I'd never thought I'd come to say I'll actually miss my disfunctional family. I was going to Camp Miss Lady to learn manners and be in a pageant. Really gross right? But my mom ( Alice Isoba) practically begged me to do it.
" Oh, Sophronia! You're going to win that pageant I just know it!," Mom exclaimed. " It's in your blood, you know. Your name is meant to be with a crown.'
" She's right, Soph," My dad ( Cedric Isoba) smiled. " You know what your name means?"
I nodded. Sophronia Adah Isoba. Wise beautiful hunter.
I dont know how it had fit with a pageant crown but I didnt protest.
" Im going to finish packing, I'll be down for dinner okay?" I rushed, trying to get them out of my room.
I packed half my closet, which is a lot considering Im a 17 year old.
"Hmm, where is Mr. Popples?" I asked myself referring to my orange stuffed octopus.
( Dont act like you dont still have a stuff animal with a funny name.)
I searched everywhere for him because I couldnt go a long plane ride without him. Heck, I cuddled with him every night. He's that important.
I rushed downstairs hoping someone could tell me where my beloved octopus is.
" Ma, have you seen Mr. Popples?"
" No honey...why?"
" I need him. Its important."
" Arent you a little too OLD for stuffed toys?" She asked quizzically.
I gasped. That was a little far. I mean Mr. Popples has been through everything with me. I cant leave him here by himself in the darkness of my room prone to the grimy hands of my younger siblings.
" No Im not," I said, defensively. " Its for a good cause."
" Okay Soph, check Tyler and Raina. They might know." Mom tried.
I took her word and sure enough those little devils had their hands all over him.
" WHAT ARE YALL DOING?" I demanded.
Raina, my 14 year old sister, gulped. " Umm.. playing with Mr. Popples."
I glared at her. Im not stupid. I could clearly see that.
" Why are you putting your grimy little hands on my prized item?" I questioned, hitting them over the head and snatching Mr. Popples from them.
" Sorry Soph, we were just playing with him. He's a star in our short film. Wanna see?" Tyler asked hopefully.
" No! Who knows what kind of madness you did to him! I cant witness that." I declared, stomping out of his room.
I swear they are going to give my poor old parents a heart attack. Well their not THAT old but you catch my drift.
I set Popples on my suitcase and went back downstairs for dinner.
One thing I can say is my mom was a natural born cook. I always looked forward to meals in the Isoba house.
" Whatcha cook this time ma?" I asked, rubbing my hungry stomach.
" Whoa there tiger," Mom chuckled, pulling her envious honey blonde hair into a bun. " We're having fried chicken, collard greens, mash potatoes, sweet corn, and for dessert, sweet potato pudding."
See? White/ Asian girl can throw down.
I took the honor of ringing the family meal bell to call everyone to dinner.
Mom thought we should have a old style way of bringing people together for a meal.
" Man Alice, Im a lucky guy to have a wife who can cook like you." Dad grinned.
Mom giggled and they stared into each others eyes.
" Ah-hem," Raina coughed.. " Do yall need a room?"
Tyler and I laughed as they blushed. They acted like new love birds.
" So Soph, this is going to be your last meal with us for a month," Mom said, tearing up. " Oh, Im going to miss you!"
" Oh, Ma dont act like Im going away for ever. Just for 4 small weeks. Then I'll be back home in your arms in no time." I reassured.
" Does this mean i can use your laptop?" Raina asked, eyes all sparkly.
" Nope. Keep your grossness away from my room. AND stuff."
" Im still gonna." She mumbled.
" Well Soph," Dad began, mouth full of chicken. " I have a small amount of money to give you. Its not much, but it will take care of any needs." He handed me 200 dollars in cash.
" Wow...thanks." I managed. My family rarely gave such an amount to anyone.
" Tyler, would you get the pudding and sparkling cider?" Mom asked. " We should toast to Soph and her journey."
I wiped a tear that was beginning to form. I swear those people were too kind.
Tyler popped the bottle open and poured glasses for everyone.
" To Sophronia, may your journey be safe-" Dad stated.
" Learn some manners..." Raina interrupted.
" Get some hot girls' numbers for me." Tyler added slyly.
" And kick butt on that pageant!" Mom finished with football jock spirit.
We clinked glasses and downed the cider.
" You guys are the greatest." I said meaningfully.
" We love you Soph." Mom replied.
I looked at everyone. Their looks were all genuine.
This is the best family a girl could ask for I whispered to myself.
