in my room again.

I walk down the stairs carefully. I see my mom bringing dinner over to the table with hot pads. It smells appetizing. I pull my chair out and sit down. Vincent was sitting in his chair rocking about while waiting for mom to say time to eat. 

He always had a knack about him that couldn't wait to eat.

"Can you quit, please," I glare at Vincent.

"I'm starving," he glares back.

My mom grabs the top off the dish, steam billows out as she sets it down. Dinner was served and I knew it was time to eat. My mother smiled briefly and Vincent had already grabbed a piece of ham. I look into the dish and see slightly burnt pieces of ham, with juicy pineapples on top.

My mom hasn't always been the best cook but I was starving and didn't care.

I look up at mom and say, "Mom, that looks tasty."

"Thank you," mom replies.

Vincent starts eating and my mom scolds him.  Vincent glares up at mom and huffs.

"Vincent," my mom utters, "Slow down, we have to pray first." Vincent drops his fork and it clatters against his plate. 

I could tell that he was tired of always doing this. 

"Victoria, why don't you pray for us tonight." I look over at Vincent who chuckles. 

"What's so funny?" I mumble. Vincent looks over and rolls his eyes.

"Go ahead Victoria," my mom murmured. I bow my head and put my hands together.

"Dear Lord

Please keep our family safe and bless this food in front of us. Be with my mom in her new job and be with Vincent and me as we settle into school. 

Amen"

My mom opens her eyes gently. Vincent had already placed a piece of ham on his plate started stuffing his face ravenously.

 "Thanks Victoria," my mom whispered with a small smile. 

I finish my food, Vincent had already set his plate in the sink and ran upstairs to his room. and slams the door as his window shook. 

"Vincent," my mom yells, "Be careful with your door, young man."

"Victoria, I can tell you didn't have a good day," My mom said, "You know you can always talk to me about it. I started a new school when I was your age, you know." 

I got up from the table, and put my plate in the sink and sighed.  My mom looked over at me with worry on her face. I saw nothing and silently walk back to my room.

I grab my backpack and toss it on my bed. I yank my math book out and slam it down on the desk. I began my homework. 

Just as I start,  Vincent pushs open my door, and starts jamming me in my sides.

"VINCENT," I yell, "GET THE HELL OUT OF MY ROOM, YOU LITTLE BRAT. 

"Make me," Vincent said defiantly. 

My mom walks in, "What's the commotion?"

"Vincent won't stay out of my room,"

"Vincent, be nice to your sister."

Vincent looks at the ground and slumps down as he walks out.

Mom walks out lightly closing the door behind her.

I continue my homework since it was due tomorrow. Just as I finish, I think back to my school day and wonder about Scott.

 Why did he help me up this morning when Jessica told me not to waste my time on him. 

He seemed extremely sweet and I questioned why he wasn't already taken by one of the girls at school. It was no use to keep thinking about him. 

My mom taps on my door. "Sweetie, it's time for bed," mom calls in a soft voice as she gently opens my door. 

"Thanks, mom. I just finished my homework and was just headed to bed."

"Wonderful sweetie. You know tomorrow will be a better day," she says in response, "Now sleep tight, honey." She leans over and kisses me on the cheek and slowly walks out.

I yawn and hope tomorrow will be a better day. Exhausted, I slip under my covers and lay my head on my pillow. I drift off to sleep minutes later.

I wake up to my alarm clock blaring in my ear at 7:00 am. I yawn, stretch, and sigh.

"Another day at school." I say to myself and slump my shoulders. 

My mom knocks on my door and says, "Good morning, time to get up."

"Thanks, mom," I reply as I let out another yawn.

I quickly get out of bed and head for the shower. As I was showering, I think about seeing Scott at school. I hope I wouldn't embarrass myself in front of him again. Once out of the shower, I grab a towel, dry off, wrap myself in it, and walk back to my room.

I shut the door and throw the towel in my laundry basket next to my door. I dress in a hurry and grab my backpack and fly down the stairs. 

Just as I grab for the door, my mom kisses me gently on the cheek and hands me my lunch money. 

"I hope you have a lovely day at school, hun." Just as she says this, the school bus approaches my house and let out a honk. I walk towards the bus and grab a seat. The bus pulls away and I dread going back.