Not Right, Not Wrong

Chapter 1

Chapter 1

Something was telling me to go to the library and take the job even though this job isn't right for me. So I did. The same day it crossed my mind, I totally blew my job at Quickies', a fast food restaurant. Hard to believe, but the library is way more interesting. Even if it was filled with dusty books that no one reads.

I rarely passed the library. When I did I think to myself, how is this place still open? Honestly, the library looks like a haunted building that no one would dare to enter.

Expect this one kid. I haven't learned his name yet but comes in every day. He reads the same book every day. I don't mean different chapter of the book. I mean, he reads the same chapter of the same book. Captured Chapter 3 by Emma Lowell.

In the back of my mind, he scared me. I leave it alone, though. My job is to scan the books, sort the books and help people find books. But I couldn't help but wonder, what the hell is wrong with this kid.

Still, I leave it.

When I get home my mom sits at the dining table. My brother and sister, Jacob and Emily stand by mom. Each on one side of her. This gets me curious. They each have this face. They look very wary of something. My bag slowly leaves my shoulders and hits the floor softly.

"What's--Whats going on?" I stuttered. Emily and Jacob sit down in a chair, still next mom.

"Sit down Al," Emily whispered. "Come on, sit." She patted a seat next to her.
I take my time to the dining room. It was bad news. It had to be bad news. Did grandma pass? Mom or Dad lost their job?

What could it be? I hated being in suspense. I took a seat across from them. It stayed quiet. Not a sound lifted.
I wait. One minute has passed.
I wait. Two minutes have passed. Then three minutes. Then four.

And I waited until I couldn't wait anymore. "Is someone going to speak up and tell me what the hell is going on? Instead of just looking at each other like a lost pup-"

"Your father has left." Mom cuts me off. No words left my mouth. I didn't know what to say. And we were back to silence and I wish I never spoke up.

Jacob twisted in his chair and starts to say something.
" This morning. " I still say nothing. But Jacob keeps going. Anger is what I hear in his voice. "He said he was tired of this house! Can you be-"

I stop Jacob, and he turns away. He wasn't going to say anything about dad. "We all knew he going to leave." I pause. But then anger got to me and I start to shout. "We all knew dad was going to leave. Just stop." Soon tears form in my eyes and I start to cry.

"STOP! Stop pretending like your surprised. Dad left because this family isn't a family. And Jacob," He turns my way again. "How dare you speak about him like this. You know dad would never leave us behind. He loves us. He just doesn't love her!" I pointed to mom. I instantly regret it. My mom is a great mom, but not a great wife.

Now Emily steps in to try to calm the situation down. "Al, I think you've said enough."

"You mean he would never leave you behind. He only cares for you. He told us to tell you goodbye and to tell you he'll see you later." Typical Jacob. Always making it seem like he gets no love.

"Hey! Now that's not true Jacob. Dad says goodbye and he loves us too! You just ran off to your room because you couldn't handle it. The truth. You couldn't handle the truth." I could tell Emily was starting to get pissed.

Back to silence, again. "Mom, you haven't said anything. What are you thinking?" I said.

"I think," She answers. "I think I'm going to bed. Goodnight." No feelings were shown. She got up and walked away.

Jacob went to his room and Emily slept in my room. Her head on my chest and I could hear her lightly snore. But I couldn't sleep.