pseudon't

day 0

PROLOGUE

Dinners, with a big group, aren't my forte, especially when the atmosphere is dark.

"You should get a job," Dad finally says, starting our conversation while eating, "It's about time, Tom."

About once or twice a week, he tells me this. I just finished high school a few weeks ago and since then he kept nudging me to get a job. Most people already have a job even during high school, but I never bottled up any courage to do so myself. Since dad has been reluctant about it, I decided it's probably for the best that I go and start searching for one.

But at the same time frame, I haven't really been at my best pace because of some complicated things. Ever since, I've been a little depressed hermit, but that really doesn't cut as an excuse for him. And, he wouldn't understand anyway.

"I know, I've been looking but nothing's interesting." I stammered before giving an excuse as I played with the pork on my plate, not having an appetite.

"This isn't about interest, it's about helping our budget. I'm about to retire and your sister," he looks at Lisbeth, "the only one working here isn't going to spare our family." Dad answers in a bold voice. I don't look at him and my blank, tired expression remained.

I hear him say that too much. I'm too lazy to say anything, so I don't. Instead, he continues, "If you want to take it easy, then help me with the car dealership. Get into marketing, or something. Just start working."

I drop the spoon, "I will. Just, please, give me a minute to chill."

"You've had all your time to chill. Stop acting like a child."

Ah, that one iconic line. I stare blankly at the table, trying not to explode. By now, I probably would have gone to my room. I try my hardest to stay calm and seated because whenever I do that, it wouldn't end any better. Thinking of a response, I inhale.

Lisbeth, my 25 year-old sister, instead intervenes, "Okay, my old boss told me she needs to hire someone. It's for her daughter. Something about like temporary babysitting, I think? But she's paying real high and can accept anyone."

Thank God she saved me. I'm still bowing my head low, but I know she's staring at me and waiting for an answer.

Right now, Lisbeth is working as a full-time teacher here in Louisiana for grade school pupils. She used to be an accountant, but wanted to achieve her ambition to teach. That took my dad a lot of convincing, but she somehow made through. 

My dad, on the other hand, is an automobile designer. He's managed to get a decent pay because he's been in his company for years... decades actually. He's always been interested in cars, and he thinks I do, too. But I'm just a good liar.

I sighed and hesitated, still not biting on to the food on my plate. I don't have the energy to do anything most of the time recently, but I know this is really crucial for all of us right now. Plus, Lisbeth did mention about the job being temporary. Still, I hate babysitting. 

When my younger sister, Aaliyah, was born, it was the worst time of my life. I mean, taking care of a baby is bad, not the baby itself. She's not a baby now, though.

 I look at my left and see her struggling to eat as well. Aaliyah's 14 now and is probably the smartest member of my family. She's always wanted to be a doctor. I know it takes a lot of a damn money to even get education for that. Plus, she's about to start high school soon, too.

"I'll check it out. When can I go?"

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i'm excited.

jhein <3