Part VIII

School, the most hateful place that can ever exist in this universe, "who even thought of creating it in the first place?" After my kindergarten, I opted for an elementary school that is far away from my locality, there is a bus service available but I preferred to travel on my handmade skateboard "Which was made by me with my own hands, and am not even trying to brag." 

"Also not to brag, am kind of a mini-celebrity in my school even though I hardly go there and it's not sarcasm" I have a big advantage in my life, being part of my mother's football team, I get some relaxation from classes and can take leave whenever I want because I am making my school proud, my school doesn't have a girls football team, mostly boys are part of sports clubs, this makes me a role model for other girls to get encouraged to participate in sports, as I started growing up, I noticed my intelligence is more than my surrounding people, 'something like child prodigy' but instead of being proud, dad asked me to hide it and act 'normal' like those kids of my age, he says that if people come to know about it, a scientist will take me away and open my brain and experiment on me, "As if I am a kid will believe that stupid story." I am a straight A+ student without even trying, by now I can read and understand Leo and King's textbooks, especially mathematics even though they are 4 years older than me, and Dad thinks I can hide it? He already got a call from my last school saying that maybe I should be studying at a higher standard than my age, because she has nothing left to teach me, but instead of listening to her advice, my dad thought it was better to change my school. 

One plus point about my school is that it allows casual clothing, whereas Angela's school has a uniform, she keeps complaining about wanting to look pretty in her school but unfortunately, rules are rules. I tied the orange bandana that Maria gifted me around my head keeping my wavy shoulder-length hair open, I wore my favorite yellow turtle neck, and full sleeve T-shirt and tied the jacket around my waist, along with my jeans and sports shoe and silver earrings. Grabbing my wooden skateboard, I slide down from my room, the breakfast was already prepared, and sitting down, I picked up a bread spreading butter on it, King stared at my face for a while before passing comment.

King: Our cute little Anne has the potential to attract both men and women, jeez am really sorry for whoever will become her boyfriend. (chuckles lightly)

Leo: You should feel sorry, after all, whoever tries to approach Anne…I will break their bones. (he gives out a murderous aura while stabbing the butter knife on his bread)

King: Jeez! Are you trying to turn our handsome sister into an unmarried widow? (he facepalms and then looks at me) Don't worry Anne, your brother King supports your love! (gives me a thumbs up)

I ignored both of them concentrating on my food, Angela has a birthday party to attend today so she was busy dressing up in her room while our mother helped her out. So, we are currently having breakfast with our father, who hates when people speak while eating, he raised his brow looking at Leo and King, and cleared his voice warning them to keep quiet. One thing about my parents, they give you enough freedom to grow and learn things your own way unless you are walking on the wrong path, my father is strict but he never differentiated me from my brothers based on my gender, rather he says, "In this partial world, a woman needs to be far stronger than a man to prove her worth, she goes through lots of trials only to be criticized". Mother on the other hand told us that "It is fine to do mischief but by the end of the day make sure that you do one good deed and put a smile on a person's face, that would weigh much more than all the mischiefs you have caused throughout the day. Never be the reason for someone's pain or God will punish you." My mom is Catholic, while my Dad is Atheist, but somehow they manage to balance their life without going against each other's beliefs or hurting each other's feelings. After breakfast I waited for Angela, to drop her to the party before leaving for school, they especially kept the party at a time when Angela is free, my cute sister rushed down the stairs wearing a pretty sky blue dress with white laces, a sky blue bow tied behind her hair and sky blue shoes along with gloves with light makeup done on her face, she hugged dad excitedly who picked her up in his arms smiling at his little princess…. "He never smiled at me looking so proud…." I shook off my jealousy as I noticed Angela smiling at me innocently. 

Douglas: My little princess is looking so pretty today (he pinches her cheek then looks at mom) why did you apply makeup on her face, it can harm her skin.

Anna: Don't look at me, your princess put it on her own face. (sighs looking tired of life)

Douglas: Really? My little princess is so talented, am sure she will grow up to be a big superstar (he says cheerfully).

Angela: Anne sis taught me how to apply makeup! (she says excitedly)

Douglas: (looks at me with a stern look) From next time, don't try teaching your younger sister useless things, or you would be grounded. 

Me: (I looked down feeling shattered) I understood….

Angela: (she starts hitting father's chest pouting angrily) Bad Pappa! Stop scolding sister! I hate you!

Douglas: (he feels frustrated and puts Angela down) I would let go of your bad attitude this time, but next time I hope you won't act like this, and stop getting influenced by Anne, or I would punish her. 

King : (laughs loudly) Look at him going around like a madman. If being partial was a competition, he would have come first in it. 

Anna: (before further arguments could take place she interrupted) Leo, take King and leave for school. Anne, leave with Angela and be safe on the way.

Me: (said in a low voice while trying to suppress my anger) Yes mom.

I said while holding Angela's hand who was on the verge of crying, Leo has already left with King, I walked with Angela down the road, she looked all pouty trying her best not to tear up as it will ruin her make-up, I sighed and patted her head trying to make her calm down. 

Me: Crybabies don't get birthday cakes (I said while forcing a sight giggle seeing her expression)

Angela: (she shakes off my hand and looks at me) I hate you as well, why do you always keep quiet when people insult you? It is not only about father, you don't say anything to anyone when comes to you, do you think you are a saint who can bear anything without complaining? 

Me: I have you to protect me (I said smiling and pinched her cheek)

Angela: (her eyes sparkle with excitement) R-Really? 

Me: Yup, really. (I smiled) You are my knight in shining armor.

Angela: Don't worry sis! I will protect you from everyone! (she says hugging me happily before entering her friend's house)

I watched her enter and the door getting closed to make sure she is fine before getting on my skateboard and advancing towards my school.

to be continued....